Connect with Local Painting Contractors

Post your painting project and get free cost estimates and expert advice from local painting contractors waiting to compete for your business.
Post Your Project

Looking for local painting contractors for interior or exterior residential or commercial painting projects?  Search our directory below for a local painting company or licensed painting contractor.  Or post your painting projects online at HandyAmerican.com, without cost or obligation. Have professional painters bid competitively to turn your painting project ideas into reality. Compare painting contractor services and company profiles. View pictures of recently completed painting projects, save the best painting company or local painting contractor candidates to a favorites list, and more.


Search Our Directory To Find Reliable Local Painting Contractors

HandyAmerican.com has residential and commercial painting contractors, painting and decorating contractors, general contractors, and other service professionals across America.

Regardless of the nature or size of your painting project ideas, painting professionals at HandyAmerican.com are on standby, ready to meet your every painting and refinishing need!  

What Professional Painters Do

First impressions are always important. When it comes to homes and businesses, nothing is as immediately obvious or impressive than a fresh coat of efficiently applied paint. With the right color and expert painting techniques, of course.

Generally speaking, painting professionals provide the following types of painting contractor services for commercial and residential applications:

  • Interior painting
  • Exterior painting
  • Trim work
  • Deck, porch, balcony refinishing, staining, and resealing
  • Plaster and drywall repair

Many residential and commercial painting contractors also offer extended painting contractor services, such as:

  • Designer painting techniques; faux finishes, texturing, Venetian plastering, and other painting with a twist finishes
  • Wallpaper removal, wallpapering
  • Wood floor resurfacing and refinishing
  • Wall paneling resurfacing and refinishing
  • Basic carpentry
  • Mold removal
  • Graffiti removal, graffiti barrier application
  • Pressure washing
  • Cleaning vinyl and aluminum siding
  • Radiant energy barrier painting contractor services

Reputable painting contractor services help protect, preserve, and beautify homes, businesses, facilities, and other structures. Using the most progressive and efficient professional painting techniques and materials available. Painting professionals not only aid building preservation and greatly enhance aesthetic appeal. American painting contractors also help business structures maintain regulatory, insurance, and licensing requirements.

Some painting professionals are independent. Others oversee a full-scale painting company or business, complete with an in-house painting crew. Other professional painters have enhanced certification, such as painting and decorating contractors with distinctive decorating and painting techniques.

PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America

As mentioned above, some painting professionals offer licensed painting contractor services with a designer flair. Not only painting with a twist, using innovative painting techniques for fabulous fashionable results. But painting and decorating contractors also have advanced professional painter training. Acquiring design-savvy, for full-room décor. Coordinating environment color and texture with style, for enhanced room makeover appeal.

Many painting contractors with decorating skills are members of PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. An industry-related association dedicated to helping painting and decorating contractors grow and improve their painting company or independent business, as well as painting techniques. PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America offers member painting professionals opportunities to cultivate and develop skills for superior painting contractor services through:

  • Instructional programs and materials for painting and decorating contractors
  • Painting techniques and wall covering professional painters training
  • Local networking meetings for professional residential and commercial painting contractors
  • Special conventions and other events
  • Regulations and safety professional painters training
  • PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America endorsed ethics and standards for quality reputable painting contractor services
  • PDCA advocacy and support
  • Other industry-related resources

Established n 1884, PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America is recognized and supported by numerous industry-related companies and merchants.

Many states require persons who offer painting contractor services for pay to obtain a painting contractor license. There also exist state and local codes and regulations painting contractors must abide by. Including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations.

Should Your DIY Painting Project be Handled by a Licensed Painting Contractor?

A DIY painting project can not only be messy, time consuming, and difficult to accomplish. But a DIY painting project often does not yield the same professional-looking results accomplished by painting contractor services. 

The following criteria may help in determining whether yours is a DIY painting project, or one best handled by American painting contractors:

