How to Hire a Painter
Knowing how to hire a painter is one of the smartest moves you can make when your home needs a refresh. Whether you’re facing faded walls, chipped trim, or just craving a change, the difference between a job done and a job done well often comes down to the person holding the brush. Here’s everything you need to know before you hand over your walls and your wallet.
Hiring a Painter vs. Doing It Yourself
The DIY route has its appeal. You pick your colours, pop open a can, and roll away the weekend. But let’s be honest, hiring a painter vs. doing it yourself isn’t a fair fight when you factor in time, tools, and results.
An expert painter shows up with more than just a roller. They bring years of experience, better tools, and a detailed process that includes prepping, protecting, and finishing to a level that’s hard to match. Think crisp lines, smooth finishes, and zero paint splatters on your baseboards. Plus, pros handle the stuff that most DIYers dread like scraping ceilings, repairing drywall, or climbing ladders three storeys high.
Then there's the matter of time. Painting a single room might sound like a weekend job, but life has a funny way of turning "one weekend" into three. Between prep, multiple coats, cleanup, and inevitable trips to the hardware store for something you forgot, it’s rarely as quick or straightforward as it seems. A pro gets it done faster, without sacrificing quality.
And quality matters. Ever walk into a room and notice patchy walls, wavy edges, or roller marks in the light? That’s the kind of thing you get when you rush or use the wrong tools. Professionals know how to avoid those pitfalls. They understand how to work with tricky textures, different sheens, and awkward corners. What looks effortless to them often takes years to master.
There’s also the safety factor. High ceilings? Tight stairwells? Exterior work? These are not beginner projects. Professional painters are trained to work safely at height and have the gear to do so. They’re also covered by insurance, which means if something does go wrong, you’re not left holding the bill.
And let’s not forget the clean-up. A DIY job doesn’t end when the walls are dry. It ends when the paint trays are washed, the floors are spotless, and the tape is off without pulling up your trim paint. Most homeowners start strong and fizzle out by the end. A pro sees it through, neatly.
DIY might save you some cash upfront, but the hidden costs of rework, wasted paint, or having to live with a less-than-perfect job often outweigh the savings. If you want your space to look magazine-worthy and stand up to wear and tear, a pro is the way to go.
The Dos and Don’ts of Hiring: How to Hire a Painting Contractor?
Wondering how to hire a painting contractor who’ll actually show up, do the job right, and leave your space cleaner than they found it? Here’s what to do and what to avoid.
DO get multiple quotes. But don’t just go with the cheapest. Look at what’s included, prep work, paint quality, number of coats, warranties, and compare apples to apples. Ask for a breakdown of materials and labour so you know what you’re really paying for. A quote that’s significantly lower than others may be cutting corners somewhere.
DO ask questions. How long have they been in business? Are they insured and bonded? What brands of paint do they use and why? A good contractor will be happy to walk you through their process, the products they use, and why they stand behind their work. If they’re vague or brush you off, that’s a red flag.
DO check references and reviews. Online reviews tell part of the story, but a quick phone call to a past client will tell you even more. Ask about punctuality, professionalism, and how issues (if any) were handled. Consistency matters—look for painters with a track record of delivering great results, not just one or two glowing reviews.
DO get everything in writing. Don’t rely on handshakes or casual agreements. A formal contract should include a detailed scope of work, prep requirements, paint products, timelines, payment schedule, and warranty terms. It protects both parties and ensures expectations are clear from day one.
DO discuss timelines upfront. Ask when the job will start, how long it will take, and if they’ll be working full days or bouncing between jobs. Clarity here avoids frustration later, especially if you're working on a tight schedule.
DON’T pay everything upfront. A deposit is standard to secure your spot on the schedule or cover initial materials, but no reputable painter will ask for the full amount before starting. Staged payments, like 30% upfront, 30% mid-job, and the balance upon completion, are a better structure.
DON’T assume they know what you want. Be clear about colour choices, sheen levels, and any surfaces or details you want left untouched. A walk-through before the job starts is the perfect time to set these expectations. Photos or paint samples can help bridge the gap between what you say and what they hear.
DON’T skip a final inspection. Before handing over the final payment, walk through the space with the painter. Look at walls in natural light, check edges and corners, and flag anything that doesn’t look right. A professional will gladly make touch-ups and ensure you’re happy with the results.
