Hiring A Painting Contractor

April 3, 2016

Not all contractors are created equal. Unfortunately, many painting contractors have a bad reputation and stereo-type. It may not be that easy to read through if you are not asking the right questions.

When interviewing painters, it is worth the 30 minutes to meet and review the job with them to get a sense of who you’ll be working with. Don’t just have “a guy” come over and phone in a price. It could be a disaster.  You’ll also want to get a look at the appearance and overall presentation they are giving you. You may be giving them thousands of your hard earned dollars, and you don’t want to find out your half way through a project with a convicted criminal.

There has never been a contractor that has ever promised a “BAD JOB” to a potential customer, even if they are the cheapest price. You need to ask questions about the following:

  • Scope of Work
  • Products to be used
  • How long in business
  • How well do you know the employees or subs that will be doing work
  • Liability insurance, workman’s compensation insurance, warranty information, financial stability, employee information (drug testing, background checks); etc.

As you interview the potential contractor with these questions, you will start to get a sense of who you will be working with. If you get a good feeling, be sure to ask for the documentation, don’t just take their word for it. If your gut is telling you “no” at the interview, then run away. It’s not worth it. These people will be working in and around your home and family for potentially days or even weeks.

Never give a deposit to an unregistered or undocumented company. In this day and age, if you don’t see them on the internet, you may want to wait on handing out your money, it could disappear. If a contractor is not stable enough to start a job without money, its usually not a good sign.
There are thousands of horror stories between homeowners and contractors. Most are rooted from hiring inexperienced contractors or hiring on prices that are too good to be true.

At ELCO Painting Inc. , you can always expect quality work and customer service. Our experience is over 35 years in residential and commercial painting, from interior to exterior we guarantee your satisfaction when you choose us for your next painting project. The professional painting contractors assigned to your project are always courteous and efficient when carrying out tasks, so you’ll always be happy with our services.

RELATED ARTICLES

April 30, 2026
What should facility managers look for after winter? Use this spring walkthrough guide to identify damage, assess risk, and plan maintenance.
April 16, 2026
Should you clean windows before or after painting? Learn the best order, why timing matters, and how to get the best final result for your home.
March 30, 2026
Stay ahead this Q2 with a commercial painting checklist for Rhode Island properties, covering inspections, repairs, and early project planning.
March 15, 2026
Plan ahead for spring and summer painting projects to secure your spot, avoid delays, and achieve better results with less stress.
February 27, 2026
From warehouses to healthcare facilities, see why industrial epoxy flooring delivers long-term value for Rhode Island businesses.
February 18, 2026
Cabinet painting or full replacement? Compare real costs, timelines, and durability to find the smartest upgrade for your Rhode Island kitchen.
January 17, 2026
Think painting is a spring project? Not in Rhode Island. Here’s why January is the best time for interior painting and how to plan it the right way.
December 17, 2025
Winter is a smart time for commercial interior painting in RI! Discover why fewer disruptions, better crews, and efficient planning make it a season worth choosing.
November 30, 2025
Choosing a commercial painter in Rhode Island? Learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to ensure a smooth project in Providence, Warwick, and beyond.
November 19, 2025
Thinking about cabinet painting in Rhode Island? This guide answers the top homeowner questions about cost, durability, prep, and what to expect during the process.