Most people wait until something breaks before calling a painter. That's usually the worst time to shop around. A little research upfront saves a lot of hassle.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number and look it up yourself. Many states have online databases. If they can't produce proof of general liability and workers' comp, send them packing. One injured worker on your property without coverage means you're paying the hospital bills. Don't take their word for it — request a certificate of insurance sent directly from their agent.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how many years they've been running jobs, not just painting. A guy with ten years of solo work might handle a bedroom fine, but a crew boss who's managed multiple houses knows how to keep a schedule. Call the references. Ask about cleanup, punctuality, and whether the crew showed up every day. If references dodge or give one-word answers, that's a red flag.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get at least three quotes. If one bid is half the others, they're either skipping prep work or desperate for cash — neither is good. Ask how they break down the price: materials, labor, prep. A verbal timeline isn't worth the air it takes to say it. Get a start date and a finish date in writing. Ask what happens if the job runs over — do they work weekends or just ghost you?
Contract Questions
Read the damn contract before you sign. Look for a scope of work that lists every surface, every color, and every coat. Make sure payment terms are tied to milestones, not a calendar. Never pay more than a third upfront. The contract should say who buys materials, who handles trash, and how touch-ups work after they leave. If they refuse to put it in writing, walk.
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