Questions to Ask a Painter Before You Hire

Quick answer: Before hiring a painter, ask what prep is included, which products and how many coats, who does the work, whether the company is insured, what the written estimate covers, the schedule, and cleanup. Get every answer in writing.

Questions about prep

Sherwin-Williams says more than 80% of paint complaints come from poor or missing surface prep, so start here.

• What prep is included: washing or pressure washing, scraping, sanding, patching, caulking, priming?
• Will you repair damaged drywall, wood rot or loose trim first, and is that priced separately?
• How do you handle glossy surfaces, chalky siding or peeling areas?
• On brick, stucco or masonry: what primer do you use, and how do you check that the surface is dry?
• What do you protect, and how: floors, belongings, plants, windows, walkways?

Questions about paint and coats

• Which brand and product line will you use on each surface?
• What sheen goes where? (See best paint sheen by room.)
• How many coats are included? HomeGuide notes two coats is typical for interiors and that more coats raise cost but extend the paint's life.
• Will you prime bare spots, stains or big color changes?
• Is the color sampled on the wall before the job starts?

Questions about the written estimate

HomeGuide says each estimate should detail the labor, materials, prep work, number of coats, timeline and paint brands. Angi recommends asking for a written cost breakdown before signing.

• Which rooms or sides of the house, and which surfaces, are included?
• What is not included?
• What happens if hidden damage, such as wood rot, turns up during prep?
• What is the payment schedule?
• If you need HOA or architectural committee approval for colors, who handles the submission?

Questions about insurance and older homes

• Are you insured, and can I see proof of coverage?
• For popcorn ceilings in older homes: has the texture been lab tested for asbestos?

Questions about schedule and the crew

• When can you start, and how many working days will it take?
• Who will be on site, and who is my contact during the job?
• How are rain, heat and cold delays handled? (See the best time of year to paint a house exterior.)
• For interiors: which rooms will be out of use, and in what order?

Questions about cleanup and the walk-through

• What gets cleaned up each day and at the end?
• Will we do a final walk-through together for touch-ups?
• Will you leave labeled leftover paint for future touch-ups?

Frequently asked questions

Should a painting estimate be in writing?

Yes. Angi recommends asking for a written cost breakdown before signing, and HomeGuide says each estimate should detail labor, materials, prep work, number of coats, timeline and paint brands. A written scope lets you compare painters line by line.

What should a painting estimate include?

HomeGuide lists labor, materials, prep work, number of coats, project timeline and specific paint brands. Also look for the surfaces included, what is excluded, protection and cleanup, and how hidden damage found during prep is priced.

How many coats of paint should a painter use?

Two coats is typical for interior walls, according to HomeGuide, which also notes that more coats raise cost but extend the paint's life. Big color changes and bare surfaces may also need primer.

How do I compare painting quotes?

Line them up by scope, not just total. Check the surfaces, prep steps, paint product and sheen, number of coats, start date and working days. A lower bid that skips prep or a coat is not the same job.

What should I ask a painter about prep?

Ask exactly what is washed, scraped, sanded, patched, caulked and primed, and what happens if wood rot or drywall damage turns up. Sherwin-Williams says more than 80% of paint complaints come from poor prep.

Sources

1. HomeGuide, interior painting cost
2. HomeGuide, exterior painting cost
3. Angi, exterior painting cost [2026 Data]
4. Sherwin-Williams, Ask your ProPartner