How to Choose a Painting Contractor: A Homeowner's Guide to Hiring the Right Professional

When you're ready to transform your home with a fresh coat of paint, choosing the right painting contractor can mean the difference between a flawless finish that lasts for years and a frustrating experience that costs you time, money, and peace of mind. Whether you're planning interior updates, a full exterior refresh, or specialized work like cabinet restoration, knowing how to evaluate painting contractors will help you make a confident decision.

This guide walks you through the essential steps to find, vet, and hire a professional painting contractor who will deliver quality work at a fair price—and leave your home in better condition than they found it.

Why Choosing the Right Painting Contractor Matters

A quality paint job is an investment in your home. When done correctly, professional painting protects your surfaces from moisture, UV damage, and wear while enhancing curb appeal and interior aesthetics. When done poorly, you'll face peeling paint, uneven coverage, overspray on trim and fixtures, and the headache of redoing the entire project within a year or two.

The contractor you choose determines which outcome you get. A skilled, professional crew brings:

• Technical knowledge: Understanding which primers, paints, and application methods work best for your specific surfaces and climate conditions
• Proper preparation: Taking the time to scrape, sand, caulk, patch, and prime surfaces before applying finish coats
• Attention to detail: Protecting your floors and furniture, cutting clean lines, and cleaning up thoroughly
• Reliability: Showing up on schedule, communicating clearly, and finishing the job as promised
• Peace of mind: Carrying proper licensing and insurance so you're protected if something goes wrong

Let's break down exactly how to find a contractor who checks all these boxes.

Step 1: Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before you even discuss your project details or look at a portfolio, verify that any painting contractor you're considering holds the proper licensing and insurance. This is non-negotiable.

Contractor Licensing in California

In California, any contractor working on projects valued at $500 or more must hold a valid contractor's license issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). For painting work, this typically means a C-33 (Painting and Decorating) license.

You can verify a contractor's license status online at the CSLB website:

1. Go to https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
2. Click "Check a License" or use the search tool
3. Enter the contractor's business name or license number
4. Review their license status, expiration date, and any complaint history

A current, active license tells you the contractor has met minimum bonding, insurance, and experience requirements. Check for:

• Active (not expired or suspended) status
• C-33 classification for painting work
• No recent disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints
• Bond status current and in good standing

If a contractor claims they "don't need a license" for your project or offers you a discount for paying cash to avoid permits, walk away immediately. You'll have zero recourse if problems arise.

Insurance Requirements

Even a licensed contractor must carry adequate insurance to protect you and your property. Ask for proof of:

General liability insurance: Covers accidental damage to your home during the project (broken windows, damaged floors, paint spills on furniture, etc.). A reputable contractor typically carries at least $1 million in general liability coverage.

Workers' compensation insurance: Covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property. Without this coverage, you could be held personally liable if a crew member falls off a ladder or suffers another work-related injury on your job site.

Don't just take the contractor's word for it. Ask for current certificate of insurance (COI) and verify the coverage dates. You can also contact the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active and covers the dates of your project.

Lamorinda Painting, for example, is fully licensed (CSLB C-33) and insured, with current liability and workers' compensation coverage. We provide proof of insurance with every estimate so homeowners can move forward with confidence.

Step 2: Check References and Past Work

Once you've confirmed a contractor's credentials, it's time to evaluate the quality of their work. The best way to do this is through references and visual evidence of completed projects.

How to Request and Check References

A professional painting contractor should be able to provide at least three recent customer references without hesitation. When you contact these references, ask specific questions:

• What type of project did they complete for you? (Interior, exterior, cabinets, etc.)
• How was the quality of their prep work and final finish?
• Did they protect your furniture, floors, and landscaping adequately?
• Did they show up on time and finish on schedule?
• How did they handle cleanup at the end of each day and when the project was complete?
• Were there any issues or surprises during the project? If so, how did the contractor handle them?
• Would you hire them again for future painting projects?

Pay attention not just to what people say, but how they say it. Enthusiastic recommendations carry more weight than lukewarm "they were fine" responses.

Review Photos and Portfolios

Ask to see photos of recently completed projects similar to yours. Look for:

• Clean, straight cut lines where wall colors meet ceilings and trim
• Consistent sheen and coverage with no visible brushstrokes or roller marks
• Proper attention to detail around doors, windows, and fixtures
• Evidence of thorough prep work (smooth, patched walls and trim)

If possible, ask to visit a recent job site or drive by completed projects in your area. Seeing the work in person gives you a better sense of quality than photos alone.

