Steer clear of a slapdash finish—transform your home’s interior with a quality paint job from a vetted pro
Whether you're looking to hire a painting contractor to freshen up a small guest room or transform every wall inside your new home, getting the right pro can save you time, money and, above all, ensure you end up with the best finish possible.
Asking interior painting contractors near you the right questions helps you find a first-rate pro. We’ve listed below some key questions to ask your interior painting contractor to help get you started.
A good painting contractor should be happy to provide you with at least three references from past clients and a portfolio of examples of completed work. If you have a large job with technical paint finishes, check that the contractor has done this type of work before. Ideally, you’re looking to hire a well-established contractor with a demonstrable work history.
Don’t forget to do some online research, too—you’ll get a more objective picture of the quality of their work and their level of customer service.
Don’t let any painting contractor start on your walls until you get reassurance that they have all the right qualifications and paperwork in place. Ask to see evidence of:
License. The requirements for licensing vary from state to state but typically include proof of liability insurance and appropriate experience (sometimes in the form of an exam).
Insurance. All contractors should have general liability insurance. It’s a bonus if they also have a surety bond (usually referred to as workers’ compensation), as this will protect you and any subcontractors financially if the main contractor doesn’t pay them.
The painting contractor should clearly outline the costs and how and when they want payment when they provide a quote. Establish whether they include prep work, paint, and any other materials in the price. Costs can increase if the contractor needs to paint tall walls or ceilings, more intricate things like crown molding, or extras such as baseboards. Labor costs are typically broken down by square foot or as an hourly rate. The average cost of painting a house interior is $2 to $6 per square foot, not including materials.
As well as a breakdown of costs, check how the contractor wants payment. It’s a red flag if they are looking for 100% payment upfront. Typically, you pay 25% to 50% of the costs upfront and the rest upon completion. Depending on the size of the project, the contractor may request payment installments throughout the project.
If you are happy with the quote and their background, get a written contract before proceeding with the work—especially if it is a major project. This step helps with communication and offers a degree of protection if things go awry. If the contractor is hesitant about providing this, it’s another red flag, as this step is common practice in the industry.
As well as cost breakdowns and payment terms, the contract includes things like:
Exact job requirements
The type of paint (semi-gloss paint used in high humidity areas, for example, can be more than double the price of flat, eggshell, or satin)
The type of finish (a textured wall effect, for example, can cost up to 50% more than a standard finish)
Number of coats (and whether a primer is needed to cover dark walls)
The level of prep and clean-up work
Timescales
Home accessibility
Action if there is any property damage
Discuss paint quality and finish with your contractor before work begins. A higher-quality formula can mean fewer coats and better paint job longevity. A good contractor will provide recommendations, but if you have something specific in mind, make this clear from the outset.
Prep work makes all the difference when it comes to painting finish and longevity, and a contractor should never neglect this aspect of the job. A good painter will outline what painting prep work they will do. This might include:
Making surface repairs (including scraping or patching)
Removing old, thick coats of paint
Washing walls
Removing rot, mold, or mildew
Protecting the space from paint splashes
Some contractors work around furniture items. Others may ask you to remove them before work commences. Be sure to discuss this ahead of time.
Delays inevitably happen, but it can be inconvenient if a project takes much longer than expected, especially if you have to be out of the house or relegated to certain rooms while they paint. Reputable contractors provide a breakdown of their anticipated timelines and daily work schedule, communicate clearly if any delays arise, and explain why.
Depending on the size of the project and the contractor you are using, your painter may bring in subcontractors. These pros may work with them for specialized finishes, prep work, or clean-up. For large jobs, you may hire a general contractor who employs specialist painting subcontractors.
If the contractor is fuzzy on the details or won’t have a supervisor present during the entire project, this may be a cause for concern.
It’s unlikely a top-notch painting contractor will leave any mess for you to clean up at the end of the project. However, it’s always worth checking the contract to make sure it outlines that all tools, equipment, and debris will be taken off-site when they complete the job.
Work warranties are more common for exterior paint jobs because of the exposure to the elements. Not all painting contractors offer this type of warranty for interior jobs. However, it’s still worth asking as it can provide further peace of mind. Usually, it is only for one year and only covers provable defects in work.
While plenty of wonderful contractors are working to make an honest living, it’s true: there are some scam artists, too (and plain old incompetence).
Fortunately, if you look for red flags, you’ll likely avoid a run-in with one of these problematic painters. Here are some of the most common signs that should give you pause:
Significantly lower rates. Everyone wants a great deal, but if your contractor is working for rates significantly lower than the rest of the market, it could be because they’re having trouble getting work elsewhere—or haven’t invested in necessary business expenses like insurance.
Unclear (or non-existent) contracts. As their name suggests, a contractor should always provide you with a contract stating the specific nature of the work, estimated timeline, and cost. If the pro you’re considering doesn’t offer a written contract or offers a vague one, it’s wise to steer clear.
No references or internet presence. While not every contractor has an active online life, ideally, the professional you choose will have some kind of track record for your peace of mind. If you can’t find any reviews of their services online, consider asking the contractor directly for personal testimonials or references.
A lack of professionalism. If your interactions with the contractor you’re considering are sketchy, go with your gut and hire someone else. In the worst case scenario, you turned down work from someone who would have done a good job but whom you didn’t get along with. In the best case scenario, you avoided a fiasco.
Gemma Johnstone contributed to this article.
While your painters may have a certain price point in mind based on the materials and labor they estimate it will take to paint your house, it may be possible to negotiate with contractors, especially if you have multiple quotes to use as leverage. (A painter may be willing to offer some leeway to keep your business.) You might also be able to score a better deal by paying for your services upfront or bundling multiple services.
When estimating their costs, painters include the cost of the physical materials they’ll need (like paint, tape, caulk, and masking plastic) as well as the labor costs of the painters doing the job. They may also need to consider transportation and other business expenses, like insurance. The average cost to paint the exterior of a house is about $3,100, but your specific price will depend on the size of your home, which contractors you choose, and other factors.
While painters won’t expect a tip, they may accept one if you offer—which means any amount of tipping you do is above and beyond, even if it’s just $10 or $20 per painter. Instead of monetary tips, many painters prefer their customers to leave them positive online reviews, which can line their pockets in the form of future business opportunities.
