You have decided that your walls need a fresh new look. Before you can hang your new decorative candle sconces or that great antique metal wall grille , some painting will need to be done. Some people love tackling this task. After just one day of painting, they can step back, admire their work and feel like they have accomplished something.

Other people, however, would rather spend the day in the dentist’s chair than take on this particular portion of updating their wall décor. If you fall into the latter category then you should consider hiring a painting contractor.

By hiring someone to handle your painting, you will free up a large chunk of time that can be devoted to other aspects of your redecorating. Also, by hiring a professional, you have assurance that the job will be done right and that the finished product will look great.

While painting may seem like a simple enough task, it’s still important to be sure and choose a contractor that meets certain criteria. Remember, the contractors you choose are going to be in your home and you will have to live with the work they do. Below are some tips for choosing a painting contractor.

• Be sure the contractor has the proper business licenses. Ask to see the license before agreeing to any work.

• Call the Better Business Bureau. A quick call to the BBB will let you know if the contractor has any unresolved complaints. A contractor who is a member of the BBB has agreed to a high standard of customer satisfaction, but that doesn’t mean they are immune from complaints. Always check.

• Do not hire any contractor that does not have the proper insurance. Ask to see proof of insurance. This protects you should damage occur or should someone be injured while the work is being done. Any professional painting contractor is going to have insurance.

• Ask who will be doing the painting. If you meet with someone to get a bid, that doesn’t mean that person will be doing the work. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the people who will actually be in your home. You don’t wall your wall decor to look under par because of substandard painting.

• Ask what prep work is included. Some paint contractors will underbid the competition, but will not perform the necessary prep work. Ask ahead of time – and get answers in writing – to avoid any confusion. If you want to save money, ask the contractor if there would be a discount if you were to do some of the prep work, such as taping off the room.

• Ask for references. Some people feel bad asking for references from potential contractors, but it is your home and you have the right to do so. Once you have a list of references, call one or two to be sure the clients were happy with the work.

• Ask what quality of materials the contractor plans to use. A professional should be able to make recommendations based on the room that is to be painted. He should be knowledgeable about his craft and the materials available.

• As mentioned earlier, get all promises in writing. Everything should be included in the contract including the type of paint that will be used. If you don’t get it in writing it may leave you without recourse should a dispute arise.

• In many parts of the country, college students have started painting businesses as a way to pay for school. Often the businesses are called something such as “Tuition Painters”. While not professional painters, you may consider using such a service providing that they have some favorable references.

Once the contractor completes his work, your wall candle holders and ornate mirrors will have a beautiful canvas on which to hang. And you won’t have to clean the paint out from under your fingernails!