In 2025, Seattle and Bellevue homeowners face more contractor noise than ever—unverified companies, lead-gen “shell businesses,” disappearing subcontractors, and painters using the cheapest products possible to secure bids. Finding a trusted, experienced, and professional painting contractor has never been more important, especially for high-value homes across Bellevue, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Kirkland, and Seattle’s premier neighborhoods.

Whether you’re repainting a luxury Bellevue interior, restoring cedar siding in Clyde Hill, or refinishing millwork in Queen Anne, these 10 updated steps will help you select a contractor with proven workmanship, transparent pricing, and long-term reliability.

1. Start With a Clear, Detailed Scope of Work

Before you request bids, make a list that includes:

Exact rooms, elevations, or surfaces to be painted
Paint type, brand, gloss level, and color
Prep expectation (sanding, priming, repairs)
Target start and completion dates
Any special conditions (water damage, cedar siding UV exposure, lead paint, etc.)

A clear scope protects you—and it helps reputable companies price accurately.

2. Research Contractors Carefully

A legitimate Seattle or Bellevue painting company will have:

Recent Google reviews
Before/after photos of local projects. Before and After Cabinet repaint in Shoreline , Seattle Washington
A portfolio showing homes similar to yours
References from homeowners in your zip code

Don’t just request the references—call them. Even better, ask to drive by a project completed 3–7 years ago. Seeing older work shows how well the finish holds up in our Pacific Northwest climate.

3. Get Multiple Estimates — and Understand Who’s Doing the Work

Prices can vary widely. More important than the number is who is doing the painting.
Ask:

Does this company use W-2 employees?
Are they sending subcontractors?
If subcontractors, who are they—and are they insured?

In 2025, many newer painting companies rely solely on subcontracted crews. Established firms tend to have a blend but maintain strict quality control. Transparency matters.

4. Ask About the Full Preparation and Painting Process

Great painters win on process, not price. Ask detailed questions:

How will they protect floors, trim, stone, furniture, landscape, or siding?
Do they sand, prime, and repair surfaces properly?
What is their dust-control strategy for interiors?
What is their washing and stripping process for exteriors?

A contractor who can explain their workflow step-by-step is a contractor who cares.

5. Verify the Paint and Materials Used

Seattle and Bellevue homes require high-performance paint systems.
Ask which products will be used:

Benjamin Moore Aura / Regal
Benjamin Moore Advance for trim
Fine Paints of Europe for premium finishes
Sherwin-Williams Emerald / Duration
Premium stains for cedar siding and decks (Sikkens, Penofin, Cabot)

Low-quality paint fails faster in our wet, UV-sensitive climate.
Insist on top-tier materials.

6. Confirm Warranty Coverage

In 2025, reputable painting companies offer:

Written warranties
Clear coverage terms (materials vs. labor)
Maintenance suggestions
Touch-up policies

Avoid companies with vague or verbal warranties.

7. Check License, Bonding, and Insurance

Ask for documentation, not promises.
You need proof of:

General liability insurance
Worker’s compensation coverage
Washington contractor license
Bonding

This protects your home and your financial exposure.

8. Evaluate Professionalism and Communication

Professionals demonstrate professionalism from the first encounter:

Clean vehicles and equipment
Branded shirts or uniforms
On-time arrival
Clear communication
Respect for your home and schedule

The way a company behaves early on is usually how they behave on the job.

9. Set Crystal-Clear Expectations

Be explicit about:

Timeline
Daily working hours
Prep expectations
Gloss levels
Number of coats
Cleanup procedures
Payment schedule

This eliminates surprises and sets both sides up for a successful project.

10. Get Everything in Writing

A legitimate bid should include:

Itemized costs
Surface prep details
Paint brands and products
Start date and projected completion
Warranty details
Crew size
Whether any carpentry or repairs are included

Don’t rely on verbal agreements—put everything on paper.

Final Thoughts (2025 Edition)

Painting your home is a major investment—whether it’s a $3M Bellevue new build, a mid-century Seattle restoration, or a downtown condo interior. By following these updated 10 steps, you’ll avoid scams, low-quality subcontracting networks, and unreliable fly-by-night painters.

You’ll also ensure you choose a contractor who:
✔ Has decades of proven Seattle/Bellevue experience
✔ Delivers premium craftsmanship
✔ Uses top-tier materials
✔ Protects your home as if it were their own

10 Steps to Selecting a Painting Contractor