Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter: Your Complete Interview Checklist

Hiring a painting contractor is more than comparing price quotes. The cheapest bid might cost you thousands in repairs down the road, while the most expensive doesn't always deliver the best quality. The key to finding the right professional is asking the right questions—and knowing what answers to expect.

This guide provides a comprehensive interview checklist organized by category. Use these questions to evaluate contractors during the estimate process, and pay close attention to how they respond. A professional who's confident in their work will answer clearly and thoroughly. Someone who dodges questions, gives vague responses, or becomes defensive is showing you exactly what working with them will be like.

Why the Right Questions Matter

Most homeowners hire a painting contractor every five to ten years. You might interview electricians, plumbers, or landscapers more frequently, but painting expertise isn't something you develop through regular practice.

Without the right questions, you risk:

• Hiring an unlicensed contractor who leaves you with no legal recourse
• Missing hidden costs that inflate your budget by 30-50%
• Ending up with paint that peels or fades within two years
• Working with crews who damage your property or disrupt your household
• Getting stuck with vague warranties that provide no real protection

The questions below help you separate professionals from pretenders. Use them to build confidence in your decision and protect your investment.

Questions About Licensing and Insurance

These are the most critical questions. Ask them first, before discussing your project details or looking at portfolios. If a contractor can't provide satisfactory answers here, the conversation should end.

1. What is your contractor license number?

In California, any contractor performing work valued at $500 or more must hold a valid license issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). For painting, that's typically a C-33 (Painting and Decorating) classification.

What to look for: A legitimate contractor will give you their license number immediately and encourage you to verify it on the CSLB website. They should have an active, current license with no disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints.

Red flags: Excuses like "I'm applying for my license," "I work under someone else's license," or "your project doesn't require a license." These are signs you're dealing with an unlicensed contractor who puts you at legal and financial risk.

2. Can you provide proof of insurance?

A professional painting contractor carries general liability insurance (covering accidental damage to your property) and workers' compensation insurance (covering injuries to crew members).

What to look for: A current certificate of insurance (COI) showing at least $1 million in general liability coverage and active workers' compensation. The policy dates should cover your project timeline.

Red flags: Contractors who say they're "insured through the company they work for," can't produce documentation, or offer a discount if you "don't worry about insurance."

Pro tip: Don't just accept the COI at face value. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to verify the policy is active and covers the work you're planning.

3. Are you bonded?

California licensed contractors must post a bond with the CSLB. This bond can compensate you if the contractor abandons your project, fails to pay subcontractors or suppliers, or performs substandard work.

What to look for: Confirmation that their contractor bond is current and in good standing. You can verify this when you check their license on the CSLB website.

4. Have you ever had any licensing or legal issues?

This question prompts contractors to disclose disciplinary actions, lawsuits, or complaints that might not show up in a basic license check.

What to look for: Honesty. Everyone makes mistakes, but how a contractor handled a problem tells you a lot about their character. If they had a legitimate dispute and resolved it professionally, that's acceptable. A pattern of unresolved complaints is a red flag.

At Lamorinda Painting, we've maintained a clean record with the CSLB since we started serving Lafayette and the East Bay in 2003. We're fully licensed and insured, and we provide proof of both with every free estimate.

Questions About Experience and Expertise

Once you've verified credentials, dig into the contractor's specific experience and whether they're a good fit for your project.

5. How long have you been in business?

Experience matters in painting. Established contractors have worked through multiple economic cycles, refined their processes, and built relationships with suppliers and crews.

What to look for: At least 3-5 years in business under their current license. Longevity suggests they deliver quality work and treat customers fairly—otherwise they wouldn't have survived this long.

Red flags: Brand new contractors aren't automatically bad, but they come with more risk. They may lack the experience to handle complications, and they're more likely to go out of business before your warranty expires.

6. What types of projects do you specialize in?

Some contractors focus on residential interiors, others on commercial exteriors, and some specialize in historic restoration or cabinet refinishing. You want someone whose expertise matches your project.

What to look for: Clear specialization that aligns with your needs. If you're painting kitchen cabinets, a contractor who does mostly exterior work might not have the spray equipment or cabinet-specific products you need.

