And how to find a high quality local company
Hiring a local painter that is both experienced and reasonably priced is sometimes a difficult task for new homeowners, or homeowners that have never hired a professional painter before. If in the past, you've done the painting around your house yourself and are tired of the challenge, or the project is too large in scale, then hiring a pro is the way to go. For example, an exterior paint job is very large in scale and will sometimes require large equipment. It's dirty and dangerous and takes many man (or woman) hours to complete. But, before you can hire a talented and capable painting company, you must understand what makes one.
How to achieve an excellent paint job. 
The key to a high quality paint job and therefore the key to hiring a great painting company is where they focus their energies. There are two parts to any paint job. Most homes need about half of the time or more allotted on the estimate to scrape and prime and clean the surface to be painted. Make sure that this step is clearly itemized on the estimate and that the painter or crew leader has the patience and wherewithal to accomplish the proper preparation necessary for the job all the way through from start to finish. (Photos below)
Once the prep portion of the job is completed then the area should be cleaned, vacuumed, swept and plastic rolled and tarps folded, etc. "How is this going to help me choose the right painting contractor?" you ask. Well, understanding the painting process is going to be paramount to your ability to choose a good painting company. When discussing the estimate with the prospective contractor, allow the painter to detail the prep process in his or her own words. Do not rush this step and do not rush the estimator, as you will get important information regarding the proposed project and their ability to execute. If this is skipped over, glossed over or not handled with the appreciation it deserves, then move on to the next prospective contractor. Another warning sign to look for is the salesman type contractor who doesn't have the experience necessary to detail the hardships involved in scraping a house from top to bottom. It is not a fun part of the job. It is really dirty and potentially harmful as most exterior paint on an old house has lead in it.
Next, the painting contractor or small painting company must have a proven track record of applying a beautiful top coat. Either by looking at past projects on their website or by looking at testimonials and past references. Then, you can at least feel confident that the company you're thinking of hiring has the ability and knowhow to complete your project.
Application is key. My painting company applies most top coats with a sprayer now. Most of the body, or siding, is sprayed with an airless sprayer. This saves time and money for the homeowner. Accent colors and trim are typically brush and rolled. This part is easy. With the right system, done many times over, the paitning will be consistent and look really good. Consult past homeowners or look over their website very closely to judge for yourself if you'd like their services or not.
The photo below cleary shows the amount of scraping that is sometimes necessary before any primer is applied.
The Photo below cleary shows proper caulking, after the primer coat and before the top coats are applied.
Thanks for reading,
Eric