While the thought of hiring a painter may seem like a simple task, it is not necessarily easy.  Hopefully this will make it both simple and easy.

1. What do you really want?

This may seem elementary, however, writing down as much detail as possible will save you big time money and grief.

• Do you want the ceiling scraped?
• Are you adding texture on the wall?  What kind of texture?
• What colors do you want?
• Are you sure; have you placed some on the wall to see if you really like it?
• Do the doors, windows, trim, etc., need to be painted?
• What color?
• When do you need it completed?
• What is your desired budget?
• How clear is your vision for the finished product?

2. How much?  I know we all want a Dali painting with a dollar store price, however, this isn’t reality.  Good quality is not cheap and shouldn’t be devalued.  A good paint job will make you happy for years to come.  A bad one, however, won’t constantly remind you of all the money you saved hiring the cheapest guy on Craigslist.  So, expect to pay a fair price.  Shopping correctly will lead you to the right price.

3. Pricing.  You have two options:  Hire a painter directly or hire a contractor (the painter’s boss).  There’s nothing wrong with either one, but one will cost more.

• Hiring a contractor will involve paying more.  You are paying for the actual painter plus for the “boss man” who sells the job, and makes sure the painters show up on time… sober.  The contractor/boss man also inspects the progress of the work and deals with YOU — the customer. You will probably be able to find online reviews through your local BBB, Chamber of Commerce, or via online feedback for these individuals / businesses. They are also likely to be able to provide you with references on demand, and may have a formal online presence that openly documents rates and scope of service.

• Hiring a painter directly can save you big money, but there are risks.  Will they show up on time?  Will they show up at all?  Will they show up on day two?  Will they show up sober?  Sadly, I’m not kidding.  It is a unique profession that attracts a variety of personalities to, say the least. It is wonderful if you can find an independent contractor who has a modicum of business skills as well, but these folks are rare. Don’t expect a polished presentation, but do ask for references. Chances are, any painter worth the effort will be able to provide you with at least 3 names and numbers of past customers who can vouch for his work quality.

4. Selection. Referrals are the best.  Ask your neighbor who they used.  What experience did they have?  What was the project?  How much?  Leveraging a referral is best.

Craigslist can be a good source… but be careful.  Everyone is on it — reputable and otherwise — painters  and contractors.  Ask a lot of questions over the phone before you agree to have an onsite quote:

• Do they have references?
• How long have they been painting?
• Do they have a crew?
• Do they have the right tools for the job?
• Can they give you an estimate for free?

Clarify that you pay only AFTER the work agreed to is completed… no exceptions! Common sense and street smarts are critical here.  If it sounds too good… you know.  You don’t want the best price; you want the right painter for you.

• A painter who cannot afford to float the cost of materials is a sign of trouble.
• A painter who insists on being paid for hours worked at the end of the day instead of the end of the job is another red flag.
• A painter who asks you to purchase basic supplies for his use (e.g., paint brushes, rollers, tape, drape cloths) may lack the resources needed to complete the job. If he doesn’t have a paint brush, what are the chances that he has the right ladder equipment, for instance?

Check with your Realtor®.  Good Realtors® have a little black book of great contractors — typically more than one for painting, plumbing, etc.  The reason is their clients are often need to have something done to get a home ready for showing or closing and they know who’s in the game and who’s not.

5. Negotiate.  You can negotiate everything.  “When can you start if I select you?”  “What if I buy the paint?”  Here is a bonus:  “$750 is a bit higher than I was expecting, however, if you can include painting the small bathroom too, I would be ready to start tomorrow.”

 Best of luck on your home!