Key Questions to Ask Exterior House Painting Contractors
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is essential for ensuring paint adheres properly and 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 finish.
Require you 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!
- 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 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.
- How do you prevent overspray, drips, and spills on my roof, 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?
- How do you protect my gutters, soffits, and fascia from paint damage?
- 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.
- 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?
- Please define what you call 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?
- How do you know you are applying the paint at the correct mill thickness?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 (contract completed — no touchups required, cleanup is complete)?
- What forms of payment do you accept, and will you provide a receipt for each payment?
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.
- Will you provide an itemized breakdown of labor hours required for each task?
- Can you disclose the total cost of paint and all related sundries separately from labor costs?
- Will you lock in a firm price that won’t change, even if the project takes longer or requires more materials?
- Can we include in the contract that final payment will only be made after I inspect and approve all work?
