It’s hard to believe I started Speed Pro Painting almost 35 years ago with a newspaper ad, (remember those?) and a super bright yellow handwritten flyer that misspelled the word “proffessional”…LMBO! Sad but true! My shocking lack of results sent me to college and ultimately brought me here to you my friends…uh…and maybe your friends…and their friends…hopefully! And believe it or not, it’s my painting business knowledge and practices, not my awesome painting ability that sets my company apart from many of the other “painting companies” that may… or may not… show up at your door.

Using a professional painting contractor takes the stress out of painting your home. But finding a real one can be a major challenge.  Unfortunately, the painting industry is flooded with people claiming to be painters or painting companies. The truth is most of them come from other industries or jobs other than painting. They have no formal training. The most common response from guys answering my help wanted ads is: “I worked for a guy and he couldn’t keep me busy so I started my own painting business and things are too slow so I just want a real job that I can work every day.” The obvious problem is that neither one of these two “painters,” the boss or the employee, has the proper skills to run a business or complete quality painting jobs efficiently to sustain a business. That is why so many “painters” fail in one way or another when they come to work for you. They’re all pretty good at saying the right things to get hired but do not have the skills to follow through.

If you’ve decided to hire a painting company consider these tips first:

Ask Around and Read Reviews

The best way to find a quality painting contractor is to get referrals from friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who have had good experiences with the painting companies in your area. Reading reviews will help gather first-hand information about a company before you pay your money.

Get at least 3 estimates and be specific about your project. Do you want to paint the ceilings? The walls? The doors? Baseboards?

It’s a good idea to walk each estimator around the areas to be painted while discussing your needs. Be specific about which surfaces you want to have painted (walls, trims, moldings, ceilings, etc.) and the paint colors and finishes you want to be used.

Always ask candidates the following questions

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have an M & A Contractors license? (Maintenance & Alteration)
• Do you have liability and workers comp insurance? (This helps determine whether your contractor and any hired workers are insured for injury and liability.)
• Can you provide references?
• Do you warranty your work?
• What products do you use?

As you meet with each person, pay attention to the following signs and behaviors:

• Does the painting contractor project a sense of professionalism and experience?
• Is the painting contractor courteous and business-like?
• Is the painting contractor busy? (Good ones usually are.)
• Did the painting contractor return phone calls and provide estimates in a timely manner?
• Was the painting contractor on time for appointments?

Review the Contract

Once you’ve received the written contracts review them carefully. As a consumer, you have the right to ask detailed questions about any issues you need to be clarified. In particular, be sure to verify the following:

• What exactly is being painted (ceilings, trim, walls, molding, accent colors, etc.)
• Details on preparation and cleanup
  How the painters will protect furniture, floors or other items
• How much time the project will take, from start to finish
• When and how the contractor will be paid