How to Hire a Painter

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (11 Ratings)

Hiring a professional painter is more costly than doing it yourself, but it's a quick and easy way to get the job done right. Here's how to hire a top-quality painter for the best results.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Determine which areas of your home need to be painted.
Step2
Consider any work you want to have done before painting. For example, do you want to replace or repair moldings, patch damaged drywall or hang new doors?
Step3
Decide what colors and paints you want to use. You can get paint charts for all major brands at general home centers or paint stores. The painter you hire may also have suggestions - take these seriously.
Step4
Contact several painters. Ask friends, neighbors, builders and designers for recommendations. If you're having difficulty locating house painters, check the yellow pages.
Step5
Have the painting contractors inspect the site and quote a price for the job. Make sure the contractors are quoting on the same specifications - areas to be painted, number of coats and so forth.
Step6
Ask the painters for references and contact them. Were the customers happy with the job? Did the painter complete the project in a timely and professional manner?
Step7
Select a painter based on price, track record and your impressions.
Step8
Execute a contract specifying the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date.
Step9
Make sure the contract includes the paint brands and colors to be used in each location, as well as the number of coats.
Step10
Make sure the contract specifies that the painter is responsible for cleanup and the removal of paint from all surfaces (windows, floors).
Step11
Remove all furniture and other movable items before the painter is scheduled to begin. Anything not removed should be piled together in the center of the room and thoroughly covered with drop cloths.

Tips & Warnings

  • A good-quality paint job typically consists of one coat of primer and two finish coats of the color.
  • If you intend to have highly customized painting done (such as sponging or other decorator techniques), make sure that your painter has experience doing this type of work.
  • Always try to negotiate a contract with the smallest possible up-front or deposit payment. Try to make your payment schedule match the pace of work and material deliveries.

Comments

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ipaint said

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on 3/2/2008 Make sure your decorative painter specifies which technique(s) they will be applying. Ask for examples, like photos or sample boards. A great place to quickly find qualified contractors is servicemagic.com

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on 12/20/2007 Make sure they have a license if required by the state
billrobertspainting.com

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Ask if the painting contractor is insured. All should carry liability insurance and, if they have employees, worker's compensation insurance as well. This will protect YOU in the event that a major problem occurs.

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eHow Article:  How to Hire a Painter

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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