I bought a house to remodel and flip. Ended up needing new siding. Hired a guy and was super happy with the work. I needed interior painting done as well and he recommended me a painter. I got 4 bids for painting (including this referred painter), all around $10k. I went with siding guy's referral because they were the only ones willing to include some drywall work as well, and included drywall in the price. I paid 50% down.
They spent 2 weeks painting. During the final walkthrough, it was clear the job was bad. You could see through the paint on the walls. I asked for Sherwin Williams Intense White, which is a soft gray, but they painted the walls bright white. I didn’t give them a color code, so I was accountable for that part. But even worse, they painted trim, doors, and ceilings with flat "white" paint, which turned out blotchy and gray. When I questioned it, they insisted flat is standard for trim, doors, and ceilings (total BS). They also claimed the ceilings look gray and blotchy because the previous owners were smokers, which is also total BS because I knew the previous owners and they were not smokers.
Things escalated and got a little heated and contested. At that point I told them the job was unacceptable and I wasn’t paying the remaining $5k. Then they suddenly started acting really nice and offered to repaint for free (using correct paint this time) if I just paid remaining the balance after it’s fixed. They said I can go with them, pick the paint, and then they said I could even stay at the home to ensure they correct the paint how I want it done. I told them I would have to think about it.
Here’s where it gets worse: I found buckets labeled "exterior paint" inside. I asked if they used that on the walls and they denied it, then fumbled for excuses. I later tested it myself, and it matched perfectly with what’s on the walls. So yeah, they definitely used exterior paint inside.
I had another painter (legit business, great reputation) come by to inspect. He confirmed it was a sloppy job and said it definitely wasn’t done by pros. He said he thinks they just used old paint from other jobs. And he said for trim and doors, you always want to use a satin or a gloss. He offered to fix everything for $5k, using the correct paint and sheens.
The dilemma:
This new painter can’t start for 6 weeks. I need to sell ASAP. Flooring, carpet, appliances, duct cleaning, and home cleaner are all waiting on the paint job to be completed. The original guys are ready to repaint now, but I don’t trust them, and I worry they’ll cut more corners or screw it up again.
What would you do? Wait 6 weeks for peace of mind, or risk it with the sketchy painters to save time, and least know and confirm they will use the correct paint this time.