Seeking a Good Painter?

Ask friends or relatives for the name of a painter with whom they have been satisfied. This is by far your best lead.

Ask a paint store manager if there is a painter he can personally recommend. This is a bit tricky because stores rarely stand behind such a recommendation. Ask the store manager lots of questions. You'll soon discover if the recommendation is well-founded.

If the painter has not been recommended

If the painter has not been recommended to you, be sure to ask for references.
Questions to ask his references:

Did the painter do what he said he would do?
Was he dependable?
Would you hire him again?

If in doubt, contact the Better Business Bureau in Edmonton (780-482-2341) and request a report. Reports are available 24 hours a day and take only a minute. If the BBB says they have "no reports" this is good. It means no complaints have been received. If there are reports—even one—this is bad; it means a complaint has been received. If the BBB says they have "no record" of the company, this is also bad. It means the company is probably not registered with the corporate registry.

When the painter gives you his estimate

When the painter gives you his estimate, ask that a description of the work and the price be detailed completely in writing. If you have stipulations about the work or materials ask that they be written into the estimate. Ask that such items as closets, trim, ceilings and the number of coats of paint be stipulated.

Ask who does the work

There are a number of companies that act as "agents," charging a finder's fee to other people who come in to do the work. If you have doubts, have the painter guarantee in writing that he will be the one performing the work.