If you are planning a big painting job or just don't have time to paint your house yourself, you may want to hire a painting contractor. A painting contractor can paint interiors, exteriors, single rooms or whole houses. No job is too big or too small for the right painting contractor. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to hire a painting contractor.

If you are planning a big painting job or just don't have time to paint your house yourself, you may want to hire a painting contractor. A painting contractor can paint interiors, exteriors, single rooms or whole houses. No job is too big or too small for the right painting contractor. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to hire a painting contractor.

• A do-it-yourself paint job can be a time consuming project, so why not hire a professional? Painting contractors are local professional painters who hire themselves out to general contractors or homeowners. Keep in mind, hiring a painter is more expensive than doing it yourself. However, the beautiful results may be well worth the extra cost.

• Before you start looking for a painting contractor, you need to make a few decisions. Ask yourself:

1. What do you want painted?
2. Do you need wallpapering?
3. Do you need minor plaster or dry wall repairs?
4. Are you painting trim or molding?
5. Are you okay with leaving the premises?

• Finding a good painting contractor is not always easy. You may want to search:

1. The Yellow Pages.
2. Wanted ads in local newspapers.
3. Hardware store bulletin boards.
   • You may also want to ask your local hardware store for recommendations.
4. Online.

• Contact a few prospects and schedule a meeting time to discuss the details of the painting job.

1. The painter will want to walk through the job site.
2. Talk about the type of paint the contractor will use.
3. Ask how he or she will protect the trim, furniture and flooring from paint splatters.
4. Find out how many coats of paint will need to be used.
5. Ask the contractor for a cost and time estimate.
   1. To provide a decent estimate the contractor will need to measure the area to determine square footage.
   2. The paint and other materials may factor into the total cost.
6. Ask for references.
   • Don't forget to check the references!
7. Ask about the contractor's previous experience.

• Once you find the right painting contractor, it is time to hire him or her.

1. Draw up a contract detailing every aspect of the job, including:
   1. Cost.
   2. Payment schedule.
   3. Area that needs painted.
   4. Who is responsible for cleanup.
   5. Who is responsible for damages.
2. Both parties should sign the contract.

• Introduction
• Step 1: What Do You Need From a Painter?
• Step 2: Look for a Painting Contractor
• Step 3: Contact Painting Contractors
• Step 4: Sign a Contract