Below are 10 Steps to finding the best painter for your home:

1) Make Sure You Get What You Want - To accurately compare different estimates, each painting company must quote the same project. Prepare a simple list of the work required, specifying exactly what areas need painting, what gloss level, and colour you want. and when you would like it completed.

2) Get Multiple Estimates - Every contractor is different. Some might be more expensive, and some not; some might get the job done faster, some not. You should choose a contractor based on YOUR schedule and YOUR needs. Cheaper does not always mean better. Don’t make this the cheapest it can possibly be. You want to find a good paint contractor who will do what you request. Remember, the painting company should treat your house like it was their own

3) What Is the Painting Process? -  Ask the paint company what their process is for, regardless of an interior painting project or exterior one. Find out what the preparation, priming and finish coats will be for the specific surface they will be working on. A professional painting company in the Greater Toronto area should have a written process that will explain what they will do from preparation, to the final coat.

4) How Will Your Home Be Protected? - Find out how the area around the painting project will be protected. Plants, furniture, etc. Professional paint contractors should cover all furniture inside, and all plants and shrubs when doing an exterior project with tarps.

5) Know How Long The Project Will Be Completed -  Get a written time frame for the entire job, which should include start date, end date and how many painters it will take to complete the project.

6) Warranty Protection -  Establish the details of the warranty before hiring someone and make sure it is in writing. Some warranties cover labor and materials while some only cover materials. Make sure the contractor is fully insured to cover: your home, furniture, artwork, etc., not just the room or rooms being worked on

7) References - Once you have the references in hand, call them. You’d be surprised how many homeowners skip that part! If you are looking for an exterior painting company, then get addresses of projects recently completed as well as several years. This will allow you to see the wear of the paint job over the years. A professional painting company completing a house painting project, should not see that much difference in a few years.

8) Presentation - When you meet the contractor are they professional? How are they dressed? A individual's appearance does say a lot when about how they work. If someone comes to your home and is unkempt, unprofessional, then how will they work on your home?

9) Relationship - Whether you get referrals from people you trust or end up blindly calling listings from the phone book, it's important to trust your instincts. Did the paint contractor return your call promptly and show up on time for your appointment? During the meeting, did the contractor answer questions to your satisfaction? Willingly provide references? Lay out his expectations for the job? Did you feel like you had good rapport with this person? This is important; communication is the most important aspect of the client/contractor relationship and you have to feel that you can speak directly and honestly with your contractor.

10) Quality of Paint - Any painting company has access to all types of paint, which are manufactured to different quality levels. Insist on top quality products. The little extra cost will pay off in the long run, because it will last longer.