A good way to begin looking for a painting contractor is to ask relatives, friends, or neighbors who have had a quality paint job done that has lasted a while. If you find one who was extremely pleased, ask if it would be alright to come have a look. Carefully examine the small things like trim work, eaves, inside corners, and ask about how the work surface was prepared. Ask if areas that were not to receive paint masked off and adequately protected. Were the workers constantly on time and staying on task or did they show up late and only work half days. Also, find out if a written warranty was supplied, and if possible, review it.