Online Reviews and Ratings

Check online review platforms like Google, Yelp, and Houzz for additional feedback. Look for:

• Overall rating (4+ stars is a good benchmark)
• Number of reviews (more reviews = more data points)
• Recent activity (reviews from the past year show current performance)
• How the contractor responds to negative reviews (professional, solution-oriented responses are a good sign)

Be wary of contractors with zero online presence or only a handful of generic 5-star reviews that look suspiciously similar. Legitimate contractors build reputations over time through consistent quality work.

Step 3: Get Multiple Detailed Estimates

Once you've narrowed your list to 2-4 licensed, insured contractors with solid references, it's time to get written estimates. Never move forward based on a verbal quote alone.

What a Quality Estimate Should Include

A professional painting estimate should be detailed and specific. Look for these elements:

Scope of work: Exactly what surfaces will be painted (all walls, ceilings, trim, doors, etc.). Ambiguous language like "paint the house" isn't sufficient. You want room-by-room breakdowns for interior work or surface-by-surface details for exterior projects.

Preparation work: What prep will be done before painting begins? This should include specifics like:

• Sanding and scraping loose or peeling paint
• Patching holes, cracks, and damaged areas
• Caulking gaps around trim, windows, and doors
• Priming stained areas, bare wood, or repaired surfaces
• Protecting floors, furniture, and landscaping with drop cloths and plastic sheeting

Materials specified: What brand, product line, and sheen will be used? For example: "Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex, eggshell sheen" is much more informative than "high-quality paint." The estimate should also specify how many coats will be applied (typically two coats for walls and ceilings, sometimes three for trim or color changes).

Timeline: How long will the project take from start to finish? When will the crew arrive each day and when will they leave? Will they work on weekends?

Cleanup: What cleanup is included at the end of each day and upon project completion? A professional crew should remove all drop cloths, vacuum or sweep surfaces, clean paint splatters from fixtures and hardware, and haul away all trash and debris.

Payment terms: How much is due upfront, at project milestones, and upon completion? Be cautious of contractors demanding large deposits (more than 10-20%) before work begins.

Warranty: What warranty does the contractor offer on their workmanship? A reputable contractor typically guarantees their work for at least one to two years. At Lamorinda Painting, we stand behind our work with a 6-year warranty on all projects—one of the longest in the industry.

Comparing Estimates Effectively

When you receive multiple estimates, don't just look at the bottom-line price. Compare:

• Scope and level of detail: Is one contractor including more prep work or additional coats?
• Materials quality: Is one using premium paints while another quotes builder-grade products?
• Timeline differences: Why does one contractor estimate 5 days while another says 10?
• Warranty coverage: What protection do you have if issues arise after the job is complete?

The lowest bid isn't always the best value. A contractor who cuts corners on prep work or uses cheap materials will deliver a paint job that looks mediocre from day one and fails within a couple of years. Focus on finding the best combination of quality, professionalism, and fair pricing.

Step 4: Ask the Right Questions During Consultations

When contractors visit your home to provide estimates, use this time to ask questions that reveal their expertise and professionalism.

Questions About Their Process

• How do you protect furniture, floors, and landscaping during the project?
• What specific prep work will you do before painting begins?
• Do you scrape and sand by hand or use power tools? (Both have their place; you want someone who knows when to use each.)
• What primer will you use, and why is it appropriate for my surfaces?
• How do you handle unexpected issues like rotted wood or hidden water damage?
• Will the same crew work on my project from start to finish, or will different teams rotate through?

Questions About Materials and Application

• What paint brand and product line do you recommend for my project, and why?
• How many coats will you apply, and is that included in your estimate?
• Do you spray, roll, or brush the finish coats? (Each method has trade-offs; professionals often use a combination.)
• How do you ensure clean lines where different colors meet?
• What sheen do you recommend for different surfaces (walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets)?

Questions About Communication and Logistics

• Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
• How do you handle change orders or additional work if we discover issues mid-project?
• What happens if weather delays the project? (For exterior work especially.)
• Do you work on weekends, or is this a weekday-only schedule?
• Will there be a project supervisor on-site, or do I communicate directly with the crew?

Red Flags to Watch For

Certain answers should raise concerns:

• Vague or evasive responses to straightforward questions
• Pressure to sign a contract immediately or "lock in" a special price
• Unwillingness to provide references or proof of insurance
• Requests for large upfront deposits (more than 20% of the total project cost)
• Reluctance to provide written estimates or warranties
• Offering to do the work "off the books" for a cash discount
• Claiming they can start immediately on a large project (reputable contractors typically book out several weeks in advance)

Trust your instincts. If something feels off during the consultation, it's better to move on to another contractor than to ignore warning signs and hope for the best.

