Cost & Hiring
10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Painting Contractor
· 5 min read
A low bid usually means fewer prep hours, thinner coats, or subcontracted labor. These questions surface what the estimate doesn't say.
Painting estimates are hard to compare because the bulk of the work is invisible in the final price. These questions make the differences concrete before you sign anything.
- Are you licensed and insured, and can I see the certificate?
- Is the crew your own employees, or subcontractors?
- What specific prep is included — washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming?
- Which paint product and sheen are you quoting, and how many coats?
- Is the quoted price per coat, or for the completed system?
- How will you protect floors, furniture, and landscaping?
- Who is my point of contact day to day?
- What is the payment schedule, and how much is due up front?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover and for how long?
- How do you handle changes discovered mid-project, like rotted trim?
Reading the bids
If one bid is dramatically lower, ask which of the items above it excludes. Nearly every time, the gap is prep hours or a second coat. A written scope that names products, coats, and prep steps is worth more than a round number on a business card.
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H&S Painting and Refinishing serves Dallas and the surrounding North Texas communities. Estimates are free and there's no pressure.