How to Vet a Painting Contractor in Brevard County, Florida!

🚨 A Friendly Reminder Before You Hire a Painter

I want to share something important with our community.

When you get multiple bids for a painting project, you’ll often notice a big price gap. It can be tempting to go with the lowest number — especially in today’s economy. But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize:

There is a BIG difference between a company like Seal Pro Painting that:

✅ Uses W-2 employees

✅ Is properly licensed

✅ Carries General Liability Insurance

✅ Carries Workers’ Compensation

✅ Runs background checks

✅ Pays payroll taxes

✅ Invests in training and safety

✅ Uses quality materials

✅ Offers a 9 year labor warranty vs standard 1-2 year

…and someone operating with uninsured subcontractors or day labor.

💰 Why It Costs More (And Why That Protects YOU)

Running a legitimate, fully insured painting company is expensive.

• Workers Comp alone can add thousands per year. For painters in Florida it's 8% of our total payroll. We pay thousands of dollars a month for workers comp.

• Payroll taxes increase labor costs significantly. It cost roughly 30% more. An employee making $25 an hour really cost the business approximately $32.50

• Insurance policies protect YOUR home and cost thousands per year to be properly insured.

• Background checks protect YOUR family and is an additional cost for the business.

• Proper licensing keeps projects compliant. Even though there isn't a trade license in Brevard County anymore painters are still required to have a occupational license for the County and City they work out of.

We willingly absorb these costs because it protects the homeowner.

If a worker falls off a ladder and there’s no workers comp?

The homeowner can be pulled into a lawsuit.

If there’s no insurance and something gets damaged?

You may be fighting to recover the loss.

If there are no background checks?\

You’re inviting strangers into your home without knowing who they are.

⚠️ The Hidden Cost of the “Cheapest Bid”

When someone dramatically underbids, ask yourself:

• Are they insured?

• Do they have workers comp?

• Are they paying payroll taxes?

• Are they licensed?

• Are they employees or uninsured subs?

If the answer is unclear, that “deal” may not be a deal at all.

🤝 This Isn’t About Us. It’s About Raising the Standard.

It’s honestly tough competing against companies cutting corners. But we refuse to operate that way because our reputation and your protection matter more than being the cheapest.

I encourage everyone in our community:

Vet your contractors. Ask for proof. Ask for certificates. Ask how they structure their team.

The right contractor will be proud to show you.

Your home is likely your biggest investment. Protect it like it is.

Doing things right is very hard and that's why many contractors find ways to work around it, but for me honesty and integrity matters. We aren't perfect and we face our own issues but to know what is right and do the wrong thing instead is not honest or integral.

You can hire the cheaper contractor not doing everything to be compliant, protect you, and your home - just understand the risks! That risk is one that both you and the contractor are taking! It is only worth it until it isn't.

Look for a contractor with reviews online. If they don't have a way for you to leave them a review, then you have no way to hold them accountable for their work. Someone who has their reputation and reviews online will want to maintain their positive reputation and make sure you are satisfied with their work.

– Branden Sewell

Seal Pro Painting