Step 5: Review the Contract Carefully

Before work begins, you should receive a detailed written contract that formalizes all the terms discussed in the estimate. Never start a painting project based on a handshake agreement or a simple one-page estimate.

Essential Contract Terms

A complete painting contract should include:

Parties and property: Your name and address, the contractor's business name and license number, and a clear description of the property where work will be performed.

Scope of work: Detailed description of exactly what will be painted, what prep work will be done, and what materials will be used. This should match or exceed the detail in your written estimate.

Project timeline: Start date, anticipated completion date, and work schedule (days of the week, approximate hours).

Payment schedule: Total project cost broken down by payment milestones. Common structures include:

• Small deposit (10-20%) to secure the start date
• Progress payments tied to project phases (e.g., 40% after prep is complete, 40% after first coat, 20% upon final walkthrough)
• Final payment due only after you've inspected and approved the completed work

Materials specifications: Brand, product line, color, and sheen for all paints and primers. Number of coats to be applied to each surface.

Cleanup and protection: What measures will be taken to protect your home, and what cleanup is included.

Warranty terms: Length of warranty, what it covers (typically workmanship, not paint product defects, which are covered by the manufacturer), and how to request warranty service if needed.

Change order process: How additional work or changes to the scope will be handled and priced.

Dispute resolution: How conflicts will be resolved (mediation, arbitration, etc.).

Cancellation terms: Under what conditions either party can cancel the contract, and what fees or penalties apply.

California-Specific Requirements

In California, home improvement contracts must include specific legal language:

• Three-day right to cancel for contracts signed in your home (not at the contractor's office)
• Notice of your lien rights and the contractor's bond information
• Statement that the contractor is licensed by the CSLB
• Contractor's license number printed on the contract

If these elements are missing, the contract may not be legally enforceable, which leaves you with limited recourse if problems arise.

Step 6: Understand Paint Warranties vs. Workmanship Warranties

One area that confuses many homeowners is the difference between paint product warranties and contractor workmanship warranties.

Paint Product Warranties

Major paint manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Dunn-Edwards offer limited warranties on their products. These typically cover:

• Manufacturing defects (rare)
• Premature peeling or blistering (if applied according to manufacturer specifications)
• Color fading or chalking beyond normal wear

What paint warranties don't cover:

• Poor surface preparation (this is the contractor's responsibility)
• Improper application (wrong number of coats, incorrect primer, etc.)
• Environmental damage (impact, scratches, cleaning with harsh chemicals)
• Normal wear and tear over time

To qualify for paint product warranty coverage, the paint must be applied exactly as the manufacturer specifies: proper surface prep, correct primer, recommended number of coats, appropriate temperature and humidity conditions, etc.

This is why your contractor's workmanship matters so much.

Contractor Workmanship Warranties

A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the contractor's labor and application. A reputable painting contractor guarantees that:

• Paint will adhere properly and won't peel or blister due to poor prep work
• Coverage will be even and consistent with no visible defects
• Caulking and patching will hold up under normal conditions
• Cleanup will be thorough and your home will be left in excellent condition

Workmanship warranty lengths vary by contractor, but one to two years is common. At Lamorinda Painting, we offer a 6-year workmanship warranty because we're confident in the quality of our surface preparation, material selection, and application techniques. If any issues arise from our work during that period, we'll return and make it right at no additional cost.

What to Expect During the Painting Project

Once you've selected your contractor and signed the contract, here's what a professional painting project typically looks like.

Day 1: Setup and Preparation

The crew arrives on time (typically early morning). They introduce themselves, do a final walkthrough to confirm the scope, and begin setup:

• Moving furniture to the center of rooms and covering it with plastic sheeting
• Laying drop cloths over all floors and carpets
• Removing or masking light fixtures, switch plates, and hardware
• Protecting countertops, cabinets, and built-ins
• Setting up ladders, scaffolding, and spray equipment (if applicable)

Then they begin surface preparation: scraping loose paint, sanding rough areas, patching holes and cracks, caulking gaps, and cleaning dust and debris. For exterior projects, this includes pressure washing and allowing surfaces to dry completely.

This prep work often takes longer than homeowners expect—sometimes a full day or more before any paint is applied. Don't be concerned. Thorough prep is what separates a good paint job from a poor one.

Middle Days: Priming and Painting

Once surfaces are prepped, the crew applies primer to bare wood, patched areas, or stained surfaces. Primer seals the surface, blocks stains, and creates a uniform base for the finish paint to adhere to.

