Knowing how to hire a house painter can save you thousands of dollars and prevent headaches. This guide covers everything from finding painters near me to red flags to watch for and questions to ask painters before signing a contract. Whether you're hiring a painter for the first time or unhappy with past experiences, follow these steps to find quality painting contractors.
✅ Quick Hiring Checklist
How to Find Good Painters Near Me
Finding painters for your project starts with knowing where to look. Here are the best ways to find house painters in your area:
1. Ask for Referrals
Personal recommendations are the most reliable way to find good painters:
- Ask friends, family, and neighbors who recently painted
- Check with your local real estate agent (they work with painters regularly)
- Ask your HOA or property manager for approved contractors
- Visit your local Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams store — pros shop there
2. Online Search and Reviews
When looking for painters online, use these platforms:
- Google Business: Search "painters near me" and filter by 4.5+ stars
- Yelp: Good for detailed reviews and photos
- Angi (formerly Angie's List): Verified reviews, background-checked
- Thumbtack: Compare quotes from multiple painters quickly
- HomeAdvisor: Pre-screened contractors
- Nextdoor: Hyper-local recommendations from neighbors
How to Evaluate Online Reviews
- Look for 50+ reviews (not just 5-star with 3 reviews)
- Read the negative reviews carefully — are complaints about quality or communication?
- Check that reviews are spread over time (not all from one week)
- Look for photos of completed work in reviews
- See how the company responds to negative reviews
3. Professional Associations
- Painting Contractors Association (PCA): Members commit to quality standards
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check for complaints and accreditation
- Local contractor licensing board: Verify active licenses
What to Look for in a Painting Contractor
When hiring painters, verify these essential qualifications:
Professional Standards
Professional painters should demonstrate:
- Adherence to industry standards (PCA)
- Use of premium quality materials
- Detailed written contracts
Experience and Track Record
- Years in business: 5+ years shows stability
- Similar projects: Ask for photos of work like yours
- References: Call 2-3 past clients
- Online presence: Professional website and active social media
Getting and Comparing Painting Quotes
The painting estimate process is where you separate professionals from amateurs.
How Many Quotes to Get
Get at least 3 quotes to compare prices and approaches. Here's why:
- You'll understand the market rate for your project
- Different painters notice different issues
- You can compare materials and methods proposed
- Extremely low bids often mean corners will be cut
What a Professional Quote Should Include
A detailed painting estimate should specify:
Red Flags in Quotes
Professional painters put everything in writing
Often means cheap paint, poor prep, or inexperienced workers
Legitimate contractors give you time to decide
Standard is 10-30% deposit, remainder on completion
Questions to Ask Painters Before Hiring
Use this list of questions to ask a painting contractor:
Experience and Quality
- How long have you been in business?
- What paint brands do you use?
- How many coats do you typically apply?
Experience and Quality
- How long have you been in business?
- What paint brands do you use?
- How many coats do you typically apply?
- What prep work is included?
- Can I see photos of similar completed projects?
- Can you provide 2-3 references I can call?
Project Details
- Who will actually do the painting? (employees or subcontractors?)
- Will the same crew be here every day?
- How long will the project take?
- What is your payment schedule?
- What warranty do you offer?
- How do you handle problems or touch-ups?
Understanding Painting Contracts
What should be in a painting contract:
Essential Contract Elements
- Full legal business name and contact information
- Complete scope of work: Every surface, color, and product specified
- Paint specifications: Brand, product line, sheen, color codes
- Prep work: Exactly what's included
- Timeline: Start date, expected completion date
- Price: Fixed price, not "estimated"
- Payment schedule: When payments are due
- Change order process: How additions/changes are handled
- Warranty: Length and what's covered
- Cancellation policy
Payment Schedule Best Practices
A fair payment schedule protects both parties:
- Deposit: 10-30% at contract signing (for materials)
- Progress payments: If project is large, tie payments to milestones
- Final payment: 50% or more upon satisfactory completion
During the Painting Project
What to expect and how to ensure quality:
Before Work Begins
- Do a walkthrough with the painter to confirm scope
- Identify any areas of concern (damage, repairs needed)
- Confirm colors one more time
- Discuss where painters can store materials
- Clear access to work areas
During Painting
- Check in at the end of each day if possible
- Address concerns immediately — don't wait until the end
- Document with photos if you see issues
- Communicate changes in writing
Final Walkthrough
Before making final payment:
- Schedule a walkthrough in good lighting
- Inspect all painted surfaces closely
- Check for missed spots, drips, or uneven coverage
- Verify proper cleanup was done
- Get touch-up paint for future repairs
- Review warranty terms in writing
Painter Scams to Avoid
Protect yourself from painting contractor scams:
Door-to-Door "We're Painting in the Neighborhood"
Legitimate contractors don't need to cold-call doors. This is often bait-and-switch pricing.
"Today Only" Pricing
High-pressure tactics mean they don't want you to compare quotes or research them.
Cash Only, No Contract
You'll have no recourse if something goes wrong. Always get a written contract.
Leftover Paint Discount
"We have paint left from another job" is often old, low-quality, or incorrect paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find good painters by: 1) Asking friends and neighbors for referrals, 2) Checking Google reviews (look for 4.5+ stars with 50+ reviews), 3) Searching Angi, HomeAdvisor, or Thumbtack, 4) Asking local paint stores for recommendations, 5) Checking with BBB for complaints.
Look for: 5+ years of experience, detailed written estimates, quality references, professional communication, clear timeline and warranty, and membership in professional associations like PCA.
Get at least 3 quotes from different painters. This gives you a range of prices and approaches. Don't automatically choose the lowest bid — evaluate materials, prep work included, and company reputation.
Ask: What paint brands do you use? How long will the job take? Who will be doing the work? What prep work is included? What warranty do you offer? Can you provide references?
Looking for Professional Painters in Charlotte?
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes provides 5-star rated painting services. We provide detailed written estimates, use premium Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams paints, and back our work with a satisfaction guarantee. Get your free quote today!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122