How Can I Find a Local Painting Contractor?

We make finding a painter easy. Simple use our directory to <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/emc.Painting-directory.-12054.html" target="_blank">find a painter</a>. Here you can browse local pros, check their reviews and do your first screening without ever having to call. We’ve also prescreened all the pros for you, to give you peace of mind.

House Painting Or A Professional?

Interior painting makes for a doable DIY project. You can save some money and get a real sense of accomplishment by doing this yourself. And, with the right prep work – covering, taping and scraping – it’s fairly forgiving. But it takes a lot of time to move furniture, tape trim, prep the surface and cover your floor, let alone apply the actual paint. Instead, save yourself the time and hassle and find a <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/near-me/interior-painters/" target="_blank">local interior painter</a>. Leave exterior painting to the pros. Not only do you need to worry about the type and quality of the paint, you’ll also likely need a ladder and considerably more prep work. You’ll likely need additional equipment like ladders, scaffolding and possibly a paint sprayer. It’s almost cheaper to just hire a pro. Talk to a <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/near-me/exterior-painters/" target="_blank">local exterior house painter</a> about your project.

22 Best Painters - San Francisco CA | HomeAdvisor Painting Contractors

Frequently asked questions

Painters usually price a job by the square feet of the project. Sometimes they’ll include flat fees for fixed expenses, like overhead and permits.

We make finding a painter easy. Simple use our directory to find a painter. Here you can browse local pros, check their reviews and do your first screening without ever having to call. We’ve also prescreened all the pros for you, to give you peace of mind.

Interior painting makes for a doable DIY project. You can save some money and get a real sense of accomplishment by doing this yourself. And, with the right prep work – covering, taping and scraping – it’s fairly forgiving. But it takes a lot of time to move furniture, tape trim, prep the surface and cover your floor, let alone apply the actual paint. Instead, save yourself the time and hassle and find a local interior painter.

Leave exterior painting to the pros. Not only do you need to worry about the type and quality of the paint, you’ll also likely need a ladder and considerably more prep work. You’ll likely need additional equipment like ladders, scaffolding and possibly a paint sprayer. It’s almost cheaper to just hire a pro. Talk to a local exterior house painter about your project.

Do your research. Understand what to expect and what to look for in a pro. Look at paint types, prices and costs.
1. Interior home painting costs $1,000-$2,800
2. Exterior painting costs $1,700-$4,100
3. Painting a ceiling costs $150-$350
4. Painting cabinets costs $350-$1,200
5. Trim painting costs $500-$1,500
6. Calculate paint coverage
Call pros for site inspections and estimates. Always get three to five estimates.
Check references, compare quotes, look at past work. After you have estimates in hand, do one final pass to compare the contractors.
Sign a contract with the pro of your choice. You might need to make a down payment, usually 25% to 50% of the total project cost to cover material costs, but not all pros require this. Don’t pay for the entire project upfront.

A complete inspection. Each pro takes a walk around your home to evaluate the condition of your current paint, the size of the job and any obstacles for accessing the site. They do this to see how much prep work they’ll need and estimate how long the job will take. The more thorough the inspection, the more accurate the quote.
Color consultation. Expect each contractor to have varying color options and suggestions. However, you have the final say.
Listen to the pro – they’re experts after all – but don’t get pushed into a color combination or finish type that you don’t want. Understand the different exterior paints or interior paint choices before your pro arrives.
A rough estimate or complete quote. Finishing contractors vary here. Usually, they can quote straightforward projects on the spot. But some may need to take it back to their shop to run numbers and give you a detailed estimate with costs broken out. Neither method is better than the other, but just make sure to get multiple quotes.