After primer dries (typically 2-4 hours depending on temperature and humidity), they apply the first coat of finish paint. Professional painters usually brush and roll walls and ceilings, cutting in carefully around trim and fixtures, then filling in the field with rollers for smooth, even coverage.

For woodwork and trim, many pros prefer brushing to achieve a furniture-quality finish, though HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayers are sometimes used for cabinet projects.

The second coat usually goes on the following day after the first coat has dried completely (usually overnight). Two coats are standard for most surfaces. Dramatic color changes (dark to light or vice versa) or high-traffic areas like trim may receive a third coat.

End-of-Day Cleanup

Professional crews clean up at the end of each workday:

• Sealing paint cans and storing supplies neatly
• Cleaning brushes and rollers
• Folding drop cloths and consolidating work areas
• Sweeping or vacuuming loose debris
• Securing the work site

Your home should be safe and livable at the end of each day, even if the project isn't complete.

Final Day: Completion and Walkthrough

On the final day, the crew applies any final touch-ups, removes all masking tape and protective coverings, cleans paint drips and splatters from fixtures and hardware, moves furniture back into place, and performs a thorough cleanup including vacuuming and hauling away all debris.

Then they invite you to do a final walkthrough. Inspect every surface carefully:

• Look for missed spots or thin coverage
• Check cut lines where colors meet
• Examine trim and detail work up close
• Test that all hardware, fixtures, and switch plates were reinstalled correctly
• Verify cleanup is complete

If you spot any issues, point them out. A professional contractor will address them on the spot or schedule a time to return and make corrections.

Only after you're completely satisfied should you sign off on the project and make final payment.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Painting Crew

While your contractor handles setup and protection, you can make the project go more smoothly by preparing in advance.

Interior Projects

• Remove small items, wall art, and decorations from the rooms being painted
• Clear countertops and shelves in kitchens and bathrooms
• Move small furniture and breakables out of the work area
• Cover or relocate valuables you don't want exposed to dust
• Arrange for pets to be secured away from work areas (many painters appreciate a note about any pets in the home)
• Communicate with family members about the project schedule and any areas that will be off-limits

Exterior Projects

• Trim back shrubs and plants at least 2-3 feet from the house
• Move patio furniture, grills, and planters away from the house
• Ensure the crew has access to exterior outlets and water spigots
• Clear pathways around the perimeter of the home
• Inform neighbors about the project timeline (especially if spraying will be involved)
• Arrange for vehicles to be moved from driveways or work areas

Cost Expectations: What Influences Painting Prices

Painting costs vary widely depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and your location. Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you evaluate estimates more effectively.

Factors That Affect Interior Painting Costs

• Square footage: Larger homes require more labor and materials
• Ceiling height: High ceilings (10+ feet) require scaffolding or extension poles and increase labor time
• Surface condition: Walls with damage, heavy texturing, or many imperfections require more prep work
• Color changes: Dramatic color shifts (especially dark to light) often need extra coats or specialized primers
• Trim and detail work: Painting all trim, doors, and baseboards in addition to walls adds significant labor
• Paint quality: Premium paints cost $50-80 per gallon compared to $25-35 for builder-grade options

Factors That Affect Exterior Painting Costs

• Home size and stories: Two-story or complex multi-level homes require scaffolding or lifts and increase labor costs
• Surface material: Wood siding requires more prep than vinyl or stucco; brick and masonry need specialized primers
• Current condition: Peeling, cracked, or rotted surfaces require extensive scraping, sanding, and repair before painting
• Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas (dormers, steep roofs, tight side yards) slow down the process
• Trim and accents: Painting shutters, fascia, soffits, and decorative trim in contrasting colors adds time
• Climate and season: In the Bay Area, painting during the rainy season (November-March) can delay projects and increase costs

Typical Cost Ranges

For context (not quotes), here's what homeowners in the Bay Area can generally expect:

• Interior single room: $400-1,200 depending on size, ceiling height, and trim work
• Full interior (2-3 bedroom home): $3,000-8,000+ depending on square footage, condition, and scope
• Exterior (1,500-2,500 sq ft home): $4,000-10,000+ depending on stories, siding type, and prep needs
• Kitchen cabinets: $3,000-7,000+ depending on number of cabinets, finish quality, and hardware

These are rough ranges. The only way to get an accurate price for your specific project is to request detailed estimates from licensed contractors who can evaluate your home in person.

Why Lamorinda Painting Is a Trusted Choice for East Bay Homeowners

At Lamorinda Painting, we understand that choosing a painting contractor means trusting someone with your home and your investment. That's why we've built our business on transparency, quality workmanship, and respect for our clients.