  • Time Constraints – like most homeowners, you might find it difficult to find spare time between work, family obligations, and recreational activities, to schedule the time required for a DIY painting project. For that reason alone, it might be worthwhile to hire painting professionals for the job. Painting will likely be accomplished quicker, with less mess. Translating to reduced inconvenience, with less upset to the household routine. Also, a reputable painting contractor will stand behind their painting contractor services, guaranteeing professional results.
  • Pre-Painting Preparation Requirements – as anyone who has ever undertaken DIY painting project ideas of any size or scope will attest, there is more to painting than wielding a paintbrush. Preparing the surface prior to painting is critical to the success of painting projects. Painting professionals are knowledgeable about the type and extent of preparation required for any given painting project. For instance, residential painting contractors know a quick power wash to the outside of a house is not sufficient preparation for an exterior painting project.  If surface preparation is not adequate, the paint will not adhere properly, and streaks will likely occur.  A reputable painting contractor will use the right type soap and ratio for adequate cleaning, with the correct flow-rate and water pressure. Professional painting contractor services will also ensure other preparatory work will be done according to industry standards. Including scraping old loose paint, caulking and sealing around windows, doors, and casings; holes and cracks puttied, and the surface sanded.
  • Painting Hardships, Risks, and Hazards – including climbing ladders, struggling to get at hard to reach places, lifting and moving heavy objects, and the physical strain associated with large painting projects.  Residential and commercial painting contractors have the experience, physical dexterity, and knowledge to handle even the most difficult painting project ideas safely, with the finesse painting professionals are known for. Note: paint on older houses built/painted before 1978 sometimes contain lead, requiring specialized skills to remove and dispose of safely. Other paints can have hazardous chemicals that are toxic or combustible, best handled by a knowledgeable painting company or other professional painting contractor services.
  • Painting and Decorating Contractors Tools and Equipment – few homeowners have all the right equipment required for large painting projects. Purchasing the necessary tools and equipment can add considerably to the cost of DIY painting project ideas. And once the job is complete, the equipment usually ends up stored haphazardly in the garage for years-on-end. Or else sold in a yard sale for a fraction of the cost! A reputable painting contractor will not only have all the right equipment and tools necessary to complete painting projects expertly and efficiently. The equipment will be professional quality, further enhancing painting effectiveness and professional results.
  • Painting Experience – commercial and residential painting contractors have the experience and expert painting techniques required to render quality painting results. Again, there is more to painting projects than wielding a paintbrush. Experienced local painting contractor services offer your best chance of achieving the painting results desired. Selecting the right type brush with the right bristles is critical for most painting applications. The right type paint and primer using the right painting techniques can mean the difference between successful painting projects that boast lasting, amazing results. And a DIY painting project gone awry; a poor amateur paint job, compounded by wasted time and money. Requiring additional funds and time to correct; acquiring the professional painting contractor services that should have been obtained at the start.
  • Painting Project Cleanup –even after the last bit of paint has been applied, work isn’t over. Clean-up after DIY painting project ideas are complete is a task all by itself. Removing painting tape, messy tarps, gathering-up old paint scrapings, spot-cleaning new paint splatters, and picking up other debris is time consuming. And then there are the other responsibilities associated with painting projects. The messy job of cleaning paint brushes, rollers, paint trays, drop clothes, and whatnot. And don’t forget, leftover paint, chemical products, tools, and other equipment still need to be dealt with. They must be wiped down, packed up, and stored “somewhere”. More importantly, paint and many paint related products are hazardous. There exist special disposal legalities that even DIY painting project owners are required to follow. Note: American painting contractors know the laws and regulations dictating how paint, chemicals, and other substances must be disposed of; for the safety of persons and the environment. If undertaking a DIY painting project, connect with a local painting company or local painting contractor for advice on safe paint and chemical disposal.

The bottom line? Whether for basic interior or exterior painting, specialized painting techniques – or painting with a twist for unique results - hire a reputable painting contractor. Note: research local painting contractors to ensure you hire the best painting contractor possible. One with the experience, expertise, and track-record necessary to guarantee amazing painting project results!

What to Expect From Good Painting and Decorating Contractors

Like any service provider, all residential and commercial painting contractors are not equal. Acquiring painting contractor services from a licensed painting contractor does not guarantee that:

  • Local painting contractors have the experience your particular painting project ideas require.
  • The licensed painting contractor has the skills to achieve the painting techniques desired.
  • The contractor is a reputable painting contractor.
  • A painting contractor license offers no assurance the holder is the best painting contractor for the job.
  • The painting and decorating contractors will charge fair professional painter rates.
  • The commercial or residential painting contractors will guarantee their work.

A painting contractor license also does not guarantee the painting professional will honor the painting contractor services contract.

The licensed painting contractor may or may not have adequate insurance coverage (i.e. bonding, Worker’s Compensation, painting contractor liability insurance). In addition, the painting contractor license may have expired or been revoked. Due to unscrupulous business practices, or complaints lodged by previous clients.

