Why Hiring Unlicensed Painting Contractors Can Cost You More in the Long Run: Avoid These Mistakes
That 1 Painter is the fastest growing painting company in the world. Painting your space can be complicated, but with our expertise, we make the process easy and stress-free for homeowners. With franchises across the nation, we have helped tens of thousands of homeowners make the best choice for their homes without sacrificing quality, and we are here to show you how.
Why Hiring Unlicensed Painting Contractors Can Cost You More in the Long Run: Avoid These Mistakes
When it comes to painting your home — whether it’s refreshing the exterior, transforming your kitchen cabinets, or staining your fence — hiring the right professional makes all the difference. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by hiring an unlicensed painting contractor, it often ends up costing homeowners much more in the long run.
From poor-quality workmanship to legal liabilities and costly repairs, the risks far outweigh the short-term savings. In this blog, we’ll break down why hiring a licensed contractor is essential, the hidden costs of going unlicensed, what questions to ask before hiring, and which types of residential paint services should always be handled by professionals.
The Real Cost of Hiring an Unlicensed Painting Contractor
It’s not uncommon to come across “budget” painters advertising lower rates on local listings or social media. These contractors may not carry proper licenses, liability insurance, or workers’ compensation insurance, and while their pricing might seem attractive, the quality of the work is often substandard — if not outright damaging.
Here’s what can go wrong:
1. Poor Workmanship
Unlicensed contractors often lack formal training or experience, resulting in:
- Drips and uneven coats
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Missed prep work like priming or surface repair
- Overspray on windows, fixtures, and landscaping
These mistakes can lead to repainting entire rooms or surfaces, essentially doubling your initial cost.
2. Liability and Insurance Risks
Licensed contractors typically carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If an unlicensed contractor damages your property or gets injured on your job site, you could be held responsible — financially and legally.
3. Lack of Recourse
If something goes wrong with an unlicensed contractor’s work, you have limited (if any) legal recourse. When you hire a person or small crew to do a job and something goes wrong, you have little to no recourse. Hiring a larger company or franchise gives you options to escalate issues.
Ask These Questions Before You Hire a Painter
Before hiring any painting contractor, do your homework. A few smart questions up front can save you thousands down the road.
Do you have a business license??
- Verify their license with the local county and verify their business name with the Secretary of State.
Do you carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
- A reputable contractor will provide proof without hesitation.
Can you provide references or photos of recent work?
- Review their portfolio and speak with past clients to get a sense of quality and professionalism.
What’s included in the estimate?
- Make sure the quote includes prep work, materials, number of coats, cleanup, and warranty. Many quotes only include one or two coats. What would it cost if you needed another coat?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee for your work?
- Licensed pros typically stand by their work with written warranties.
Which Residential Painting Services Should Always Be Done Professionally?
Not all painting projects are created equal. Some are straightforward and low-risk for the DIYer or budget handyman. Others, however, are labor-intensive, technically complex, or require specialty products and tools. These higher-end or high-impact services should never be entrusted to an unlicensed contractor.
Exterior House Painting
Exterior paint is your home’s first line of defense against weather, UV rays, and wear. Professional painters:
- Know which paints work best based on your home’s building materials
- Use high-quality sealants and primers
- Understand how to work safely at heights
- Cutting corners with exterior work can lead to peeling, water damage, and premature deterioration.
Interior painting is often the most expensive painting service because it involves labor-intensive preparation, detailed trim work, and multiple coats for even, rich color coverage. The job often includes ceilings, baseboards, doors, trim, and built-ins — each requiring different tools and approaches. Additionally, high-end interior finishes like cabinet painting or accent walls demand specialized materials and techniques, further increasing the cost. Investing in a licensed professional ensures that every detail is handled with care, providing results that elevate the entire home’s appearance and value.
Interior painting should be done by a licensed professional painting service because it requires precision, surface preparation, and a deep understanding of products and techniques to achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish. Licensed professionals ensure proper wall repairs, priming, and clean lines, all while protecting floors, furniture, and fixtures. They bring experience, insurance coverage, and often warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind and protection from costly mistakes or do-overs caused by inexperience or shortcuts taken by unlicensed painters.
When it comes to exterior paint work, cutting corners almost always costs more in the long run. Skipping crucial steps like surface preparation, priming, or using high-quality paint may save time and money upfront, but it leaves your home vulnerable to peeling and chipping within just a few seasons. Paint is more than just color—it acts as a protective barrier against sun, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Without proper application, moisture can seep into wood or siding, leading to rot, mold growth, and structural damage that far outweighs the savings of a rushed job.
In addition to water intrusion, poorly done paint work accelerates fading, cracking, and general wear, making a home appear aged well before its time. Once peeling begins, exposed areas absorb more moisture, compounding the problem and requiring extensive repairs or even full repainting much sooner than expected. A thorough, professional paint job is an investment in both curb appeal and home protection, ensuring your property withstands the elements and maintains its value for years to come.
The Bottom Line: Hire Smart to Avoid Costly Redos
While it might seem like you’re saving money upfront by hiring an unlicensed painting contractor, the truth is you’re gambling with your home’s appearance, your finances, and potentially even your safety. From poor workmanship to legal liability, the risks are just not worth it.
Licensed painters bring peace of mind, insurance coverage, and a track record of quality, especially when it comes to high-impact projects like cabinets, brick, or exterior paint, professional quality matters.
Always get multiple estimates and verify each contractor’s credentials. Remember: A low bid might end up being the most expensive mistake you make. Need help finding a trusted, licensed painter in your area? Let us know — we’d be happy to guide you toward vetted professionals who can get the job done right the first time.
At That 1 Painter Lake Lanier, our professional painter can help you transform your home’s interior and exterior without cutting corners. We serve the following areas: Braselton, Buford, Cumming, Dawsonville, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Hoschton, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee.
Schedule a free exterior paint consultation with That 1 Painter Lake Lanier today. Whether you need a new paint job or just help with maintenance, our expert team is ready to make your home shine, rain or shine.