How long have you been in business? A long business history helps you avoid shoddy companies. It’s hard for a service business to stay in business if they don’t do good work.
Are you licensed and insured? Not all states require a license for painting homes, but many do. Always use one that’s insured.
Do you belong to any professional organizations? You’ll find many online, like the Painting Contractors Association or the Finishing Contractors Association?
Do you have other work I can look at? Always check a portfolio or, in the case of painters, it’s better to look at work they did a few years ago to see how well it’s held up.
How long will the job take? Get a rough estimate but get it in writing.
How many people are in your crew? This is especially important if you work remotely. More people generally means more noise, but they’ll be done faster.
Will I be in the way if I’m home during the painting? You usually won’t be in the way, but this question helps you understand what to expect while they’re working. They’ll need to lay down coverings and do a lot of prep work.
Do you guarantee your work? Never hire a painter who doesn’t guarantee their work. This often means they’ll rush the prep work, since peeling never happens right away.
What type of paint do you use, and how long is it rated to last? Different rooms need different paint and the exterior needs exterior paint. It comes in different grades with different guaranteed lifetimes.
Can you supply a written estimate and contract? Never use a painter who isn’t willing to put his work in writing.

Recent Job Requests for Painting Contractors in San Francisco, CA

Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/05/24
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Location: Home/Residence
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/05/24
Desired Completion Date: Within 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Square Footage: Under 1500 sqft
Surface Material: Stucco
Number of Stories: Two stories or more
What do you want to paint?: Less than half of the home exterior (1-2 sides)
Comment: Thank you for having conversation with me about my painting project. I'm looking forward to receiving your proposal for our front of house refurbishment and paint project. This is the information I have been gleaning and sharing with perspective bidders like you AND please forgive me for any repetitive information you may find within this email. Standard Exterior Preparation : Paint preparation shall be performed per Federal, City and State laws regarding lead-based paint, including proper disposal of said paint debris, IF any is found. 1. Scrape and sand windows, casings, garage and side to meters doors, molding and trim. 2. Remove loose paint from stucco. 3, Prime stucco and all items as listed in 1. and 2. above. 4. Re-glase windows, re-nail molding and trim as needed. Horizontal siding is to be caulked on all the vertical joints. 5. Re-prime all repaired areas. Depressions will be filled with filler epoxy. 6. Finish paint stucco, garage door and side door to basement, windows, moldings and trim with two coats of paint on front of house plus walls up the stairs to house front door. Front door gets a sanding prep and clear varnish. 7. I understand that it is advisible to choose light paint colors for then house. 8. Maintainance of excellent clean up as project progresses to completion following EPA standards. 9. The chosen company will also need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board of California, bonded and carry full insurance in the State of California. 10. The bid includes work on the side of the house from front to back that overlooks the neighbors house to the south of our house. Permission has already been granted to stand on the neighbors roof to perform the work. 11. Protect area from contamination by maintaining an enclosed and secure scaffolding with tight netting so that no paint remnants fly into the air or neighbors yards. 12. Provide written notice of work to adjacent neighbors. 13. Pressure / power
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/05/24
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Ceiling
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 3 - 4 rooms
Location: Home/Residence
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/04/24
Location: Home/Residence
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 1 - 2 rooms
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Trim
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/04/24
Location: Home/Residence
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 1 - 2 rooms
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Ceiling
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Trim
Comment: Hoping to paint a bedroom ceiling and walls. Hoping to not need to paint the trim too but selected just in case. Already have some paint that can be used.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/04/24
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Within 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
What is the occupancy of the house?: Furnished and occupied
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 3 - 4 rooms
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Ceiling
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Trim
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Bathroom(s)
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Living spaces (Bedroom, Hallways, Living Room, etc.)
Comment: I'd like to repaint the interior of my 1200 sq ft condo. Everything except the kitchen needs to be repainted.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/03/24
What do you want to paint?: Less than half of the home exterior (1-2 sides)
Comment: First, I need stucco repair to the side of the house and the front. After that is complete, I want the front and side of the house repainted. It is one story typical in the outer avenues. I assume you need scaffolding. There may be a piece/section of the window frame that needs to be replaced on the front side. Left side is where the front stairs are. The rain is a problem.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/03/24
