A. The age-old advice to “get three estimates for your project" still holds true. To make sure you’re looking at “apples to apples,” ask each estimator the same questions and compare their answers. Ultimately, you want to choose someone who appears trustworthy, will do the right job the right way, and will stand behind his/her work. Here are a few additional things to consider:

1. Before you hire anyone, ask for a list of references and check them.
2. Get your painting contractor’s mailing address, phone number, email address, and Home Improvement License number. Reputable painters will be willing to share this information with you.
3. Ask what type of paints will be used on your surfaces. (Many manufacturers have different grades of paint, so you want to know specifically what your contractor will use on your home.)
4. Ask how many years the company has been in business and how many employees they have. Long-standing companies with their own trained employees may be more reliable.
5. Find out if company painters receive training on techniques and safety. This is standard practice in higher quality companies.
6. Make sure you receive a detailed written contract (often called a “Proposal”) specifying all work to be performed with a start and finish date, along with a warranty statement.
7. Inquire about payment terms. Contractors have a right to receive a deposit up front to purchase material and pay their labor, but be wary of those who request a large deposits before work begins.
8. Require your contractor to provide you with a copies of workers compensation and insurance liability policies (telling you they “have it” isn’t good enough). As a homeowner, you can be sued if an uninsured worker is injured on the job.