If you're hiring a painter for the first time, you're about to learn a hard lesson about who actually shows up, does the work well, and doesn't leave half your trim unpainted. Most people wait until something urgent comes up before calling around. That's the worst time to shop. A little upfront work saves you weeks of frustration.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number right away. You'd be shocked how many painters operate without one. A legit person won't hesitate to give it to you. Call the issuing board to confirm it's active. For insurance, request a certificate of liability and workers' comp. If they have employees and carry no comp, one slip off a ladder lands on your homeowner's policy. You don't want that fight.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they've been painting full time. Part-time guys are fine for a weekend project but not for your living room. Get three references from jobs done in the last year. Call them. Ask if the crew showed up on time, cleaned up daily, and finished within a reasonable window. A painter who dodges this conversation is hiding something.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a written quote before anyone touches a wall. Break it down by room. Cheap quotes usually mean corner-cutting. Expensive doesn't guarantee quality either — ask what's included (prep, primer, number of coats, caulk, cleanup). Timeline should be realistic. A two-man crew painting one room shouldn't take a week. Ask how many hours per day they'll be on site.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before you sign it. Look for how they handle damage to your furniture or floors, what happens if they're late, and what the payment schedule looks like. Never pay more than 30% upfront. Final payment after you're satisfied. Get everything in writing — color names, sheen, brand, and number of coats. Handshake deals end badly.
After you gather quotes and check licenses, compare local painters on RatingsNearMe to see real reviews from people in your town.