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Prime Buyers Guide Painting Contractors

How to Find the Best San Francisco , CA Painting Contractor

When it comes time to paint your home, you have a choice: You can paint it yourself, or you can hire a high-quality San Francisco house painter. There are a number of professional painters who do everything from the prep work to the final coat in a fraction of the time it would take you. The articles provided here will shed some light on how to go about hiring a San Francisco exterior or interior painting contractor for your house painting project. more »

Updated January 28, 2008

Top 10 Painting Contractors in San Francisco

Ultimate Painting
Send an email to this Company
(415) 566-5534
1438 28th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
Contractor's Licenses # 907802 and 797909
 Better Business Bureau PDCA (Painting & Decorating Contractors of America)

Areas Served: San Francisco & Bay Area, incl. Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, ...
Services: Interior and exterior painting, staining of decks and fences, staining and painting ...
Key Brands: Dunn Edwards, Sherwin Williams, Kelly-Moore, Home Depot Paint

Doug Kitt Painting
Send an email to this Company
(415) 626-0100, cell: (415) 505-4410
1223 Page St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Licensed Contractor #442142
 Better Business Bureau PDCA (Painting & Decorating Contractors of America) PDCC (Painting & Decorating Contractors of California)

Areas Served: San Francisco incl. Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, Bay Area
Services: Fine interior painting, exterior painting, Victorian restoration including plaster ...
Key Brands: Benjamin Moore, ICI, Dunn Edwards, Ralph Lauren, Sherwin Williams

Local Color Painting and Decorating
Send an email to this Company
(415) 389-8018
990 Greenhill Rd
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Contractor License # 687781
   Prime Buyer's Certified PDCA (Painting & Decorating Contractors of America)

Areas Served: San Francisco incl. Sunset District, Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, Noe Valley
Services: High quality painting services incl residential painting, home repainting, exterior ...
Key Brands: Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, Abatron, C2

Pettersen Painting
(650) 557-9330, cell: (415) 215-3649
520 San Pedro Ave
Pacifica, CA 94044
Contractor's License #731519

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Sea Cliff
Services: painting contractors for house painting, interior painting, exterior painting, ...
Key Brands: Benjamin Moore, Pratt and Lambert, Dunn Edwards

Patterson Painting
Send an email to this Company
(707) 996-0115, (800) 286-0115
19652 8th St East
Sonoma, CA 95476
Contractors License #277158
   Prime Buyer's Certified Chamber of Commerce-Sonoma Valley RERA (Redwood Empire Remodelers Association)

Areas Served: San Francisco incl. North Beach, Sunset District, Laurel Heights, Noe Valley
Services: painting contractors offering house painting incl. exterior painting, interior ...
Key Brands: Benjamin Moore, Kelley Moore

Old Time Quality Painting
Send an email to this Company
(408) 243-3335, Cell: (408) 981-6835
P.O. Box 1308
Campbell, CA 95009
Contractor's License # 401645
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Better Business Bureau Western Regional Master Builders Association

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. Laurel Heights, The Marina, North Beach, Russian Hill
Services: Quality painting company & house painters for interior painting, exterior painting, ...
Key Brands: Kelly-Moore, Dunn Edwards, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Sherwin Williams

Varsity Painting
Send an email to this Company
(925) 937-0434
1620 Tice Valley Blvd
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
C33 Contractor's License# 809250
   Prime Buyer's Certified  Diamond Certified  Better Business Bureau

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Sea Cliff
Services: Painting contractors for all house painting, interior painting, exterior painting, ...
Key Brands: Sherwin Williams, Kelly Moore, Benjamin Moore Eco Spec (a low VOC and low odor paint).

Conor McClorey Painting & Decorating
Send an email to this Company
(415) 661-5554
12 Riverton Drive
San Francisco, CA 94132
Contractor's License #730874
 Diamond Certified

Areas Served: San Francisco Bay Area, including Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff,...
Services: San Francisco painters for all house painting and home repainting needs including ...
Key Brands: Benjamin Moore exterior and low VOC interior paints, Mohawk refinishing products.

Renaissance Painting & Restoration Co
(415) 921-5197
1001 Page St # 3
San Francisco, CA 94117

Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Mission District, The Presidio

Painting By Tom
(415) 374-1588
261 Church St # A
San Francisco, CA 94114

Areas Served: San Francisco, North Beach, Noe Valley, Sunset District, Mission District

How to Find the Best San Francisco , CA Painting Contractor 

When you painted your bedroom taupe, you were being sensible and neutral, with an eye to future modifications. Now that you've realized that taupe is the official color of banality, it's time for a change. Fortunately, you don't have to take on this daunting, messy task yourself. Painters in San Francisco can help you find a vibrant replacement color and quickly, neatly transform your interior or exterior walls from an eyesore to an eye catcher. The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a superlative local painter and help you achieve an exciting new look for your home.

