Hiring a Painter
How to Tell Whether a Painting Quote Actually Includes Prep
· 5 min read
When homeowners get three estimates and one is dramatically lower, the difference is almost never the paint. It is the preparation, the number of coats, and what is included in the price.
Prep is invisible on day one and obvious in year three. This is the checklist we would hand a friend before they signed anything.
Ask for prep to be listed step by step
A quote that says "prep and paint walls" is a promise you cannot compare. A quote that lists the actual steps can be judged against any other estimate.
- Washing or degreasing where it applies
- Scraping and sanding failing coatings
- Patching, crack repair and skim work
- Caulking at trim, joints and transitions
- Priming — where, and with what type of primer
- Masking and floor protection
- Number of finish coats
- Daily cleanup and final cleanup
Get product names, not just "premium paint"
Brand and product line change how a finish looks and how long it lasts. We work with Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, and Behr on request, and we are happy to put the exact product and sheen on the estimate.
Confirm insurance and who is actually on site
Ask whether the crew doing your work is the company's own, and ask for proof of insurance. Both questions should get a straight answer immediately.
Watch for the pressure signals
Large deposits before any work, prices that expire today, and verbal-only agreements are all reasons to slow down. A real estimate survives being read twice.