Hiring a contractor is one of those things that seems simple — until it’s not. You just need someone to paint the house, remodel the kitchen, or fix the roof, right? But then come the delays, the vague quotes, the half-finished work… and suddenly, you’re knee-deep in stress and second-guessing your decision.
I’ve learned (the hard way) that picking the right contractor can make or break your project — not just financially, but mentally too. So if you’re planning any kind of home improvement — especially something visual like painting — here’s what you need to know before you sign anything.
And yes, the company you choose matters. When I worked with https://nomadpainting.net/ on an exterior repaint, their attention to detail, prep work, and clear communication stood out from the start. That’s what you want — not just skills, but reliability.
Define the Job Clearly (Even if It’s “Just Painting”)
Before you start calling around, take the time to write out what exactly you want done. For example, if it’s an exterior paint job:
- Are you painting the trim too?
- Does the job include caulking, sanding, or power washing?
- Are there specific colors or finishes you want?
The more detailed you are, the more accurate your quotes will be — and the fewer “surprise charges” you’ll get later.
Get Multiple Quotes — But Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest
Yes, get at least 2–3 quotes. But don’t just compare price — compare what’s included.
A low bid can forgo prep work, utilize inexpensive materials, or take shortcuts that cause problems later on. A higher bid might cover everything, such as getting ready, doing the work, cleaning up, and using high-quality supplies.
Ask each contractor to break it down for you. A professional will explain their process step-by-step — and if they don’t, that’s your sign to move on.
Ask These Questions (They’ll Tell You Everything)
Don’t be shy — this is your home, and your money.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can I see recent work or get references?
- Who will actually be doing the work — your crew or subcontractors?
- What happens if you run into delays or weather problems?
- Do you provide a written contract and timeline?
A good contractor will appreciate these questions. A bad one will avoid them.
Pay Attention to How They Communicate
How someone communicates before a project is a pretty good indicator of how they’ll communicate during it. Are they:
- Quick to respond?
- Clear in their answers?
- Respectful of your questions?
- Organized in their estimate?
Trust your gut here. I chose Nomad Painting not just because of their reputation, but because from the first call, they were straight to the point, honest about timing, and happy to walk me through everything — even the boring stuff.
Read the Real Reviews
You can check reviews on Google or Yelp, but don’t believe all they say. Look for patterns: Do a lot of people talk about delays? Bad cleanup? Excellent prep work?
If a company has 20 glowing reviews that sound legit and a few minor complaints about weather delays — that’s probably a solid bet. If reviews mention things like “never showed up” or “won’t answer calls,” steer clear.
Don’t Skip the Contract
Always get a contract in writing. When people make deals with words, they often get things wrong and get headaches. Your contract should include:
- Scope of work
- Materials to be used
- Timeline and payment schedule
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Warranty or guarantees
It doesn’t have to be 20 pages long — just clear and in writing.
To Sum It Up
Choosing a contractor isn’t just a transaction — it’s a relationship. You’re trusting someone with your home, your time, and your money. That’s no small thing.
So take your time. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Trust your gut. And when in doubt, work with professionals who are proud of their process — not just their finished product. Teams like Nomad Painting don’t just show up to get the job done — they care about how it’s done, and that’s the kind of mindset you want on your side.
The right contractor won’t just leave you with a better home — they’ll leave you wishing all your projects went this smoothly.
