The Biggest Painting Contractor Scams to Watch Out For

Most local interior painting companies you come across will be upstanding, but when looking for the right home painter pro for your project, it’s important to keep an eye out for red flags. The best way to avoid painting contractor scams—or even a miscommunication—is to ask your potential painter lots of questions. You’ll also want to get a contract that details what exactly they’ll be doing, who will be doing the work, what paint will be used, and how they will protect your furniture and floors. 

Below we’ve outlined some best practices for hiring a home painter and some red flags that should make you think twice before hiring a particular pro. 

How to Hire a Home Painter

1. Ask friends or neighbors for their recommendations or read online reviews. 

2. Meet the contenders. State your requirements (we’ll help you develop them below).

3. Get a price estimate from each. 

4. Check their credentials as well as the Better Business Bureau or the state attorney’s office for complaints. 

5. Negotiate the contract and make a deposit. 

Painting Contractor Scams and Red Flags

Protecting yourself from potential painting contractor scams starts with obtaining quotes from at least three painters. It’s easier to spot a deal that’s too good to be true when you have some legitimate quotes and actions to compare it to. 

Not Having a License, Insurance Policy, or Reviews

Ask your painter how much experience they have, especially with projects like yours. You can also ask for references or to see the work they’ve already done. Make sure they have a valid business license and insurance.

Suspiciously Low or Incomplete Bids

Be wary of a vague bid that doesn’t mention the kind of paint they'll use, how damage will be handled, or a timeline. This lack of communication can spell trouble for any business relationship, even if it isn’t a scam. 

No Written Contract

Most professional painters will have a written painting estimate contract that spells out the expectations for the work in significant detail. A written contract protects both parties. If the painter refuses to work with a written painting contract, this is a red flag.

Poor Quality Paint

Take a look at paint cans as they arrive. Make sure they look new and don't have paint on the rim. If it's a 5-gallon bucket, check to see whether the lid is still sealed with the plastic strip. 

Add-On Charges and Mystery Repairs

When you receive the final bill for the work, check it carefully. If you see charges for items that weren’t discussed ahead of time or for repairs that you didn’t authorize, this is a common scam. 

An unethical painter might charge extra for work that was never performed, hoping you won’t notice. This is why it’s important to have a detailed cost estimate and a written contract for the work. 

With some of the most common ways unethical painters try to scam customers in mind, you can now take steps to hire a home painter who is trustworthy.

Before Hiring a Home Painter

It’s best to know what you want from your project so you can explain it to your painter and ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Ask About Wall Repair

Many painters have the training to make small wall repairs. However, if you need to hire another pro to replace the trim, you’ll want to know that before your painters leave your house.

Be Clear on Your Finishes

Know what sheen you want and make sure it’s in the contract. The difference is around $1 per gallon per sheen upgrade. Flat paint is the cheapest, then matte flat or eggshell, satin, semigloss, then gloss. Don’t leave it to your painter to decide.

Paint also gets much more expensive the darker the color you choose. A can of white or neutral interior paint colors can be as much as $20 less expensive than a dark color. 

Determine How Many Coats

If your contractor is almost finished with a project and realizes that your walls need another coat of paint, that additional coat of paint that wasn’t in the original contract can significantly increase the overall cost. Make sure you specify the exact price of additional coats in the contract before this happens.

Questions to Ask Your Painter

By now, you can likely tell that asking lots of questions can help mitigate problems later. Ask these questions before hiring:

• Will I need to be out of the house for the duration of the project?

• Do you need to move the furniture and pack up items around the house? 

• Will the painter handle cleanup and haul away trash from the project?

• Who will be doing the actual work? Is it subcontracted? How experienced is the crew?

• How many days will the project take? 

• Will the painter be there every day?

• How will you protect the floors, furniture, or other surfaces? 

• Do you offer a guarantee?

Don’t forget to ask whether you have to pay your painter upfront—and if so, how much.

After Your Home Painter Has Finished

If you can, save the leftover can of paint or at least note the name and finish. You never know when your wall might need a small touch-up or you want to match it again.

Do a walk-through and make sure your rooms and hallways look good before making the final payment. If you had doors painted, it’s a good idea to open and close them to make sure an additional coat of paint didn’t make them too tight for their frames. 

You should have also negotiated a return visit for any touch-ups you notice after a week or two. Even pros occasionally miss a spot.