12 Essential Questions to ask before hiring an Interior Painter
Don’t get burned. This list is designed to help any homeowner vet potential interior painters, ensure accurate estimates, and avoid costly surprises or disputes mid-project. Asking these questions upfront will signal that you are an informed client who expects professionalism.
Here are 12 critical questions to ask every interior painter before hiring them.
The Vetting Phase (Credibility & Trust)
Can you provide current proof of both general liability and workers' compensation insurance?
Why ask this: General liability protects your property if they spill a gallon of paint on your hardwood floors. Workers' comp protects you from liability if one of their crew members falls off a ladder inside your house. Never hire an uninsured interior painter.
Who will be the dedicated project manager, and how will they communicate with me?
Why ask this: You should have a single point of contact. Knowing there is an accountable supervisor increases the likelihood that the scope of work is followed.
Do you offer a warranty on your workmanship, what does it specifically cover, and for how long?
Why ask this: The standard industry warranty is often 2 years on labor and workmanship (e.g., paint peeling due to improper prep). This is not a warranty against normal wear and tear (e.g., your kids scuffing the hallway).
What is your specific process for the final walkthrough and resolving "punch list" items before final payment?
Why ask this: It’s important to ensure they have a formal walkthrough or acceptance process before handing over the final check. You need to know their process for marking imperfections (using blue tape is common) and their timeline for fixing those "punch list" items (missed spots, drips on trim, uneven coverage).
The Scope & Process Phase (Avoiding Mistakes)
What specific level of surface preparation is included in your bid regarding patching, sanding, and caulking?
Why ask this: This is often the #1 cause of disputes and price increases. Does "prep" mean patching only nail holes, or does it include skimming damaged drywall, caulking gaps in trim, and sanding glossy surfaces for adhesion? Vague answers here lead to change orders later. It should all be spelled out in the estimate.
How many coats are included in the price, and do you guarantee full paint coverage?
Why ask this: Standard quality is usually one coat of primer – if needed for repairs/color changes – plus two topcoats. Many lowball painters quote only one topcoat, which often results in streaking or the old color showing through.
How are closets, shelving, and interiors of cabinets handled in this estimate?
Why ask this: These are classic "scope gaps" that can lead to price increases after the job has started. Often, estimates assume closets are not included unless specified. If you expect them painted, ensure the bid includes the labor to remove and reinstall shelving.
What specific brand, line, and sheen of paint have you quoted for walls, ceilings, and trim?
Why ask this: Not all paint is equal. This is a good place for discount painters to cut corners and cut costs by using an inferior product. A bid based on Sherwin-Williams "ProMar 400" (cheap contractor grade) will be much lower than one based on "Emerald" (premium grade). Ensure you know exactly what product is going on your walls and that it matches your expectations for durability and washability to ensure a long-lasting beautiful paint job.
The Logistics & Project Phase (Ensuring Accuracy)
What is your exact process for protecting floors, furniture, light fixtures, and adjacent surfaces not being painted?
Why ask this: Interior painting can be messy at times. You need to know if they tape off floors with paper, use drop cloths, wrap chandeliers in plastic, etc. Their answer (of what they do, and how they do it) will tell you how respectful they will be of your home.
Do you offer color consultation help or apply large test patches, or must I have all colors finalized before you begin?
Why ask this: It is always helpful to have support available when choosing colors. Some painters include a free consultation with a color expert before committing. Others expect a finalized list of color codes the moment they arrive. This is a service that can help lower anxiety and stress.
What is your daily cleanup routine, and will the work areas be "livable" during the evenings?
Why ask this: Larger projects usually take more than one day to complete. You need to know if ladders, paint cans, and masking plastic will be left out overnight, creating tripping hazards or making the kitchen unusable. A professional crew should neatly stack tools and ensure main pathways are clear at the end of each day.
How do you handle unforeseen issues or "change orders" if hidden damage is discovered?
Why ask this: Sometimes prep reveals deeper issues (like old wallpaper hidden under paint, drywall or trim damage that wasn't visible initially). You need to know the process for approving extra costs before they do the work.
Have more questions or ready to set up an estimate appointment?
Text or call David: 512-952-9427
