How to Choose a Painting Contractor: What Homeowners Need to Know
- Sean Johnson
- Jan 3
- 6 min read
Choosing the right painting contractor can be the difference between a beautiful, long-lasting finish and a frustrating, expensive do-over. With so many options available, how do you know which contractor to trust with your home?
Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing based solely on price, only to regret it when the paint starts peeling six months later or when the "contractor" disappears mid-project. Others simply don't know what questions to ask.
This guide will walk you through the seven critical factors you need to evaluate when selecting a painting contractor for your home.
1. Are They Licensed and Insured?
This should be your first question, and it's non-negotiable.
A licensed contractor has met state requirements and demonstrated competence in their trade. Insurance protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property or if something goes wrong during the project.
What to ask for:
Florida contractor license number (you can verify it on the state website)
Certificate of general liability insurance
Workers' compensation insurance (if they have employees)
Red flags:
Reluctance to provide documentation
"My license is in process" excuses
Offering a significantly lower price if you "skip the paperwork"
At Johnson Brothers Construction, we're fully licensed and insured. We're happy to provide all documentation upfront because protecting our clients is just as important as delivering quality work.
2. Do They Provide Clear Written Estimates?
Verbal quotes and handshake agreements might seem convenient, but they're a recipe for disputes and surprise costs.
A professional painting contractor will provide a detailed written estimate that clearly outlines:
The complete scope of work (what's included and what's not)
Timeline for project completion
Total cost
Payment terms
Surface preparation details
Number of coats
Type and brand of paint to be used
Red flags:
Vague descriptions like "paint the house"
Unwillingness to put the estimate in writing
Pressure to sign immediately without time to review
Missing details about prep work or materials
We provide clear written estimates that specify exactly what's included in your project. There are no surprises, no hidden fees, and no confusion about what you're getting. You'll know from day one what to expect.
3. What's Their Track Record and Reputation?
When evaluating a painting contractor, don't just focus on how many years they've been in business. A newer company with excellent customer satisfaction can be a better choice than an established company with inconsistent quality.
What to look for:
Recent Google reviews and star ratings
Detailed feedback from actual customers
Before-and-after photos of completed projects
Willingness to provide references you can contact
Professional online presence and communication
Why newer companies can be advantageous:
More attentive service (every project matters)
Competitive pricing to build their reputation
Latest techniques and best practices
Eager to exceed expectations
While Johnson Brothers Construction is a growing company, our excellent Google reviews and satisfied clients speak to our commitment to quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. We treat every project like it's our first and last—because your satisfaction is what builds our reputation.
Check out our 5-star Google reviews from happy homeowners. We're proud to show you photos of our recent projects and connect you with customers who can tell you about their experience working with us.
4. What Quality of Materials Do They Use?
Here's a secret most homeowners don't know: the paint itself is only part of the equation. Surface preparation accounts for about 80% of how long your paint job will last.
Questions to ask:
What brand and grade of paint do you use?
How do you prepare surfaces before painting?
Do you repair cracks, holes, and damaged areas?
How many coats do you apply?
Do you prime bare surfaces?
Red flags:
Unwillingness to specify paint brands
Skipping or rushing surface prep to save time
Applying only one coat when two are needed
Using the cheapest materials available
The difference between a $3,000 paint job and a $5,000 paint job often comes down to prep work and material quality. A contractor using premium paint with proper surface preparation will give you results that last years longer than someone cutting corners with bargain materials.
At Johnson Brothers Construction, we use premium paints and take the time to properly prep surfaces. We don't cut corners on the work you can't see, because we know that's what makes the difference between a paint job that lasts two years and one that lasts ten.
5. Can They Provide References and Recent Reviews?
In today's digital age, online reviews are just as valuable as traditional references—sometimes more so, because they're harder to fake and easier to verify.
What to check:
Google Business Profile reviews
Consistency of positive feedback
How they respond to any negative reviews
Recency of reviews (recent projects matter more than old ones)
Specific details in reviews (generic 5-star reviews can be suspicious)
Questions to ask:
Can you show me photos of similar projects you've completed?
Can I contact a recent customer whose home is similar to mine?
Do you have examples of work in my neighborhood?
Don't be shy about asking for references or checking online reviews. A reputable contractor will be proud to share them. In fact, they'll probably offer them before you even ask.
We encourage you to read our Google reviews and reach out to our past clients. We have nothing to hide and everything to be proud of. We're happy to connect you with satisfied customers who can vouch for our work.
6. What's Their Timeline and Communication Process?
A professional contractor respects your time and keeps you informed throughout the project.
What to discuss:
When can they start?
How long will the project take?
What's the day-to-day schedule? (What time do they arrive and leave?)
How will they communicate updates or issues?
What happens if weather delays the project?
Will the same crew work the entire project?
Red flags:
Unrealistically fast timelines ("We can start tomorrow and be done by Friday")
Vague scheduling ("We'll get to it when we can")
Poor communication before the project starts (a preview of what's to come)
No clear point of contact
Painting projects come with inherent uncertainties—weather, unexpected surface damage, material delivery delays. What matters is how the contractor handles these situations and keeps you informed.
We provide realistic timelines and keep you updated throughout your project. You'll have a clear point of contact, and we'll communicate proactively if anything changes. We treat your time and property with respect, showing up when we say we will and leaving your home clean at the end of each day.
7. Do They Stand Behind Their Work?
The job isn't done when the paint dries. A quality contractor stands behind their work with a warranty and a commitment to your satisfaction.
Questions to ask:
Do you offer a warranty on labor and materials?
What does the warranty cover and for how long?
How do you handle touch-ups or issues after completion?
What's your process if I'm not satisfied with something?
Red flags:
No warranty offered
Vague promises without documentation
Demanding full payment before the job is complete
Rushing you through the final walkthrough
A contractor who's confident in their work will guarantee it. They know that quality work doesn't need constant callbacks, so they're comfortable standing behind what they do.
We guarantee our work and make sure you're 100% satisfied before we consider the job complete. Your final walkthrough isn't a formality—it's an opportunity for you to inspect every detail and ensure everything meets your expectations.
Making Your Decision
Choosing a painting contractor doesn't have to be overwhelming. By focusing on these seven critical factors, you can confidently select a contractor who will deliver quality results and a positive experience.
Remember:
✓ Licensed and insured
✓ Clear written estimates
✓ Strong reputation and reviews
✓ Quality materials and preparation
✓ Verifiable references
✓ Professional communication
✓ Warranty and satisfaction guarantee
Don't let price be your only consideration. The cheapest bid often comes with corners cut, and those savings disappear when you're repainting in two years instead of ten.
Ready to Work with a Painting Contractor You Can Trust?
Johnson Brothers Construction provides professional painting services backed by a commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
We check all seven boxes:
Fully licensed and insured
Clear, honest estimates
Excellent Google reviews from local homeowners
Premium materials and meticulous surface prep
Happy customers who will vouch for our work
Professional communication from start to finish
Guaranteed satisfaction
Get Your Free Painting Estimate Today
Whether you're looking to refresh your home's interior, protect your exterior with a quality paint job, or transform your space with a new color scheme, we're here to help.
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