Humans love lists. Top 10 Superfoods Hiding in Your Freezer, Cutest Cat Naps Ever, The Best Celebrity Bands Since Sliced Bread – these sorts of catalogs "break the Internet" daily.

We're about to add another list. So Tweet it. Snapchat it. Post obnoxious hyperlinks on all your friends' Facebook walls, because everyone needs to know how to find the right commercial painting contractor.

What the Internet Doesn't Tell You  About Finding the Right Commercial Painting Contractor

(It's ironic. We know.)

1. Who's the First to Arrive and the Last to Leave?

A dedicated painting contractor will arrive early at your facility, walk through the property, request details of your project, and provide a full quote with price breakdowns. Price will vary depending on the paint you choose and how many coats need to be applied.

2. Who Presents the Prettiest Pictures?

A picture is worth a thousand words, particularly if those words come from someone paid on commission. Request a detailed portfolio of local projects, complete with customer references, and visit the sites. See how the paint – and the customer relations – have held up over the years.

3. What Does the Neighborhood Gossip Say?

Bad news travels fast. If the contractor once called "mulligan!" on an important project or shirked a warranty claim, you can be sure Mrs. Shepherd has the full scoop. So talk to neighbors. Browse the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List. Check the contractor's trade credentials and association memberships. Think like a mole: Dig, dig, dig.

4. What's Written at the Bottom of the Contract?

Consider this rule of thumb: The smaller the fine print, the louder the salesman. So put a magnifying glass over the contract. Do promotional offers include the price of paint, or just labor? Are workmanship or manufacturers' warranties prorated? The only extra payment most straight-and-narrow contractors will charge is sales tax. All other surcharges mark potential landmines.

Carefully take the measure of a commercial painting contractor. You'll measure twice, paint once. And while you're at it, see how we measure up. After 30 years of experience in the San Diego area, Brad Stoner Painting has stood up to scrutiny. Most importantly, so has our paint.