Questions to Ask Painting Contractors

Are you considering repainting your home? It can be tempting to save money by taking on the project yourself, but for quality, long-lasting results it may be best to hire a painting contractor to handle the job for you. Below are some questions to ask potential contractors to help you choose the right pro for the job.


Ask for a Brief Background

Always ask potential painters for a list of references so you can inquire about their quality of work. When vetting potential painters, other questions to ask include how long they’ve been in business, what type of services they offer, and what their painting process looks like. 


Check for Licensing

When completing any home renovation project, you want to be sure your contractors are licensed and insured. This protects you from liability and gives you peace of mind knowing the work is backed by professionals. A painting contractor should be able to produce a copy of their license and registration; if they refuse, it’s a red flag that you should avoid hiring them. 


Ask about Specialties 

Painting comes with many specialties and you want to be sure you hire the right professional for your specific job. Ask potential contractors what they specialize in. Those who specialize in commercial painting may not be the right pros for your residential job. 


Inquire About Paint Types

There is a large selection of paint types available to choose from. Ask your painting contractor what types of paint they use for jobs. As experts, they should be able to recommend specific paint finishes depending on which rooms you plan to paint, with the most common being matte and glossy. Another important question to ask is if they use lead-free paint that’s EPA certified. Many painting contractors only use certain paint suppliers which only produce EPA certified paint, but it’s best to confirm before you make your hiring decision.  


Once you’ve made a hiring decision, work with your painting contractor to draw up a contract so you can begin your project.