There are now nearly 230,000 house painting contractors and businesses in the US. In fact, the number of businesses has increased by nearly 3% since 2020. If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, it’s important to find the right person for the job.

Here are seven tips that can help you hire a painter. With these tips, you’ll have an easier time reviewing your options.

Otherwise, you could hire someone who will only make costly mistakes as they paint your home.

Instead, find a professional painter with the experience and expertise you can depend on. Start your search for the best painter around using these tips today.

1. Ask About Their Experience

In the next decade, another 5,500 painters will start working across the US. Not every painter will have the experience and expertise you need, though. After all, there aren’t any education requirements for finding work as a painter.

To narrow down your options and find the best painter around, look for someone with experience.

First, speak with your friends, family members, and neighbors. Ask if any of them have hired a professional painter recently. Then, ask about their experience working with that painter.

For example, was the painter on time and professional? Ask to see photos of the work they completed, too. Does their work meet your friend’s expectations?

Make sure they were satisfied with the quality of work they received. Otherwise, you’ll know which painters in the area to avoid.

If members of your inner circle can’t make a recommendation, that’s okay. Instead, search for a “professional painter near me.” Then, make a list of options.

You can use the rest of these tips to narrow your choices down.

First, determine how long each painter has worked in the industry. Choose someone who has years of experience as a residential painter. It’s likely they’ve learned a lot within that time.

A new residential painter, on the other hand, might make costly mistakes. If they’re desperate for clients, they might take shortcuts, too.

You can head online and visit the Better Business Bureau website to learn more about each company’s history. Look for companies that have an active membership with a trade organization.

A long-lasting business has likely earned the respect of homeowners in the area. Businesses with professional memberships are usually dedicated to their trade, too. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen a professional.

2. Read Customer Reviews

Before you hire a painter, learn more about their professional reputation. A painter with a strong reputation will strive to maintain it. They’ll likely offer top-notch services as a result.

You can ask each painter on your list for references and reviews. Try to speak with at least three of their clients. Then, ask each client about their experience.

Would they recommend the same painter to a friend? If not, why?

Ask the client if they experienced any problems with that painter, too. If they did, ask how the painter made the problem right. If the painter didn’t strive to fix the problem, scratch them off your list.

You don’t want to waste your time and money on a painter that might cause you unnecessary stress.

Check online for reviews, too. You can visit each painter’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings. If you find one or two negative comments, don’t worry. That’s normal.

If you find an abundance of negative reviews, however, scratch that painter off your list.

Make sure they don’t have any complaints filed against them. 

If the painter can’t provide references and reviews, look elsewhere. It’s possible they haven’t worked with many clients. 

3. Look for Licensing and Insurance

Ask each painter on your list for proof that they’re licensed and insured.

Some companies are required to have separate licenses for residential and commercial properties. Make sure the company has an up-to-date residential license. If they don’t, take your business elsewhere.

What if the painter is injured while working on your property? Make sure they have insurance. Otherwise, they could hold you responsible.

You’ll have to pay for their medical bills and any damages they made to your home.

Instead, look for a company with worker’s compensation and business liability insurance.

4. Review Their Work

As you start narrowing down your options, take a look at each painter’s portfolio. Reviewing pictures of their recent projects can help you learn more about their abilities. If their work doesn’t meet your expectations, scratch them off your list.

Hire a painter who can accomplish your goals.

5. Consider Their Work Materials

Ask each painter about the materials they use. For example, they might use Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams Paints. If they don’t use high-quality paint, it could cost you in the long run.

The paint could fade quickly if the painter is using cheap materials. If you plan on painting your home’s exterior, the sun can speed up the process. Instead, make sure the painter uses high-quality materials that will last for years.

6. Request a Warranty

If you want to hire the best painter in town, look for someone who has your best interests in mind. Ask each painter if they offer a warranty.

What if you’re not satisfied with their work? You’ll want to make sure they’ll return to fix the problem.

If they don’t, they likely care more about your money than offering the best possible services.

Make sure to review their list of exclusions, too.

7. Compare Pricing

Get quotes from at least three local painters before hiring someone to paint your home. Comparing quotes can help you determine the local average.

If someone’s price seems too good to be true, it likely is. It might mean the painter will use low-quality paints. It could mean they’re desperate for clients, too.

Don’t make your choice based on price alone. Instead, use these tips to find the best painter around.

How to Hire a Painter: 7 Factors to Consider Before You Choose

You don’t have to hire a painter on sight. Instead, use these seven tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you’ll have peace of mind in your choice. 

You can feel confident knowing a professional painter is on the job. 

Ready to start your next project? We’re here to help.

Request a free quote today to get started.