DON’T forget to ask about prep and cleanup. A high-quality paint job starts long before the first brushstroke. You want a contractor who fills holes, sands where needed, protects your furniture and floors, and thoroughly cleans up after the work is done. Leaving a job site tidy isn’t just professional, it’s respectful.
Taking a little extra time upfront to vet your painter pays off in the long run. The right contractor brings peace of mind, professional results, and a space you’ll be proud to live in.
Important House Painting Skills of a Top-Level Residential Painter
Hiring based on price alone? That’s a gamble. A better filter? Look at their house painting skills.
Surface preparation is a non-negotiable. It’s the most time-consuming part of the job and it’s the most important. A high-level painter doesn’t skip it. They take the time to inspect every surface, repair imperfections, remove old or peeling paint, caulk gaps, sand thoroughly, and prime correctly. Proper prep makes the paint last longer, look smoother, and resist issues like peeling or bubbling. Here are some of the important house painting skills of an expert home painter:
Mastery of tools is another major skill. A top-tier painter knows when to use a brush, roller, or sprayer, and how to get flawless results with each. They choose the right tool for the surface, apply paint with even pressure, and avoid tell-tale signs of inexperience like lap marks or streaks.
Edge work and precision set pros apart. Cutting in along ceilings, baseboards, and trim requires a steady hand and practiced eye. These details make the difference between a passable job and one that looks clean and professional from every angle.
Knowledge of coatings and materials is essential. A true expert understands the differences between latex, oil-based, and specialty paints. They know what works best on different surfaces, whether it’s drywall, wood, brick, stucco, or cabinetry, and they can explain why. They also consider factors like humidity, traffic levels, and sunlight when recommending a finish.
Project management and workflow can’t be overlooked. Great painters know how to sequence the job efficiently. They plan for dry times, move logically from room to room, and coordinate with other contractors when needed. They don’t rush, but they also don’t waste time.
Cleanliness and respect for the space are hallmarks of a high-end pro. They use drop cloths, cover furniture, remove outlet covers, and mask off everything that shouldn’t be touched. When the job’s done, they vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and put things back in place. You’re not left cleaning up after them.
Communication and collaboration matter just as much as technical skill. A top-level painter will walk you through the plan, give clear timelines, and let you know if any issues arise. They’ll explain trade-offs and offer recommendations, but ultimately respect your decisions. You should feel heard, respected, and confident throughout the project.
Problem-solving is another underappreciated skill. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected damage behind a wall, navigating tricky architectural features, or adjusting for environmental factors like humidity or temperature, great painters stay calm, adjust quickly, and deliver consistent results.
Top residential painters aren’t just tradespeople—they’re craftspeople, project managers, and collaborators all in one. These house painting skills don’t just improve your walls. They improve your entire experience.
Reasons Why McHugh Painting Is KW’s Favourite Residential Painting Company
There are plenty of painters out there. So why do people say we’re different? Here are just a few Reasons Why McHugh Painting Is KW’s Favourite Residential Painting Company:
Experience you can see. We’ve been painting homes across Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Cambridge since 2008. We know the surfaces, the climate, and what it takes to make a finish last in Ontario conditions.
We don’t cut corners. From protecting your floors to priming your walls, we treat your home like it’s our own. We show up on time, do it right, and clean up after ourselves.
We offer real guarantees. Our 7-year workmanship warranty means you don’t have to cross your fingers when we leave. And our kitchen cabinet refinishing? Lifetime warranty.
We bring value. Save $500 on your residential painting project. Ask for a free quote and we’ll walk you through what’s needed. No upsells, no pressure.
Full-service expertise. From popcorn ceiling removal to plastering and pressure washing, we’re more than just painters. We’re your go-to team for surface prep, finishes, and everything in between.
At McHugh Painting, we believe painting is about more than changing colour. It’s about improving how your space feels, how it performs, and how long it lasts.
Learning how to hire a painter doesn’t have to be stressful. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and look for experience that shows. And when you’re ready to get it done without the hassle? Give us a call at (226) 978-8152. We’ll treat your home like our own. Because around here, that’s just how we do things. Contact us for more information today.
