Mistake 1: Choosing the Cheapest Quote

While we don’t always recommend going for the highest price, there is reasoning behind a cheap quote and something slightly pricier. When comparing, most people are often drawn to the lowest price. Painting your home may seem simpler, but there’s a reason you’re hiring professionals, isn’t there? In reality, going with the cheapest quote often means shortcuts are taken and important steps have been missed. Here are some things that may be hiding behind that low number:

• Watered-down paint or bargain brands that aren’t made to last.

• Minimal prep work which can lead to further issues like peeling, cracking, or uneven coverage.

• Uninsured companies which can put both you and the team at risk.

• No warranty or follow-up leaving you stuck to restart the project when the paint fails.

You’re hiring a painter for more than just their labour. Think about how a high-quality painter invests in training, proper tools, and the best materials for your home. Instead, you should:

• Get at least 3 quotes and compare the details – a good painter will be able to give you the breakdown of what their work looks like.

• Ask all the right questions – visit our 10-question guide to see what you should be asking painters.

• Request the exact brand and line of paint you are looking to use (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, etc.) to ensure durability and a paint job that lasts.

Overall, when going with the lowest quote, you often end up spending more money in the long run due to having to repaint in just a year or two. Think ahead and go with a painter that is going to put you and your home first.

Mistake 2: Not Checking Reviews or References

When meeting with a new painter, they can tell you all the right things, but reviews and references will tell you the real story. Skipping this step can leave you with a contractor that leaves mid-project or leaves you with a mess to clean up on your own.

Things to Watch Out For:

• No online presence or reviews

• Reviews that look fake (short, repetitive, or generic)

• Hesitation to provide references

What to Do Instead:

• Check Google reviews, Facebook or Instagram pages, or Houzz profiles for patterns of good service.

• As for 2-3 local references and call them to hear it directly from the source.

• Look for before-and-after photos of their work to confirm quality and real jobs.

Any reputable painting company should be proud to share their customer feedback (and take it seriously). At Painters Near Me, we encourage clients to be open and honest so we can ensure they are getting everything they wanted out of the project. We love when our new customers want to speak with previous customers and hear their story. A team that provides transparency is a team built on trust.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Written Contract

Although painting doesn’t feel like a big construction project, your home and money is still on the line when hiring professionals to come work in your home. Often, homeowners will rely on a verbal agreement or a text message and begin to regret it when things go downhill. Without a written contract, you may risk:

• Misunderstandings about colours, finishes, or what areas are being painted.

• Surprise charges – having things not included, even when you thought they were.

• Disputes over timelines or final payment

What a Good Painting Contract Should Include:

1. Scope of work (what rooms, surfaces, and prep will be done)

2. Products and colours (brand, line, finish)

3. Number of coats included

4. Start and finish dates

5. Warranty details

6. Payment terms (deposit, progress payments, final balance)

What to Do Instead:

Having a written agreement in place protects both you and the contractor, ensuring they do their best work, and you receive the best result. Never hand over a deposit without having a written contract in place.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Prep Work

More often than not, homeowners are so focused on applying the actual paint colour, they forget about how important prep work is. Ensuring prep is completed properly is about 70% of the job, and good painters will know this. If this stage is rushed or skipped altogether, the results will not last. Proper prep work includes:

• Patching holes and cracks in drywall

• Sanding rough surfaces for smooth finishes

• Caulking gaps in trim and baseboards

• Cleaning walls to remove dust, grease, or mildew

• Applying primer where needed

Although the initial results may look good, after a month or two you may start to see bubbling, peeling, or visible flaws coming from under the paint.

What to Do Instead:

• Ask your painter what prep steps are included in your estimate

• Be careful and look out for painters who offer “one coat, no prep”

• Remember: a good painter will spend more of their time on prep work compared to painting

Mistake 5: Not Asking About Insurance & Licensing

This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when hiring painters is not asking about insurance. Many painters out there do this to make some extra cash and don’t have the proper business license they need to operate – which could make you liable. Types of protection to look for:

• Liability Insurance: Covers any accidental damage that may occur in your home such as spilled paint, broken windows, etc.

• Workers’ Compensation: This protects you from being liable if a worker becomes injured in your home.

• Business License: Having this shows legitimacy and compliance with local regulations.

What to Do Instead:

• Before you sign a contract, ask for proof of insurance and licensing – any legit painter will have no problem sharing this information with you.

• Make sure the coverage is current – although you may be shown coverage, it may be expired and not valid.

• If they begin to hesitate or make excuses, this is your queue to move on.

Additional Tips to Hire the Right Painter

While you focus on avoiding these five big mistakes, there are some other things you can use to help pick the right contractor. Here are some tips to ensure you’ve made the best choice:

• Ask About Warranties: Hiring a professional painter should also come with a 2-3 year warranty.

• Get a Clear Timeline: Being able to know how long the project will take is important. Ask your contractor if delays are likely (especially with exterior) and how it might change the project.

• Clarify Cleanup: Confirm who is responsible for the jobsite cleanup (Pro Tip – this is something your contractor should include in their work).

• Meet the Crew: If there is a team outside of the business owner, don’t hesitate to ask who is going to be working on your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

While you want to be careful during the decision-making process, hiring a painter doesn’t have to be stressful. When you ask the right questions, and avoid making the five biggest mistakes, you can save yourself from the headache and make the right choice the first time.

Ensure you are choosing a professional painter – not just someone with a brush. Find yourself a local partner that is determined to protect you and your home while doing the best job possible.

At Painters Near Me, we take pride in providing detailed contracts, professional preparation process, and a team that uses high-quality products while being fully licensed and insured. Contact us today for a free quote – and a promise to transform your home with confidence.