Questions to ask before you hire
A good contractor will be glad you asked. Clear, specific answers are a good sign; vague ones are worth noting.
- Do you carry liability insurance, and can I see proof of it?
- Who will be working in my home — your own crew or subcontractors?
- How will you protect my floors, furniture, landscaping and belongings?
- What prep is included — patching, sanding, caulking, priming, washing?
- What paint brand, product line and sheen do you plan to use, and how many coats?
- How long will the job take, and what does a typical workday look like?
- Who is my point of contact if I have a question during the job?
- What happens if I notice a problem after you've finished?
Red flags to watch for
No written quote
If the price only exists in a conversation, there's nothing to hold anyone to. Always get the scope and price in writing.
A big cash deposit up front
Asking for most of the money before any work starts is a warning sign. A reasonable deposit for scheduling and materials is normal.
Vague answers about prep
Prep is most of the job. If a contractor can't explain how they'll get your surfaces ready, the finish probably won't last.
Pressure to sign today
A good contractor will give you time to think it over and compare. "Today only" pricing is a sales tactic, not a favor.
Can't show proof of insurance
If someone gets hurt or something gets damaged in your home, you want to know it's covered.
How a quote should be structured
When every quote lists the same things, comparing them gets a lot easier. Here's what a complete written quote should cover:
- Scope of work
- Exactly which rooms, walls, ceilings, trim, doors or exterior surfaces are included — and which aren't.
- Prep details
- Patching, sanding, caulking, priming, pressure washing and any wood or drywall repair, spelled out.
- Materials
- Paint brand and product line, sheen for each surface, number of coats, and who is buying the materials.
- Schedule
- An estimated start date and how many days the work should take, with a note about weather for exterior jobs.
- Price & payment terms
- A total price, what the deposit is, and when the remaining payments are due.
- Clean-up & walkthrough
- How the work area will be left each day and a final walkthrough to catch any touch-ups.
Why the cheapest bid usually costs more
Paint itself is a small part of the price. Most of what you're paying for is time — the hours spent patching, sanding, caulking, priming and protecting your home before the first finish coat goes on.
When one bid comes in far below the rest, that time usually comes out somewhere: less prep, one coat instead of two, a lower-grade paint, or a rushed crew. It can look fine the day it's finished. A year or two later, peeling trim, flashing walls or mildew on the exterior means paying to have it done again.
Here in Northeast Florida, with our sun, humidity and summer storms, that shows up faster than it would elsewhere. The better value is usually the quote that explains exactly what you're getting.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get for a painting job?
Two or three written quotes is usually enough. It gives you a feel for fair pricing and lets you compare how each contractor plans to prep, protect and finish the work.
What should a painting quote include?
A clear scope listing which rooms or surfaces are included, the prep work, the number of coats, the paint brand and sheen, who supplies materials, the schedule, the payment terms and how clean-up and touch-ups are handled.
Should I always choose the lowest bid?
Not necessarily. A much lower price often means less prep, fewer coats or cheaper paint. Those shortcuts tend to show up as peeling, uneven color or a repaint a few years sooner, which costs more in the long run.
How much of a deposit is normal?
A modest deposit to schedule the job and cover materials is common. Be cautious of anyone asking for most or all of the money up front before work begins.
What questions should I ask a painting contractor?
Ask whether they carry insurance, who will actually be in your home, how they protect floors and furniture, how they prep surfaces, what products they use, how long the job will take and how they handle problems after the job is done.
If you'd like a second opinion
We're happy to walk through your project and give you a written quote you can compare against others — no pressure either way. You can request an estimate, browse our services, or give us a call.
(904) 314-0354