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I think it's a really bad idea not to go with a professional if you care about your home. I'd stick with someone registered and insured with BBB. But I'm picky that way and I've been oh so burned.

Just because someone is listed at the BBB doesn't protect you! I rely on personal contacts and recommendations to get me through projects. There's plenty of painters who do excellent professional work without credentials.

I've only occasionally used bonded labor, or someone with a city issued contracting license and it's been cool so far. I've been up working on my own places for about 10 years, with plenty of smaller jobs farmed out to uncertified people.

One example of a typical NY economy: my plumber.
He lived across the street. His father-in-law had city credentials, and certified his work if there was a permit issue. He did what he did for 30 years, no licensing. He was great -- and I can't recommend him to you since he's retired out of state to go fishing! Boy do I miss this guy . . .

Unless I'm in a bind, I have always relied on personal referrals not "professional credentials." I haven't gone wrong yet and after Jennifer painted my bedroom I was still batting .1000. She's half the price and you can leave her alone without fear of a below par job or getting ripped off.

does she do plastering, too? I have some serious cracks in my walls that need to be spackled, sanded and painted.

My experience with her just through the initial in-person quoting process was that she is flaky, disorganized, forgetful and doesn't pay attention to details. Plus, the rates she quoted were higher ($250+ per day) and she says she doesn't work a 10-hour day (5-6 was my impression). She also stated up front that her time estimates could be off by as much as 100%! Sorry, but I can't risk a 4-day job turning into an 8-day job. I encouraged her to post a comment here to clarify her rates, etc. The fact that she hasn't yet leads me to believe that she's not all the interested in setting the record straight. She may do good work, but I am not willing to take the risk on her.

It is Jennifer, the painter, responding to d's nasty mail above. Gee d, why did you hire me on the spot if I was such a mess? And then you never responded to my e mail with all the terms we discussed, which you approved of at the time. In fact, we shook hands on it!

You know, as I walked away I knew I didn't really want to work with you but since I said I would, in good faith I went ahead and sent you an email agreement. Good thing too because as I stated in the e mail you were unrealistic about the time needed to paint. (2 guys took a week last time and you wanted me to do it in 4 days tops!) Where did you get the "impression" I worked 5 or 6 hours a day? I clearly stated my terms had changed since the AT listing: I work a solid 8 hours, not including breaks and the rate was different. By the way, I never said my time estimates "were off by 100%." I did say my estimates could be off because you never know what the true conditions of the walls are and what you'd run into, admittedly (said it then and say it now) estimates are tough in painting and not my strong point. Anyone who tells you otherwise should be viewed with skeptisism or hired with a money-back guarantee.

By the way, I recently wrote to Maxwell to change the terms but I haven't heard back from him, so perhaps it is for me to do--he is a busy guy. My terms and hours have changed due to demand and reality. Compare my price to others, particularly the painting companies and you'll realize what a good deal my work is. If there are any problems after the job is done I will come back, no fee, and fix it.

having read the comments to date (including d's negative one), i went ahead and hired her for some fastidious finishing work (all the tedious work i didn't want to do myself). based on the comments, i didn't ask for an estimate, particularly since i knew well how much time it would take me to do the same work. what was important to me was that she was trustworthy, self-motivated (since i was paying her daily not per job) and most importantly tidy. she was all of those things and a pleasant person. she painted all the trim of multipaned windows and a small bedroom with care and efficiency. she's a knowledgeable painter, not outrageously fast or ridiculously cheap, but a good value. i'd use her again.

I've known Jennifer and her work for quite some time and would recommend her without hesitation. She is at the top of my list for work I plan to do in my apartment this coming spring. She is trustworthy and reliable.

she did a fair amount of work in my apartment and i would echo many of the comments already posted – she's cafeful, efficient, trustworthy, and knowledgable. i think she is perfect for small to mid-sized jobs – she may correct me here, but i'm not so sure her schedule would allow for one that needed massive prep'ing/painting. otherwise, i think you will get a very good value for your money.

I've hired Jennifer in the past and I would hire her again. She helped me paint, clean up and redecorate my East Village apartment. She's was punctual, hard working, agreeable and above all very honest in our communications. She's a real New Yorker, with a smart knowledge of tips and tricks only an experienced downtowner would know. I'll recommend her for any jobs.

I hired Jennifer for a small paint job. She did a great job. She was easy to work with, accomodating, neat, and fair. She had creative suggestions when I asked for advice, and is obviously experienced. She worked hard and was concerned with getting the job done on time. I wouldn't hesitate to hire her again.

Amy

My husband hired Jennifer this past week and we couldn't be happier with the results. Her estimate was dead on (as were my husband's measurements), she was punctual, professional, very nice, and on top of that a real trouper. We moved into new construction that really isn't finished yet and she had some great advice for us. When the contractor finishes with all of his @$%* water-based paint, we are sure we'll call Jennifer again to come and semi-gloss us once more.

Lorna

We hired Jennifer to paint and repair our 12 foot brownstone hallways, not an easy task considering the intricate moldings and sky-high trim. We only have positive things to say about the service she provided. She did a fantastic job, was reliable, and communicative. We were able to use her discount for paint supplies, and she purchased and set up the delivery for us. The hallways look fantastic, very clean edges and a precise painting job. Her prices were also competitive versus other estimates we were provided. We would definitely use her again for future projects.

I just used Jennifer for a client's apt. She was amazing. She did everything right, paid close attention to details, friendly, reliable and I would recommend her in a nanosecond to anyone who wants a quality job done in record time. And the client is super happy with the results. That alone speaks volumes.

Oh, btw, there were a lot of positive accolades on her work here before AT switched servers and erased them all. I'm not the only one who thinks she's great.

I used Jennifer to paint the very high walls in my apartment (about 14'-0"), which she did beautifully and inexpensively, and in less time than we expected. We are very happy with the results.

Jennifer did a mighty fine job painting over the scary primary colors in out new apartment. And she did it quick. And she was very nice. We'll definitely use her again.

Jennifer just finished a painting job for us. I had emailed her on a Saturday, heard from her the same evening and we got started the following Thursday. She was able to finish our project in a just a few days. She did go over her estimate slightly, but was well worth it, given the extent of the project once started and the final outcome. I could not give her a more glowing recommendation. In fact, I have been singing her praises to anyone who will listen.