A painting contractor license, if one is required by state law, does offer the following assurance:

  • The American painting contractors have undergone the education and/or experience requirements to become a licensed painting contractor in that state.
  • The painting contractor services for pay are recognized by the state.
  • The painting and decorating contractors have followed state painting contractor license requirements.
  • The licensed painting contractor is privy to insurance guidelines, if any, for that state (i.e. painting contractor liability insurance and/or Worker’s Compensation).
  • The painting professionals are knowledgeable about painting codes and standards, as well as proper, safe paint disposal methods.

That said, GOOD local painting contractors will:

  • Follow all state-mandated rules and regulations for painting professionals who offer painting contractor services for pay. Including painting contractor liability insurance and/or Worker’s Compensation (if required), a valid painting contractor license (if required), local professional painters painting codes, and PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America regulations (when applicable).
  • Good painting contractors won’t cut corners. They will use the best quality paint products and tools.
  • Be knowledgeable about the use of color; complementary colors, warm and cool colors, color families (hues), and color values (color lightness/darkness).
  • Be savvy in regards to various painting techniques; painting with a twist, achieving unique designer results.
  • Utilize their own in-house work crew; if a local painting company or business.
  • Be knowledgeable about paint types; latex, oil, and water-based; energy efficient paint, green painting, and the hazards of older paint that contains lead, etc.
  • Offer free price quotes for painting projects upon request.
  • Offer a price quote for painting project ideas ONLY AFTER visiting the job site. Note: visiting the job site is the only way for painting contractors to truly understand your needs and priorities.
  • Charge fair professional painter rates for quality painting contractor services.
  • Offer extended residential and commercial painting contractor services. Such as painting and decorating contractors services, wood floor refinishing, basic carpentry, professional graffiti removal, graffiti barrier application, wallpapering, etc.
  • The best painting contractor will meet your unique scheduling needs.
  • Good commercial painting contractors will respect your work environment. (I.e. nursing home, church, office, etc.)
  • Good residential painting contractors will respect your family’s privacy.

In addition to the above, good residential painting contractors and commercial painting contractors will provide a signed contract before beginning work; outlining services, fees, and the work schedule. Good American painting contractors will meet contract terms, guarantee their work, and provide client’s with the best painting contractor services possible.

The best painting contractor for the job will be a reputable painting contractor. They will put customer satisfaction at the very top of their list!

For an informative article filled with painting professional tips – read: “Painting Like a Professional; Painting Professional Tips and Techniques”.

Why Research for Good Painting and Decorating Contractors?

Many people will research items like laptops and sound system options before making a purchase. But then hire any painting company or local painting contractor for painting contractor services, as long as the price is right. Not prudent for several reasons:

1.) Price is no reflection of the painting contractors trustworthiness or performance.
2.) Many painting project ideas represent a considerable investment that should be protected.
3.) Paint quality, surface preparation, and proper painting techniques are critical to the success of all painting projects.
4.) Ultra-low price quotes could indicate low-quality painting contractor services and/or the use of low-grade paint products.

In addition, researching the qualifications and credentials of local painting contractors is the only way to insure any state-mandated painting contractor license and painting contractor liability insurance requirements are met.  And local codes and other standards (such as those endorsed by PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) will be respected.

Trying to save a few dollars by hiring the commercial or residential painting contractor with the cheapest price tag could compromise on the success of your painting project ideas. Resulting in insufficient surface preparation, substandard painting results, or even worse. Requiring additional time and money to remedy the problem.

While price should be a consideration, the painting contractors experience, skill, trustworthiness, track record, and accessibility are also important. Aspects determined only through research and by comparing local painting contractor candidates.

Reputable Painting Contractor Screening and Hiring Tips

Reputable painting contractor services aren’t something you want to simply cross your fingers and hope for. Finding the best painting contractor for your painting projects should be a conscious effort. Accomplished by researching, interviewing, screening, and eliminating candidates that don’t meet your criteria. And then selecting the best painting contractor for your painting project ideas.

Screening is also important because some painting contractors make enticing promises to lure homeowners into making a hasty hiring decision. They may represent themselves as a licensed painting contractor, without holding a valid license. Or, advertise unusually low professional painter rates. But then render substandard work using low-quality paint products. Or else not include the cost for paint, surface preparation, work site clean-up, or other aspects of painting contractor services in the price quote.  Many homeowners realize after it is too late that hidden costs, substandard painting techniques, and empty promises end up costing much more than anticipated. 

