Hiring a painting contractor—whether for interior walls, cabinets, or the exterior of your home—requires trust. Unfortunately, scams in the home improvement space are common, and painters who offer “too good to be true” deals often take advantage of homeowners who simply want quality work at a fair price.

To help you protect your home and budget, here’s a practical guide to spotting painting scams and choosing a reputable Atlanta painting company.

Why Painting Scams Are Still Common

Painting projects are high-demand and high-ticket. Scammers take advantage of homeowners who want quality work at a fair price, offering:

• Extremely low quotes
• Vague promises
• Pressure to make quick decisions
• No written scope of work

Their goal is simple: collect money and deliver poor craftsmanship—or disappear entirely.

1. Understand Reasonable Deposits

Many legitimate painting companies (including us) require a reasonable deposit, especially when:

• Booking larger projects
• Scheduling multi-day work
• Reserving labor
• Ordering materials

A 50% deposit is standard in the industry for reputable painters — it allows the contractor to secure your slot and prepare materials properly.

What’s suspicious?

• Contractors demanding full payment upfront
• Cash-only deposits
• No written agreement documenting what the deposit covers
• Refusing to provide a receipt

A clear contract paired with a reasonable deposit is a green flag — not a red one.

2. Check Reviews, References & Track Record

A trustworthy painting company has a real presence in the community. Before hiring:

• Ask for 2–3 recent client references
• Look up Google reviews
• Check the Better Business Bureau profile
• Look at real project photos
• Verify that the company has an online footprint

Scammers come and go. Real painting companies leave a trail of satisfied homeowners and documented work.

3. Verify Licensing, Insurance & Bonding

Reputable painters protect their clients and their teams by carrying proper credentials.

Ask for:

• General liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation
• Appropriate licensing (where applicable)
• Bonding for project protection

If a contractor hesitates to share documentation, it’s a major red flag.

4. Look for Detailed, Written Estimates

Scammers avoid specifics for a reason — vague contracts let them cut corners. Pros, on the other hand, provide written estimates that outline:

• Prep work
• Paint brands/products
• Number of coats
• Areas included
• Timeline
• Cleanup
• Warranty

If the details aren’t clear, you can’t hold them accountable later.

5. Be Cautious With Unrealistic Pricing

If a quote seems too low, it usually is. Reputable painters purchase high-quality materials, follow proper prep procedures, and employ trained professionals. Those steps require time and investment.

Watch out for:

• Contractors with no official business address
• Quotes far below typical Atlanta painting rates

Quality painting is worth paying for — and often ends up costing less in the long run because it lasts longer.

Choose Trusted Atlanta Painters

Avoiding scammers doesn’t mean avoiding professional help. You just need a company that values transparency, workmanship, and communication.

Atlanta’s Paint Doctor is fully insured, reputable, and trusted by homeowners across the city. We provide:

• Clear estimates
• A smooth, collaborative process
• A 50% deposit with detailed documentation
• High-quality prep and craftsmanship
• Outstanding results

If you’re preparing for an interior or exterior painting project and want a contractor you can count on, we’d love to help.

Schedule your free consultation today — and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional, reliable Atlanta painting team.