10 Questions to Ask Professional Painters Before Hiring

Planning your home's painting project can be stressful, especially when you want to hire a painter you can trust to do a great job. But if you arm yourself with the right information, you'll feel confident in choosing a painter who's the right fit for your project. Knowing the key questions to ask painters will go a long way in making sure you're both on the same page.

When you open a dialogue with a prospective painter, you'll get a sense of the painter's communication style, business practices, and even work ethic. If you know what to ask house painters, you'll be able to avoid assumptions and misunderstandings. Professional painters have the skill and experience to clearly assess the job, but they may not address all of your concerns unless you ask them directly.

10 Essential Questions to Ask a Painter

Whether you prefer a computer, tablet, or pen and paper, write down your painting questions and have them ready before your appointment. And writing down the painter's answers is equally important – you'll want to refer to them when you're deciding who will be the right fit for the job. Here are the 10 essential questions you should ask: 

1. Do You Offer a Free Estimate?

Most responsible painting companies offer a free estimate. In the Denver and Front Range areas, it's important to ensure estimates consider local weather conditions and specific architectural features.

When you request an estimate, you'll be asked to supply information so the painter can price your job accurately. Be sure to give each potential painter the same information so you can conduct an equal price comparison for your project. 

2. What Materials Do You Use?

The bottom line is that more expensive paints and materials look better and will last much longer than the cheaper versions. Ask for specific paint specifications so you're sure you get what you're paying for. In Denver's varied climate, using high-quality, durable paints is essential. Respected painting contractors will specify their materials in their contracts.

3. What Credentials/Certificates Do You Have?

Insurance is expensive, but a reliable painting contractor will maintain two current insurance policies: workman's compensation insurance and a minimum one million dollar comprehensive business liability policy. If a painter doesn't carry insurance, you'll be liable for all costs if an accident or damage occurs on your property. 

Also ask for a copy of the painter's business and contractor's licenses. Inquire about membership in professional organizations such as the Painting Contractors Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. Membership shows a commitment to their profession and their community. 

4. Do You Offer a Warranty?

You, like other consumers, have valid expectations from painters, such as a solid warranty that covers labor and materials for a given period of time. Be sure to ask about exclusions or what's not covered as well as length of warranty time. Finally, ask for a written copy of the warranty.

5. Can You Provide Some References?

A painting company that stands behind their work is proud to share their references. Pros will likely provide a reference list before you have to ask. Request references, especially from recent jobs in the Denver and Front Range areas, to assess the painter's local expertise and reputation.

Once you have the list of references, be sure to follow up and call. Ask references from older jobs how the work has held up. For recent jobs, ask their opinion of the crew, communication, and quality of workmanship.

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6. What Is Included in Your Painting Prep?

Prep is critical to a quality paint job. However, exterior painting services can involve different prep tasks and materials compared to the prep required for interior painting services.

Ask for the painter's list of prep specific to your painting project. Also, ask if there's the prep that the painter won't do such as cleaning the walls or moving furniture before the painting starts.

7. Is the Crew Made Up of Subcontractors or Employees?

Both models are common in trade work and excel in different scenarios.

Good subcontractors are professional teams that carry their own tools, insurance, and business names that are hired by the painting company on a per-job basis. Greater responsibility is placed on the crew and pay is a higher lump sum for the completion of the project to the professional expectations of the paint company. This system is geared towards residential projects that are typically days or weeks long as opposed to months or years in duration. 

On the other hand, employees are hired by a painting company in a traditional model. Pay is hourly, and wages reflect a greater responsibility placed on the employer to provide tools, vans, insurance, etc... This system excels in larger commercial and industrial projects but some residential painting companies will also run this model.

Whether a paint company hires employees or subcontractors or a hybrid of the two, the primary concern is the relationship and culture of the people who work together. Have your employees or crews been thoroughly screened and how long have they been working with you? 

8. What Kind of Training Have Your People Received?

Whether in-house or through trade association seminars and conferences, if a painting company has an ongoing employee development program, it indicates they pride themselves in being true professionals. Ask them to describe details of their training program and how often their employees receive training. 

9. What Level of Communication Can I Expect from the Project Manager?

Confirm who the project manager will be. Ask how often the PM will be on the job site and how often you can expect to communicate. Ask if you'll communicate by phone, email, text, or in person.

10. Will the Weather Affect the Painting Timeline?

J. Paul Getty quipped, "I've never been one to bet on the weather" – and living in the Denver metro area, neither should you! From gusty winds and moisture-sucking dryness to heavy rain and ice, the weather can definitely affect a painting timeline. Ask the painter for advice on the ideal time for painting in your location, and how they deal with weather surprises. 

Contact Singletrack Painting to Get Your Answers

Now you're armed with the 10 key questions to ask painters in an interview. You'll get straightforward answers from Singletrack Painting!

Singletrack offers reputable, skilled, and experienced interior and residential painting services you can trust – all backed by our outstanding customer service.

We're happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Singletrack is licensed, insured, and has years of painting experience in the Denver metro area. Request a free estimate today.

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