How to Choose the Right Painting Company: A Smart Homeowner’s Guide
Hiring a professional painter can feel overwhelming—especially when a quick online search for “painters near me” brings up dozens of options. So, how do you know how to choose the right painting company for your home?
Whether you’re updating the interior of your house or giving your exterior a fresh new look, your painting contractor should be someone you trust to deliver quality, value, and professionalism from start to finish. And while there are plenty of painters out there, not all are created equal.
At Smile-A-Mile Painting, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across Kennewick, WA, Boise, ID, Redmond, OR, and Salem, OR who faced this same decision—and we’ve helped make it easy. Here’s what you should look for when choosing the right painting company, and why so many families end up trusting Smile-A-Mile to bring their vision to life.
Check for Licensing, Insurance & Credentials
A legitimate painting company should be licensed, bonded, and insured. This protects both you and the workers in the event of an accident or property damage. Be wary of companies that skip these steps—they may offer lower prices, but they’re also taking shortcuts that could cost you more in the long run.
You can also check for certifications like EPA Lead-Safe Certification, which is required for homes built before 1978. The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule ensures contractors are trained in safe practices when working with lead-based paint.
✅ At Smile-A-Mile Painting, we’re fully licensed, insured, and compliant with all local and federal regulations, giving you peace of mind from day one.
Read Reviews—and Read Between the Lines
Online reviews offer valuable insights into how a company operates. Look for consistent patterns in feedback—not just star ratings, but details about communication, punctuality, cleanliness, and final results.
Sites like Angi and Google Reviews can give you a clearer picture of the customer experience and help you spot red flags before you make a commitment.
✅ Smile-A-Mile Painting has earned hundreds of positive reviews from homeowners across Kennewick, Boise, Redmond, and Salem—with special praise for our professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly crews.
Ask About the Process, Not Just the Price
While price is important, the cheapest estimate doesn’t always equal the best value. A reputable painting company will offer a detailed proposal that includes surface prep, paint type, number of coats, timeline, and clean-up. If a company gives you a vague or verbal-only quote, it’s a red flag.
✅ We offer free, in-person estimates with clear, itemized details—so you know exactly what you’re getting and when it will be done.
Make Sure They Use High-Quality Products
The type of paint used makes a big difference in both the look and longevity of your project. Low-cost paints can fade, chip, or stain more easily, while top-tier brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore provide better coverage and durability.
Also, make sure the company is selecting paints appropriate for your local climate. What works in humid Salem may not hold up in dry, sunny Boise.
✅ Smile-A-Mile Painting uses only premium-grade paints and finishes, selected for your specific location and needs—from sun-resistant coatings in Redmond to moisture-resistant formulas in Salem.
Look for Local Experience and a Reliable Crew
Hiring a company with local roots matters more than you think. Local painters understand the unique weather patterns, architectural styles, and permitting requirements in your area. They’re also easier to reach if you ever need follow-up service or touch-ups.
✅ With teams based in Kennewick, WA, Boise, ID, Redmond, OR, and Salem, OR, we know the challenges of painting homes in the Northwest—and how to do it right the first time.
Evaluate Their Communication Style
A great painting company will treat you with respect, answer your questions clearly, and keep you informed at every step of the process. Poor communication is one of the top reasons homeowners report bad experiences—even when the paint job looks okay.
✅ Our team prioritizes communication from first call to final walk-through. You’ll always know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and who will be on-site.
Look at Their Portfolio
Seeing is believing. Any company that takes pride in their work will have photos of recent projects available on their website or social media. Look for examples that match your home’s style or the kind of update you’re considering.
✅ You can view recent Smile-A-Mile Painting projects on our website and social channels, showcasing everything from modern interiors to full exterior transformations.
A Painting Partner You Can Trust
Choosing the right painting company doesn’t have to be complicated. When you prioritize professionalism, experience, clear communication, and high-quality products, the decision often becomes clear.
At Smile-A-Mile Painting, we take pride in delivering all of the above—and more. Homeowners across Kennewick, Boise, Redmond, and Salem turn to us not just because of our reputation, but because of our commitment to making the process easy, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Ready to Talk About Your Project?
If you’re still wondering how to choose the right painting company, we’re here to help make the choice easier. Let’s talk about your home, your goals, and how we can bring your vision to life—beautifully, affordably, and with a smile