🎨 Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Painter – and How to Avoid Them
Hiring a painter sounds simple — until the paint starts peeling six months later or you realize your “bargain deal” came with hidden costs and unfinished trim 😩
Here are the top 5 mistakes homeowners make when hiring a painter, and what YOU can do to avoid them from the start.
❌ 1. Going with the Cheapest Quote — No Questions Asked
If it sounds too good to be true… it usually is.
Low quotes often skip prep work, use cheap paint, or don’t include essential steps like priming or sealing. Worse, some painters leave halfway through the job because they underquoted and can't afford to finish.
✅ What to do instead:
Ask for a detailed quote that breaks down materials, prep, number of coats, and labor. Pay for quality — it lasts longer and saves you money in the long run.
❌ 2. Not Checking If They’re Insured
Anyone can grab a brush — but not everyone’s a professional.
If a painter gets hurt on your property or damages your home and doesn’t have insurance, YOU could be held responsible.
✅ What to do instead:
Always ask:
“Are you insured?”
“Can you provide a certificate of insurance?”
At Sunshine Pro Paint, we’re fully insured for your peace of mind.
❌ 3. Skipping the Research (or Not Reading Reviews)
Hiring someone based on a friend's cousin’s recommendation or a random Facebook post? That’s risky.
✅ What to do instead:
Check their Google Business Profile, Facebook reviews, or before-and-after photos. Look for painters with real project examples, happy client feedback, and a consistent presence in your city.
❌ 4. Ignoring the Prep Work
Painting is 60% prep, 40% paint.
If a painter skips pressure washing, patching cracks, or sanding flaking areas, the paint won’t stick — and it WILL peel.
✅ What to do instead:
Ask: “What prep work is included before painting starts?”
Trust painters who don’t rush prep. It’s the difference between a job that lasts 10 years… or 10 months.
❌ 5. No Written Agreement or Timeline
“Yeah, we’ll be done in about a week...” turns into 3 weeks, 2 missed workdays, and no sign of the crew.
✅ What to do instead:
Ask for a written proposal with:
Estimated start & finish dates
What’s included (and not included)
Payment terms & materials
It protects you AND the painter.
🛠️ Bottom Line:
You deserve a team that:
✔️ Shows up
✔️ Does it right the first time
✔️ Leaves your space better than they found it
At Sunshine Pro Paint, we specialize in high-quality, professional painting in Jacksonville — no shortcuts, no guessing games, just solid results.
📍 Locally owned
🎨 Residential + Rental properties
📲 DM us to get your free estimate today!
