What To Consider When Hiring A Residential Nanaimo Painter

Get Multiple Painting Quotes

Before hiring a painter, it’s smart to gather several quotes—just as you would for any home project. Take time to compare not just prices, but what each estimate includes. Read carefully, ask questions, and make sure you’re comparing equal levels of preparation, materials, and coatings.

Take the time to find out who you are letting into your home and around your family, pets and belongings. Get references, a reputable painting contractor should provide contact details for past clients who confirm their quality of work, professionalism and reliability.

Learn more with this guide: Why Painting Quotes Vary.

Why Hiring a Residential Painter Can Be Tricky

Finding a trusted painter can be difficult compared to other tradespeople. While every profession has its range of skill and ethics, the spectrum among painters is especially broad, making careful research and selecting a reputable contractor essential. Skill levels and professionalism vary widely, from meticulous and professional to inexperienced and sloppy.

Many companies rely on temporary or seasonal workers, which can affect quality and consistency. Take time to research, verify credentials, and hire a company with a proven reputation for dependable, detailed work.

It may not be the best idea to hire this painting crew!

Where to Start When Looking for a Painter in Nanaimo

Ask for referrals from people you trust and more importantly who have quality expectations that match yours—if family or friends don’t know of anyone ask a local trades person, realtor, home inspector, or paint stores for recommendations.

Once you have a few leads, invite the painters to visit your home or job site. A professional will take time to review the space, answer your questions, and discuss your goals before preparing a detailed estimate.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Painting Company

• Who will actually do the painting, and what experience do they have?
• Does the company have long-term, skilled employees?
• Are seasonal students or sub-contracted painters hired just to book volumes of work when the labour demand is high in the exterior season?
• Will the owner or a supervisor be on-site during the job?
• Will your project be worked on continuously until it’s done or will there be delays as the painters bounce from job to job.

Scheduling Your Painting Project

Confirm the project start and completion dates. Inquire whether the crew will show up when planned and work steadily or split time between other jobs. Reliable painters will communicate clearly, stay on schedule, and minimize disruption to your home.

Questions to Ask Your Residential Painter

• Are you licensed and do you carry WorksafeBC and liability insurance?
• Can you provide references and examples of previous work?
• What steps are taken to protect my home, furniture and flooring?
• What is the payment schedule?
• Is the quote cost fixed or subject to change?
• What surface preparation is included?
• What type of brand and quality of paint will be used and how many coats?
• What is the time schedule for starting and finishing?
• Who will perform the work and what is their experience?
• As the homeowner, do you need to prepare anything before the job begins? See our guide for more info: How To Get Your House Interior Ready For Painters

Traits Of A Professional House Painter

A professional residential painter takes pride in their craft and treats your home with care. Look for someone who is:

• Punctual, courteous and organized
• A clear communicator and willing to answer questions
• Manages expectations by being honest about what can and can’t be done
• Focused on customer satisfaction with the work and overall experience
• Consistently striving for excellence on every job
• Up-to-date with paint technology, products and trends

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Unprofessional or discourteous behavior, not easy to talk to
• Verbal quotes, or quotes with little detail
• Large upfront payments or asking you to supply paint and materials
• Estimates that seem extremely high or low
• Companies that book large volumes of exterior work and may run out of time to get your job completed.
• Fly-by-night painters that don’t care about end results and may disappear after the job