San Francisco Painting Contractors Can Handle Any Job
Painting contractors and their journeymen vary in their experience. Depending on the tools and skills required for your particular paint job, some painters may not even be equipped to complete your job. Therefore, it's essential to locate a painter that has done similar work in the past and can accommodate your design themes. Some San Francisco painters limit themselves to residential jobs, but they may expand their services to larger industrial and commercial size jobs as well. They may extend their services to the interiors or exteriors of homes, apartments, condominiums, offices, rentals, hotels, schools, wineries, and shopping centers. When extensive prep work is required, painters might also perform drywall repair, pressure washing, sand blasting, water blasting, or mildew removal. Particularly skilled painters do more than lay a fresh coat—they can apply faux finishes, decorative finishes, or create texturing effects too. Some painters go beyond simple trim and wall paint work and refinish, varnish, or stain furniture, cabinets, decks and railings. Select painters in San Francisco are even familiar with basic handyman services like deck repair, waterproofing, concrete cleaning or sealing, dry rot repairs, gutter cleaning or even lead removal. You can even find local painters with experience in a number of restoration services, from Victorian homes, to natural wood homes, to counters. Many painters involve themselves in other aspects of cosmetic remofeling as well. They'll assist with wallpaper removal or installation, caulking, and sealing. When it comes to redecorating, painting can be one of the more tedious, messy parts of the project. With the help of a professional painter, you can have the prep work and painting done in a fraction of the time so you can get on to the good stuff.

San Francisco Painting Contractors Offer Many Parts and Materials
Technological progress seems to be affecting everything; it's even made its way into the painting industry. You thought holding sample swatches to the wall was effective? Painters in San Francisco that have can use virtual computer color consultation so you can really see the potential result of your choices. These devices have virtually eliminated the guesswork involved in optimizing your new color scheme. In addition to optimizing the new look, painters might utilize some of the recent technological advances that increase paint longevity too. These include elastomeric paint, which boasts increased durability and flexibility, and water repellant finishes, which last longer in outdoor environments. Eco-conscious homeowners in the midst of green building needn't worry about the negative impact of their paint. Many San Francisco painters can use biodegradable, no VOC, or organic paints that are environmentally friendly. But most painters still offer the basics as well, including primers, latex paints, transparent stains, or oil preservatives. If they offer restoration services for siding or decks, they might treat use treatments of wood brightener, transparent stains, or biodegradable deck cleaners. Painters that serve San Francisco have access to the wide variety of paint types and technology out there, and will usually be happy to supply any particular products you request for your project.

San Francisco Has a Great Selection of Painters
The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled a list of local painters who are known for both quality and low price. The top 10 ten painters in San Francisco are: Ultimate Painting, Doug Kitt Painting, Local Color Painting and Decorating, Pettersen Painting, Patterson Painting, Old Time Quality Painting, Varsity Painting, Conor McClorey Painting & Decorating, Renaissance Painting & Restoration Co, Painting By Tom. Other painting companies that might serve San Francisco include Golden Hill Painting, Interior Painting Contractor.

There are Several Media Resources to Research Painters in San Francisco
Theoretically, any painter will do. But if you don't want to sacrifice quality, time, or money on sloppy work, you need to dig a little deeper. Many of the cheaper companies hire inexperienced laborers to cut costs and some of the one-man operations produce immaculate work but take much longer and cost considerably more. Find the happy medium by doing outside research. Look for association affiliations and verify contractor licensing. Do what you can to learn about specific businesses on the internet or in related publications. In The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Painting in San Francisco ", we've listed a number of links that we have personally screened to save you time and frustration. Use these sites to supplement your personal research.

Updated January 28, 2008
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How to Select the Best Painter 

Step 1: Describe Work
Before you speak with painters, look at colors and finishes, and make sure that your choices are acceptable for the surface you wish to be painted. Present the information to each painting contractor consistently so that they have the opportunity to bid for the same specifications.

Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes
Listen carefully to the questions and concerns of each painter. They can his level of skill and dedication, and he may even offer some useful new insight.

Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Use the following questions to assess each painting contractor. Add any additional concerns you have.

How long have you been in business?
How many painting jobs have you and your company completed?
Do you have relevant experience and similar references?
Is your worker's compensation and liability insurance current?
Will you provide a written estimate?
How do you determine pricing?
What type of warranty do you offer?
How long should it take to complete the work?
Are there any measures I should take before you show up (moving furniture, covering valuables, patching nail holes, etc.), or will you provide such services?
Do you personally hire and train your employees?
How and when do you clean up?
Will you provide a written contract?

Step 4: Making a Preliminary Decision

After you've interviewed several different painters, review your notes to make a list of those that are suitable for further consideration.

Step 5: Final Research
After you've selected a likely painting contractor, conduct some final research. Verify the credentials necessary. These include current contractor licensing and insurance. For quality purposes, you might also want to check for Diamond Certification, Better Business Bureau membership. or other agency endorsements.

