A: The price can vary depending on the part of the country where you live and how busy the painters are in your area. Also, in the fall it can be hard to find painters willing to paint indoors because they are hurrying to finish exterior jobs before bad weather sets in. You may have to wait.

Professionals base their prices on many factors, including the room size, the amount of trim to be painted, how much preparation the surfaces will need before painting, how many furnishings have to be moved, covered or worked around, the kind and quality of paint, how many coats of paint (or possibly primer) it would take to change a paint color, etc. Most prefer to look at a project before giving a firm bid.

The best way to get prices is to contact about three painting contractors and explain what you want to have done. Although they may need to come look at your project before giving you a firm estimate, they should be able to answer your questions about general price ranges, how much they would charge for cathedral ceilings, etc. Having them come look at your home and make recommendations about types of paint, how much prep work they think you need, how soon they can get to your job, and so on, will also help you decide who to hire.

Make sure they all submit their bids in writing, indicating the type and brand of paint, how much preparation they will do, and the entire scope of work before making your final decision.

To find a reputable painter, visit Home Advisor at Home Advisor, fill out a service request for Painting, and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com