What should I ask a painter before hiring?
Short answer
Ask how they'll prep the surfaces, which paint and how many coats are included, whether they're insured, who will actually do the work, how long it will take, what the payment schedule is, how they protect your home, and whether they guarantee the work. Get the answers in writing on the estimate.The list
- What prep is included: washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming?
- Which product line and sheen, and how many coats?
- Can you send your certificate of insurance?
- Will you or a crew do the work? Are they employees or subcontractors?
- When can you start, and how long will it take?
- What's the deposit and payment schedule?
- How do you protect floors, furniture and landscaping?
- What's your warranty, and what does it cover?
- For older homes: are you an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm?
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Open Color StudioUpdated September 2026. Always follow the directions on your product's label; manufacturer instructions come first.