Exterior - Pearl Painters

Key Questions to Ask Exterior House Painting Contractors

Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions. If a contractor gets defensive or won’t answer your questions, don’t hire them! Move on with other bids until you find what and who you’re looking for.

Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is essential for ensuring paint looks good and adheres properly so it lasts over time. Improper surface prep will lead to peeling, cracking, or poor coverage. Proper surface prep lays the foundation for a smooth, durable, and long-lasting beautiful finish.

Require your bidder to note in the contract that you will have an opportunity to inspect and approve the surface preparation before moving onto the painting stage!

Questions to Ask - Surface Prep

Do you pressure wash or hand wash?
Will you use a cleaning agent?
Will it harm my plants/animals?
How do you know if the surface is dry enough to paint?
Will you use a moisture meter to ensure the surface is dry enough?
What is a safe percentage range on the moisture meter?
Will you scrape all loose paint, even on the high trim that is 30 ft. in the air?
What areas will you sand?
What areas will you prime?
What kind of primer will you use?
How long will you let the primer dry before you paint?
Will you correct failing caulking?
What type of caulking do you use?
How thoroughly will you mask and tape to protect my windows, brick, foundation, roof, plants, decks, cars, etc. from overspray, drips and spills?

Protection Requirements

A painting contractor’s protection process is vital to safeguarding your property during a project and can be a clear indicator of their professionalism.

Questions to Ask - Protection

How do you prevent overspray, drips, and spills on my roof, fence, windows, brick, deck, car, etc.?
What materials do you use for masking and taping windows, doors, and other areas?
How do you protect landscaping, plants, and outdoor fixtures?
Will you cover walkways, driveways, and patios during the painting process?
Do you use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect surfaces near the work area?
Will you remove or cover any outdoor furniture or other belongings, or should I do that before work begins?
How do you handle cleanup in the event of accidental spills or overspray?

Paint Application

Defining paint application details with the bidder ensures proper methods, coverage, and quality. Clear expectations help avoid surprises, additional costs, and ensure a professional finish.

Questions to Ask - Application

How will you apply the paint? Will you spray, spray & back brush, spray & back roll, or hand paint?
How many coats will you apply?
What’s the difference between one heavy coat and two normal coats?
What can go wrong if you apply a really thick coat of paint? (Hint – it’s not just runs!)
How do you know you are applying the paint at the correct mill thickness?
Please define what you consider 2 coats. Is that spraying in one direction and going back over it, or do you let the first coat dry and then apply the second coat?
How will you paint my front door? Will you remove it or paint it in place?
What brand and type of paint do you recommend?
What is the best sheen level for my project?
Will you use enamel on my front door?
What happens if the paint does not cover in the specified number of coats? Is there a potential for more cost?
What surfaces are included and excluded from the painting?
Will you allow me to inspect the work at the end of the project before your crew leaves and correct all touch-ups before I pay the final balance?

Cleanup

Detailing the cleanup process with the painting contractor ensures waste is handled properly, your property is protected, and environmental standards are met, preventing potential damage or extra costs.

Questions to Ask - Cleanup

What do you do with the garbage produced from my project? Do you take it away or put it in my garbage?
What do you do with the leftover paint?
Where do you clean your brushes, rollers, and spray equipment?
What do you do with dirty solvent used to clean oil paint from brushes or sprayers?
How do you manage and contain paint chips or debris during the prep process?
Will you clean the area daily or only at the end of the project?
What precautions do you take to prevent environmental contamination from paint waste or wash water?

Payments

Clarifying the payment process with your painter ensures transparency, protects both parties, and helps prevent disputes or unexpected costs throughout the project.

Questions to Ask - Payments

Do you require a deposit? If not, how do I know that you are committed to doing my project before it rains?
What is your payment schedule, and when are payments due throughout the project?
Can I hold back a portion of the payment until I am satisfied with the completed job / final inspection? (i.e. contract completed — no touchups required, cleanup is complete) Will you put that in writing?

Comparing Cost

Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, not just focusing on the price: Require your bidder to provide an itemized number of labor hours required for each task.

Questions to Ask - Comparing Cost

Can I see your written prep and painting process for exterior projects like mine?
How long will my project take?
How many workers for how many days?
Can you provide the total hours detail so I can understand how you got to your price?
Will my cost change if it takes longer or requires more materials than you planned for? (confirm that in writing!)
How do I know your price is accurate and fair?