For your own protection, include the following criteria when selecting the best painting company or local painting contractor for the job:

  • Acquire residential and commercial painting contractor candidates through word-of-mouth referrals; friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. Check with your local paint store for names of reliable painting and decorating contractors. Legitimate online licensed painter contractor directories, like the one here at HandyAmerican.com, are also viable resources. Helping to connect business and homeowners to reputable painting contractor candidates.
  • Avoid hiring painting contractors for painting contractor services without first checking to ensure they have a valid painter contractor license and painting contractor liability insurance, if required in your state. Painting professionals who ignore state-mandated painting contractor license and insurance laws do not represent the most reputable painting contractor for the job. Professional painters who “fudge” when it comes to meeting painting contractor license and insurance requirements are likely to ignore industry codes (in place for the protection of you and your home). And painting contractor services by persons who ignore industry guidelines are more likely to be substandard.  Note: protect yourself! Painting contractor liability insurance and/or bonding should be a requirement, even if not state-mandated.
  • Residential painting contractors being considered will likely be inside your home, with frequent interaction with you and your family. Protect yourself, your home, and your family. Make sure the painting company or local painting contractor you hire has successfully passed a criminal background check.  Note: it is a good idea for painter crew members to display employee photo IDs when working.
  • Ask American painting contractors about the painting product they will be using; the brand, type, and grade. Ask whether or not you would have the option to select the paint brand and grade of your choice, and/or purchase the paint yourself. Note: knowing the paint brand used for painting projects is not enough. Every major paint manufacturer offers various grades of paint, with considerable differences in cost, quality, and performance.
  • When collecting bids for painting project ideas, make sure the local painting company or independent painting professional provides a detailed bid in writing. Broken down into costs for time, materials, individual painting projects, services, etc. Make sure bids from local painting contractor candidates are for identical job descriptions and painting contractor services. This is the only way to fairly and accurately evaluate each bid. Also, demand a bid, not an estimate.  Note: estimates are not legally binding; they can change at any time. A bid or price-quote is considered a statement that painting contractor services will not exceed that amount.
  • Ask what industry related organizations and associations the painting contractors belong to; the Better Business Bureau (BBB), PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, American Coatings Association (ACA), International Decorative Artisans League (IDAL), etc.
  • If your painting projects require special painting techniques, make sure local painting contractor candidates have experience utilizing the specialized paint finish desired.
  • Once making local painting company or contractor candidate selection, get everything in writing. A detailed painting contractors contract signed by both parties, outlining complete details of painting contractor services. Including preparatory work, paint brand, type, and grade, warrantees, materials list, start date, projected completion date, etc. Note: the painting projects start date and work schedule should be based on the client’s schedule, for their convenience. Not the painting contractors convenience.

Remember, the only way to avoid a possible painting disaster is to research candidates. Interview each local painting company or independent painting professional; ask questions, and request references. Take the time to check references out. Ask questions such as, “would you hire this painting company or licensed painting contractor again”, “was he/she a trustworthy, reputable painting contractor”, “was workmanship as expected”, “were painting contractor services as outlined in the contract,” and “were professional painter rates reasonable?”

Ask to see each candidate’s painting contractor license, if state-mandated. Make sure they at least meet minimum painting contractor liability insurance requirements. And then check to ensure both are valid. Also check with the BBB to ensure no legitimate complaints exist against the American painting contractors. 

Use Our Directory To Find Reliable Local Painting Contractors

Utilize our free, user-friendly search tools to find area painting and decorating contractors for your painting project ideas – large or small!

Connect with reputable painting contractor professionals with the expertise required for stylish painting techniques and painting with a twist design ideas; for awesome innovative, sophisticated painting results.

Access residential and commercial painting contractor profiles, critique painting contractor services, and view pictures of recently completed painting projects. See painting contractor license and, painting contractor liability insurance information. Read references that include names and contact information of previous clients.

Have commercial or residential painting contractors bid competitively on your painting project ideas, without cost or any obligation whatsoever. You don’t even have to share your contact information, unless you want to.

Member painting contractors at HandyAmerican.com are on standby. Waiting to answer your questions regarding their painting contractor services. Offer advice on the best paint products for your painting project ideas, inventive new painting techniques, or answer any other painting projects question.


 

Contractor Hiring Tips and FormsContractor

This article outlines how to select the right contractor, what to avoid, getting quotes, the contract, payment arrangement, and much more. Please take the time To read through our hiring tips and download the useful forms available to help make the selection process easier.

Contractor Hiring Tips >


 
Submit Your ProjectPainting

Post your interior or exterior house painting project online and receive free estimates from local contractors. Posting your project is fast, free and easy to use. Most homeowners receive responses to their posting within an hour.

Get Quotes >