The tales are long and many when it comes to amateur home painters. Half-finished home exteriors or interior paint jobs. A deck only partially stained. Cabinets removed for refinishing or re-staining and weeks later they haven't been returned. It happens all the time in Wisconsin. 

With painters such as these, the business model (if it can even be called a business model) is to book jobs fast and furiously and then take their time finishing the job. Not only do these painters care little for time, they also care little for true craftmanship. Naturally, homeowners won't get a warranty out of these characters. Also, these painters will likely avoid the costs of becoming certified in handling lead paint or removing hazardous materials. That is a big red flag.

A number of these painting businesses will not have obtained a business license. And those that have will not be able to offer any proof that they are competent and well-trained. 

We call these characters fly-by-night contractors. Anyone with a truck, a ladder and some painting whites can call themsleves a painter, but this is not the reality many homeowners experience. Fly-by-night contractors offer great prices, bragging that they will match or beat their competitors, but they cannot offer a long-established reputation, testimonials or other references from happy customers. They also won't offer any sort of guarantee on the job. This is, of course, one of the biggest red flags when it comes to fly-by-night painters.

It is far better to opt for established painting contractors who are known and respected as painting professionals. Experience does make a difference.