Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter

Don’t get stuck with a sloppy paint job or a vanishing contractor. These 7 questions will protect your home, your wallet, and your sanity.

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Can just anyone with a brush and a ladder call themselves a professional painter?
The answer might shock you. In many places—including Texas—there’s no licensing requirement to become a painter. That means your project’s success depends entirely on the questions you ask before signing that contract.

Painting may seem straightforward, but the difference between a job well done and one that needs a redo in six months comes down to preparation, experience, and communication. Whether you’re painting a single room or giving your home a full exterior facelift, asking the right questions up front is the smartest move you can make.

Here are the Top 7 essential questions to ask before hiring a painter—plus the red flags to watch out for and how to choose a painter you can trust.

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🎯 1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

While Texas doesn’t require a license for painters, they should carry:

• General liability insurance – protects your property from damage
• Workers’ compensation insurance – covers any injuries on-site

📌 Why It Matters: If a worker falls off a ladder and the contractor isn’t insured, you could be held liable.

✅ Pro Tip: Ask for copies of insurance certificates and verify them with the issuing companies.

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📋 2. Can You Provide References from Recent Jobs?

Don’t rely on online reviews alone. Ask for:

• Names and numbers of 3 recent clients
• Before-and-after photos of their work
• Testimonials specific to your type of project (e.g., exterior, kitchen cabinets, etc.)

📌 Red Flag: Vague answers or reluctance to provide references usually means the painter has something to hide.

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🧰 3. What Is Included in Your Quote?

A professional quote should clearly state:

• Prep work (cleaning, sanding, caulking)
• Number of coats
• Brand and type of paint
• Estimated start and completion dates
• Warranty details

🎯 Bonus Tip: Always get at least three quotes—but don’t automatically choose the cheapest. Ask why one estimate might be lower.

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🖌️ 4. Do You Use Subcontractors or In-House Employees?

Painters who hire subcontractors may not have full control over the quality of work. Ask:

• Are background checks performed?
• Who supervises the job site?
• Will the same crew be on-site every day?

📌 Why It Matters: Consistency equals quality. If your job is passed off to untrained subs, expect delays and mistakes.

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🕒 5. What Is Your Surface Preparation Process?

Prep is where good painters shine—and amateurs skip.

✅ Look for:

• Power washing
• Scraping old paint
• Filling holes and cracks
• Primer application where necessary

📌 Red Flag: Anyone who says “We just paint over it” is not a professional.

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🎨 6. What Kind of Paint Will You Use?

A painter should be able to confidently explain:

• Which brands they use (e.g., Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr)
• Paint type (latex vs. oil-based)
• Finish recommendations (matte, satin, semi-gloss, etc.)
• Longevity and weather resistance

📌 Important: Ensure the quote includes premium-grade paint, not builder-grade unless that’s what you want.

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🛡️ 7. Do You Offer a Written Warranty or Guarantee?

A real pro stands behind their work. Your contract should specify:

• What is covered (e.g., peeling, fading, chipping)
• Duration (typically 2–5 years)
• What voids the warranty

📌 Red Flag: “We don’t do warranties” = walk away.

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🧠 Bonus Tips for Hiring Painters in Texas

• Look for local businesses with roots in your community
• Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
• Ask if they’re familiar with Texas weather conditions, which affect exterior paint durability
• Verify their timeline: A quality contractor may be booked 2–4 weeks out, which is a good sign

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📝 Final Thoughts: Hiring Smart Saves You Thousands

Hiring a painter isn’t just about picking someone who can hold a brush. It’s about protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind. The top complaints in the home improvement world come from homeowners who didn’t ask the right questions—don’t let that be you.

Take your time, compare quotes, verify credentials, and trust your gut. A great painting job adds value, curb appeal, and years of protection to your home. A bad one? It adds headaches, lawsuits, and repainting costs.

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📚 Related Articles to Cover Next

1. “How to Spot a Bad Painter Before It’s Too Late”
   Warning signs, scam tactics, and contractor red flags to avoid.
2. “Interior vs. Exterior Painting Contractors: What’s the Difference?”
   Know who to hire for each type of job and why specialization matters.
3. “Understanding Your Painting Contract: Terms Every Homeowner Should Know”
   A breakdown of confusing jargon and how to protect yourself legally.
4. “Do You Need a Permit to Paint Your House in Texas?”
   Regulations, HOA restrictions, and local ordinances explained.
5. “Painting on a Budget: How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality”
   Tips for homeowners who want quality work without overspending.