Key Questions to Ask Interior 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
It’s vital that your interior surfaces be properly prepared. That specific process can vary from room to room or surface to surface. Proper surface prep ensures that you get a durable, beautiful, long-lasting finish in your home.
Questions to Ask - Surface Prep
- How will you clean the surfaces prior to painting?
- What will you use to clean the surfaces and why?
- How do you address nail pops, dents, holes, cracks and texture issues?
- What do you do to ensure paint will stick to glossy surfaces?
- Will you prime the surfaces before painting?
- If you prime, will the primer be oil- or water-based?
- Will I have an opportunity to inspect and approve the surface preparation before painting begins?
Protection Requirements
How will the painting company protect your floors, carpet, furniture, and everything else inside your home?
Protection goes beyond your belongings – it’s also important to feel safe with strangers in your home. Understanding a painting contractor’s protection process is a clear indicator of their professionalism.
Questions to Ask - Protection
- How do you protect floors, furniture, breakables, electronics, and window coverings during the project?
- What is your plan for gaining access to my home, as well as lock-up procedures?
- Where will you store your equipment?
- Where and how do you plan for brush and roller cleanup?
- What is your smoking policy?
- Which bathroom can be used or will you require a portable bathroom for the crew?
Paint Application
It’s important to understand the methods that painters use to apply the paint in the interior of your home. During the bidding process, make sure that you have clear expectations in order to avoid additional costs. Plus, you want to have that beautiful, professional finish.
Questions to Ask - Application
- How will you apply the paint (e.g. spray, spray and back roll, or hand paint)?
- How many coats will you apply?
- What’s the difference between one heavy coat and two normal coats?
- How do you know that you are applying the paint at the correct mil thickness?
- What type, brand, and sheen of paint do you recommend?
- What if the paint does not cover in the number of coats that you specify?
- Is there a potential for more cost if the paint does not cover in the number of coats you specify?
- How will you ensure clean, straight color transition lines between walls, ceilings, trim and floors?
- What surfaces are included and excluded from the project?
Cleanup
Make sure that waste is handled correctly and cleanup is done appropriately. If you have this knowledge ahead of time, you can prevent potential damage or extra costs.
Questions to Ask - Cleanup
- What do you do with the garbage produced from my project?
- What do you do with 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 / sprayers?
Payments
Understanding the payment process and schedule ensures transparency, protects both parties, and helps prevent disputes or unexpected costs throughout the project.
Questions to Ask - Payments
- Do you require a deposit?
- 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
Never focus on just the price. When getting bids, you want to make comparisons based on data. Require that your bidder provides an itemized number of labor hours for each task to ensure nothing is missing from the scope. If there is a big variance in cost from one contractor to another there is likely something missing. Make sure you understand what you are getting for your money and that your eyes are wide open before you jump.
Questions to Ask - Comparing Cost
- Can I see your written prep and painting process for a project 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? (get that in writing!)