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Urgent (1-2 days)
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
What is the occupancy of the house?: Empty of furnishings and unoccupied
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 3 - 4 rooms
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Kitchen
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Bathroom(s)
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Living spaces (Bedroom, Hallways, Living Room, etc.)
Comment: need to repaint white walls of a 2 bed 2 bath apartment ahead of a new tenant move in
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/03/24
Location: Home/Residence
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 3 - 4 rooms
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Trim
Comment: We have been removing old paint from the trim/doors in a few rooms, but it is taking too long with our schedules.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/03/24
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Within 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
What is the occupancy of the house?: Empty of furnishings and unoccupied
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 5+ rooms
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Kitchen
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Bathroom(s)
Which rooms need to be painted? (Check all that apply): Living spaces (Bedroom, Hallways, Living Room, etc.)
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/02/24
Desired Completion Date: Within 2 weeks
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Square Footage: 1500-3000 sqft
Surface Material: Wood
Number of Stories: Two stories or more
What do you want to paint?: More than half of the home exterior (3-4 sides)
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/02/24
Location: Home/Residence
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 3 - 4 rooms
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Ceiling
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Trim
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/02/24
What do you want to paint?: The exterior trim
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
What do you want to paint?: Less than half of the home exterior (1-2 sides)
What do you want to paint?: Garage Door
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/01/24
Desired Completion Date: More than 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Square Footage: 1500-3000 sqft
Surface Material: Wood
Number of Stories: Two stories or more
What do you want to paint?: Less than half of the home exterior (1-2 sides)
Comment: We have a 2-story row house with an enclosed front patio but inaccessible sides. The house front; garage door, front, and side; patio walls; and the street door and door from the patio into the house need to be painted. We want to keep the current color scheme with the two pedestrian doors a separate color from everything else.
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 02/01/24
Location: Home/Residence
How many rooms do you want to paint?: 5+ rooms
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Ceiling
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Wall
What needs to be painted? (Check all that apply): Trim
Comment: 1650 sq ft home
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 01/31/24
Desired Completion Date: Within 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Square Footage: Under 1500 sqft
Surface Material: Stucco
Number of Stories: Two stories or more
What do you want to paint?: Less than half of the home exterior (1-2 sides)
Comment: Thank you for having conversation with me about my painting project. I'm looking forward to receiving your proposal for our front of house refurbishment and paint project. This is the information I have been gleaning and sharing with perspective bidders like you AND please forgive me for any repetitive information you may find within this email. Standard Exterior Preparation : Paint preparation shall be performed per Federal, City and State laws regarding lead-based paint, including proper disposal of said paint debris, IF any is found. 1. Scrape and sand windows, casings, garage and side to meters doors, molding and trim. 2. Remove loose paint from stucco. 3, Prime stucco and all items as listed in 1. and 2. above. 4. Re-glase windows, re-nail molding and trim as needed. Horizontal siding is to be caulked on all the vertical joints. 5. Re-prime all repaired areas. Depressions will be filled with filler epoxy. 6. Finish paint stucco, garage door and side door to basement, windows, moldings and trim with two coats of paint on front of house plus walls up the stairs to house front door. Front door gets a sanding prep and clear varnish. 7. I understand that it is advisible to choose light paint colors for then house. 8. Maintainance of excellent clean up as project progresses to completion following EPA standards. 9. The chosen company will also need to be licensed by the Contractors State License Board of California, bonded and carry full insurance in the State of California. 10. The bid includes work on the side of the house from front to back that overlooks the neighbors house to the south of our house. Permission has already been granted to stand on the neighbors roof to perform the work. 11. Protect area from contamination by maintaining an enclosed and secure scaffolding with tight netting so that no paint remnants fly into the air or neighbors yards. 12. Provide written notice of work to adjacent neighbors. 13. Pressure / power
Project Location: San Francisco, CA
Date: 01/31/24
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Location: Home/Residence
Comment: Refinish 4 wooden kitchen chairs.

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