When beginning your search for a painting contractor, begin by asking local paint supply stores, designers and builders if they have a list of painting contractors they recommend. You can also find directories of painting contractors on the Internet and in the Yellow Pages.

Before spending time interviewing, always check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the contractors you plan to interview. You will probably want to skip interviews with contractors who have more than one complaint filed against them.

Be clear with your painting contractor about what areas of your home you want painted, how many coats of paint you want, whether or not you want primer applied and what type of paint you want used. Get all these details in writing before the work begins.