If the contractor is going to bring in a sub to do the painting then you might be OK going with that option. It would be better if you knew who the sub was so you could check them out ahead of time. If he is just going to have some of his people paint I would think again. Is the painting included in the contract price? If you have someone else do the painting will you end up having to pay for it twice? My own experience is that when we had an addition put on our last house they were great framers - they tied in the old to the new seamlessly (they did remodeling almost exclusively so this was their area of expertise). However, the project was done during the last recession (2010). His sons were unemployed so they did the painting. As DH said, as painters, they were good framers. Painting isn't hard, but experience still helps and some people are better at it than others. Unfortunately your contractor doesn't sound like he's good at anything. The fact that they're slopping primer around doesn't bode well.

Usually, the general contractor subs out the painting to a painting specialist, so I don't necessarily see the value in hiring someone separately. Too, if you hire the painter, any mistakes are on you. If the GC hires the painter, they are responsible.

I'd let the GC handle the painting and just be super clear about what paint colors, sheen, and brands you want on which walls. If you're working with a designer, have them put together a paint schedule for the GC so there are no misunderstandings and you have everything confirmed in writing.

Since you are already having problems with the contractor, not doing what is supposed to be done, and since your hardwood floors are all slopped up already with primer, it would be obvious, that a regular painter did not do the primer at your house. I would not want the same person, doing the painting. Before you decide, what to do, talk with the contractor, get the name of the painter, and check on him. If its just one or two or more of his crew people, then, I would hire a reputable painter. Contractors usually use builder grade paint, so you need to talk about that too, since that is probably not what you want.

I would not use contractor like this if you don’t have to. Also if you wait for SW discount 30% thats should start soon, it will be more that contractor discount. The only isue is he is one person, so it will take longer.

I'd choose slow quality. How many more times do you want the main contractor to fail you?

We had a similar situation -- contractor initially did well, then lost his key person, and quality became horrendous. Ended up with DH telling the contractor not to come back, and not to expect us to pay the final installment. Best decision ever.

Hi, evelynsmom,

Typically it works best to have the general contractor responsible for the entire scope of work. This minimizes the potential for finger pointing between trades, minimizes schedule issues, allows for a single point of "command and control," and makes one party responsible for the quality of the final product. That said, the skill and the level of care exercised by painting contractors varies significantly from the bottom to the top of the painting contractor food chain--even if everyone were using the same quality primer and paint.

While a good painter can't make poor drywall and trim work look great, they'll certainly make it look better than the low-bid painter that I suspect your remodeling contractor will hire. I think you'll be happier with the end result if you take control of the painting scope of work.

Were I a GC, I can't imagine a worse scenario than having to coordinate work with a sub over which I had no control.

I hope he is really doing that and you get a beautiful paint job. Double check to make sure its the paint you want and not just plain contractor paint.