We're fully licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB C-33) and carry comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance. We provide proof of insurance with every estimate so you can move forward with confidence.

Our crew takes surface preparation seriously—we scrape, sand, patch, caulk, and prime thoroughly before any finish paint touches your walls. We protect your floors, furniture, and landscaping with professional-grade drop cloths and plastic sheeting. And we leave your home spotless at the end of every day.

We stand behind our work with a 6-year warranty on all projects—one of the longest workmanship guarantees in the industry. If any issues arise from our work during that period, we return and make it right at no additional cost.

We serve homeowners throughout Lafayette, Lamorinda, and the greater East Bay with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality on every project, whether it's a single-room refresh or a complete exterior transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a quality interior paint job last?

With proper surface preparation and quality materials, interior paint typically lasts 7-10 years in living spaces and 5-7 years in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Factors that affect longevity include paint quality, number of coats applied, surface prep quality, and how well the home is maintained. Homes with children or pets may need touch-ups or repainting sooner in heavy-use areas.

How can I verify a contractor's license and insurance?

Visit the California Contractors State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov and use the "Check a License" tool. Enter the contractor's business name or license number to view their current status, classification, bond status, and complaint history. For insurance verification, request a current certificate of insurance (COI) directly from the contractor and contact the insurance company to confirm coverage is active and covers your project dates.

What's the difference between a painter who's licensed and one who isn't?

In California, any contractor performing work valued at $500 or more must hold a valid CSLB license. Licensed contractors have met minimum bonding, insurance, and experience requirements. They're subject to state oversight and disciplinary action for violations. If an unlicensed contractor damages your property or delivers poor work, you have very limited legal recourse. Additionally, if an unlicensed worker is injured on your property, you could be held personally liable for medical expenses and lost wages.

Should I always choose the lowest bid?

Not necessarily. The lowest bid often reflects corners being cut somewhere—less prep work, cheaper materials, fewer coats, or less experienced labor. Compare estimates based on scope of work, materials quality, warranty coverage, and the contractor's reputation. The best value usually comes from the middle range: a contractor who delivers quality work at fair pricing, not the absolute cheapest option.

How much deposit should I pay upfront?

Most reputable contractors request 10-20% of the total project cost to secure your start date and cover initial material purchases. Be cautious of contractors demanding 50% or more upfront. California law limits deposits to $1,000 or 10% of the contract price (whichever is less) for home improvement contracts under $5,000. For larger projects, structure payments around project milestones rather than paying everything upfront.

What should I do if I'm not satisfied with the finished work?

Address any concerns during the final walkthrough before making final payment. Point out specific issues (missed spots, thin coverage, messy cut lines, incomplete cleanup) and give the contractor an opportunity to correct them. Most professionals will gladly handle touch-ups and corrections. If significant issues remain unresolved, document them with photos, refer to your contract warranty terms, and communicate in writing. If necessary, contact the CSLB to file a complaint or explore mediation options outlined in your contract.

How do I know if a contractor's estimate is too good to be true?

Red flags include bids that are 30-40% lower than other estimates with no clear explanation, vague scope descriptions ("paint the whole house"), no mention of surface prep or priming, unspecified paint brands or quality levels, and pressure to sign immediately. A suspiciously low bid often means the contractor plans to use subpar materials, skip important prep steps, or add charges through change orders once work begins.

What's a reasonable timeline for a typical painting project?

For interior work, a single room usually takes 1-3 days depending on size and detail. A full interior (2-3 bedroom home) typically takes 4-7 days. Exterior projects vary widely: a small single-story home might take 5-7 days, while a large two-story home with extensive prep needs can take 2-3 weeks. Weather delays can extend exterior timelines, especially during Bay Area winter months. Your contractor should provide a realistic timeline in their estimate based on your specific project scope.

Make an Informed Decision

Choosing a painting contractor doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming. By verifying credentials, checking references, comparing detailed estimates, asking informed questions, and reviewing contracts carefully, you can confidently select a professional who will deliver quality work and treat your home with respect.

At Lamorinda Painting, we welcome questions and encourage homeowners to do their research. We're proud of our reputation for quality workmanship, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service—and we're always happy to provide references, proof of licensing and insurance, and detailed estimates that clearly outline exactly what you're paying for.

If you're planning a painting project in Lafayette, Lamorinda, or anywhere in the East Bay, contact us today for a free estimate. We'll walk you through our process, answer all your questions, and provide a detailed proposal that gives you confidence in your investment.

Your home deserves a paint job that looks beautiful and lasts for years. We're here to deliver exactly that.