Common Painting Contractor Scams

Look for any of these bad practices to see if you’re being taken advantage of:

– Bait and switch
Make sure to specify what types of paint and other materials are to be used. If you don’t, a dishonest paint contractor can use a $34 per gallon Behr paint instead of the agreed-upon $75 per gallon Benjamin Moore paint.
Go into the project area and look at the materials to ensure they are the ones laid out in the contract.

– Shortcuts.
What technique do shady paint contractors and greasy car salesmen have in common? Lowballing. It’s a notorious painting contractor scam used to try and get a job, one that will get you a mediocre finish at best.
Don’t hesitate to stop in every so often to check on the progress and ask questions, even if you sound like a game of 20 Q’s.

– Excessive add-on charges
Sure, it’s common to find additional work such as wood rot during a project, but that’s a normal add-on. Include basic elements of the project, such as filling in minor surface defects or caulking.
If you think you are in a painting contractor scam, get a second opinion from a home inspector, the National Association of Home Builders, or your local building department.

– Taking the money and running
Sure it sounds like the Steve Miller Band song, but this is your money we’re talking about. Don’t make large payments up front or you may never see that money again.
If your project has long delays between work days, it’s an indicator that your payments are funding another project.
Have a precise payment plan with a clear contract to ensure you can’t be taken advantage of. Dealing with a bad paint contractor can be the same as living a Stephen King horror novel.