Expectations in Hiring a Painter

I used to paint professionaly and expect perfection when I work. This makes me look at other "professional" jobs quite critically any time I see things like that--nails painted over, holes not filled, lines not perfectly straight, drops not wiped up or small spills, etc. That said, I understand that perfection is a bit high of an expectation, but if someone who does not do that for a living can see a problem with something that is or was preventable or fixable, then that would be a problem to me. I have seen plenty of expensive professional jobs that I would not have paid money for, but I am also very picky when it comes to painting.

You are the customer, so the job must be done to your satisfaction. I am the kind of person where if it looks off it would drive me nuts, so I would ask to have it fixed.

Next time hire different painters. In the meantime, if there is some leftover paint, you can fix the things that bother you yourself.

The last time I painted (I do my own painting), I finally discovered the secret to straight lines on trim. My bathroom (where I last painted) has a perfect line between the wall and molding, and this is an older house. I'm still proud of that line. :)

You would be shocked to see the paint job left in our neighborhood of new houses. Paint spots on the floor can be removed, but the uneven lines where the baseboard meets the wall are common.

One professional painter sent me his best crew on another house. It was perfection. The other 3 painters I have hired are like yours. My husband would let it go as well as he can not paint. I get mad because I am paying for a service and I want it to look like a professional did it.

If you talk to the owner, he might agree to send his best guy to touch up.

I agree with Mitzi. I'd call and tell them your concerns and ask if it can be fixed. If it's just these couple things you describe it should be no problem for them to send someone out. Didn't they use tape for the trim to get their lines?

After a painter is done... they usually do a visual walk through of the whole house, WITH the Owner... and make sure, it is satisfactory.... if not, they correct it.
Did they do this with you??? That is NORMAL to do so... for any contractor, painting, etc.