Step 6: The Final Decision
You've now reached the final stage of your search. It's time to select and contract with your painter. Call and ask any final questions before you make an appointment and work out a written pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement.
Updated December 24, 2007
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Key Resources for Painting Companies in San Francisco  

Associations & Licensing
AGC of America Associated General Contractors of America (www.agc.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CSLB Contractors State Licensing Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
FCA Finishing Contractors Association (www.finishingcontractors.org)
MBA Marin Builders Association (www.marinba.org)
MPDA Master Painters and Decorators Association (www.mpda.net)
MPI Master Painters Institute (www.mpi.net)
NAPP National Alliance of Professional Painters (www.thenapp.com)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com)
NPCA National Paint and Coatings Association (www.paint.org)
PDCA Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (www.pdca.org)

Media & Web Resources
Better Homes & Gardens
California Home & Design
Dwell
Family Handyman
The Faux Finisher Magazine
Home
Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
Home & Design
HOUSE Magazine
Luxury Home
Painting Magazine
PaintPRO Magazine
Painting and Wallcovering Magazine
Smart Homeowner
This Old House
Western Interiors and Design

www.contractormag.com
www.bobvila.com
www.doityourself.com
www.hometime.com
www.hometips.com
www.lowes.com
www.painterchatroom.com
www.paintinfo.com


The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 painters and painting contractors in San Francisco within the following zip codes.

94101, 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94158, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172 and 94188

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 painting contractors in San Francisco within the following cities.

Bernal Heights, Cow Hollow, Diamond Heights, Duboce Triangle, Eureka Valley, Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Japantown, Laurel Heights, Marina District, Mission District, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, North Beach, Outer Sunset, Pacific Heights, Presidio, Rincon Hill, Russian Hill, San Francisco, Sea Cliff, Sunset District, Telegraph Hill, Treasure Island, Twin Peaks and Western Addition
Updated December 24, 2007
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10 Tips for Paint Contracting 

Take Time Choosing Your Painting Contractor.
Don't settle for merely any painter. The wrong painter can scar your home with the workmanship of a tired 4 year old. If you take a little time up front before starting a painting project to properly outline the job and hire the right paintier, you're much more likely to avoid this.

Describe Your Job.
You can get a better idea of the best painter in San Francisco if you present each potential with a description of your desired work. When each painter hears the same details, you can be sure that resulting estimates have been calculated based upon the same information.

Get Several Estimates from Different Painters in San Francisco .
You should get a handful of estimates from different contractors. But price shouldn't be your only consideration. You don't want to end up with a terrible new paint job, and the qualities indicated by the estimate can prevent this from happening. Written estimates can indicate attention to detail and honesty, qualities that affect your satisfaction with the project just as much as price.

Get it in Writing.
Any contracted project should be documented thoroughly. Insist that your potential painting contractor can provide this service. Ask for a written description of the work, pricing and the proposed timeframe for completion.

Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement.
For this and any contract work you may have performed, be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances.

Choose Certified Companies.
There are some local painters that have been recognized for outstanding customer satisfaction. In San Francisco , painting contractors that have earned Diamond Certification or other public praise are more likely to give you the best results for you money.

Maintain Great Communication During The Work.
If you have questions or concerns, don't let them go unheard. Good communication between you and your painter is essential to arrive at a predictably satisfactory outcome. This means that you are partially responsible for how the communication goes on the job. Especially if you aren't on the jobsite, you need to keep up with any progress. Don't jump to conclusions, and don't be afraid to ask when you have the slightest doubt about the status of the job. There may be a reasonable explanation for changes or delays. There may even be decisions that you can make that will help the painter do the best job possible.

Agree In Advance To Check the New Paint Upon Completion.
After the job is completed, pull out the detailed agreement you signed before any painting started. Scrutinize the work with the most senior painter available and compare the work to the agreement. Bring up any work that is unsatisfactory.

Know Your Rights.
Depending on the area of residence, consumers are protected by certain rights. Since you're dealing with painters in San Francisco , you can check out the Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Make Sure Your Painter Can Fully Honor Your Requests.
Ultimately, it comes down to a painter who will listen to your needs and do his best to accommodate them. There are those painters that would rather speed through a job to get to the next one and their work suffers. If your painter carelessly glosses over factors that you find important, don't hire him. A painting contractor should care as much as you do. If not, don't settle for his services.
Updated December 24, 2007
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Good Painting Contractors in San Francisco Use the Best Paint Brands 

C2, Sikkens, Flood, Kelly Moore, Cabot Stains, Modern Masters, Sydney Harbor, Gemini-TWP, Super Deck, Benjamin Moore, Behr, Valspar, Dunn Edwards, Pratt & Lambert, Dutchboy, Glidden or Sherwin Williams.

Updated July 3, 2008
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Diamond Certified