Questions to ask house painters before you hire

October 21, 2026 · 4 min read · By Pulkit Homes

Most painting problems come from assumptions, not from bad paint. These questions turn assumptions into answers before the work starts.

Are you insured?

Ask for proof of liability insurance. If something goes wrong in your home, insurance is what protects you. Condo boards often ask for it too. We carry liability insurance, and we’re happy to share details if your building asks.

Who will be in my house?

Some companies use their own crew and some use subcontractors. Neither is wrong, but you should know who’s doing the work and who’s responsible if there’s a problem. Ask who supervises the job and how you reach them.

How do you prepare the surfaces?

Prep is where good painters separate themselves. Ask how cracks, nail holes and peeling paint are handled, whether surfaces are cleaned and sanded, and when primer is used. In an older house, ask how they handle lead paint risks. Our guide to lead paint in older homes explains why.

Which paint, and how many coats?

Ask for the brand and product line, the finish, and the number of coats. Two coats is common for walls. A colour change from dark to light may need more, and a good painter will say so up front rather than after you’ve signed.

What’s the schedule, and how do changes work?

Ask for a start date, an expected finish and how delays are communicated. Ask how extra work is priced if you decide to add a room or fix something you find. Clear answers here prevent most disagreements.

What happens at the end?

Ask about cleanup and the final walkthrough. A good painter walks the finished work with you, notes anything to fix and doesn’t ask for the last payment until you’re satisfied.

Quick questions