7. Have you completed projects similar to mine in this area?

Local experience matters more than you might think. Contractors familiar with your city understand local climate challenges, common home styles, and typical construction methods.

What to look for: Examples of recent projects in your neighborhood or city. They should be able to discuss specific challenges—coastal humidity in Richmond, intense sun exposure in Walnut Creek, historic home restrictions in Lafayette.

Pro tip: Ask if you can drive by any completed projects nearby to see their work in person.

8. Can you provide three recent customer references?

References give you direct insight into what working with this contractor is actually like.

What to look for: At least three references from projects completed within the last year. Contact all of them and ask about quality, communication, timeline, cleanup, and whether they'd hire the contractor again.

Red flags: Contractors who can't provide references, only offer references from years ago, or give you numbers that go straight to voicemail.

Questions About the Project Process

Understanding how the contractor approaches your specific project helps you evaluate quality and manage expectations.

9. What preparation work will you do before painting?

Preparation determines how long your paint job lasts. Professional contractors spend 60-80% of project time on prep work: cleaning, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, and repairing surfaces.

What to look for: A detailed answer covering surface cleaning, damage repair, sanding and priming methods, and how they'll address your specific surfaces (stucco, wood siding, drywall, previously painted cabinets, etc.).

Red flags: Vague answers like "we'll do whatever's needed" or contractors who minimize the importance of prep work to keep costs low.

10. What paint products will you use, and why?

Product selection impacts durability, appearance, and how your home holds up to local climate conditions.

What to look for: Specific brand names and product lines, not just "premium paint." For example, "We'll use Sherwin-Williams Duration for your exterior because it handles temperature swings better than standard acrylics, and we'll prime with Extreme Bond on your fiber cement siding."

They should explain why certain products fit your project—moisture resistance for bathrooms, mildew-resistant formulas for coastal areas, high-adhesion primers for slick surfaces.

Red flags: Contractors who won't specify brands or say "whatever's cheapest at the supplier." Quality contractors have relationships with paint suppliers and use proven products they trust.

11. How will you protect my home during the project?

Professional painters protect floors, furniture, fixtures, landscaping, and adjacent surfaces before work begins.

What to look for: Specific protection methods: moving furniture to room centers and covering with plastic, using drop cloths or rosin paper on floors, masking trim and fixtures, protecting plants and outdoor features.

At Lamorinda Painting, we move your furniture to the center of the room and wrap it with new plastic. Wall and ceiling fixtures are protected, and all floors are covered with drop cloths. We take these steps seriously because we always leave your home spotless.

12. Who will actually be doing the work?

Some contractors handle everything personally. Others hire subcontractors or employ full-time crews. You have a right to know who's working in your home.

What to look for: Clear explanation of crew structure. If they use employees, those workers should be covered under the contractor's workers' compensation insurance. If they use subcontractors, those subs should have their own licensing and insurance.

Red flags: Contractors who are vague about crew composition or can't confirm insurance coverage for everyone on the job site.

Questions About Timeline and Schedule

Understanding project duration and work schedules helps you plan around disruptions and hold contractors accountable.

13. How long will this project take?

Timelines vary based on project size, weather, and complexity, but experienced contractors can estimate within a reasonable range.

What to look for: A realistic timeline broken into phases: prep work (2-3 days for a typical interior), priming and first coats (1-2 days), finish coats (1-2 days), curing time before heavy use. For exteriors, factor in weather delays.

Red flags: Contractors who promise unrealistically fast completion (painting a whole house exterior in one day) or can't give you any timeframe at all.

14. When can you start, and what's your current schedule?

This tells you how busy the contractor is and whether their availability matches your needs.

What to look for: Honest communication about availability. In busy seasons (spring and summer in the Bay Area), quality contractors might be booked 2-4 weeks out. That's normal and often a good sign—it means they're in demand.

Red flags: Contractors who can "start tomorrow" when everyone else is booked might be desperate for work because they have a poor reputation.

15. What are your working hours?

Knowing when crews will be at your home helps you plan your schedule and manage noise considerations.

What to look for: Clear working hours, usually 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Some contractors work weekends; others don't. Make sure their schedule aligns with your household needs.

16. What happens if weather delays the project?

Exterior painting depends on weather conditions. Paint won't cure properly in rain, extreme heat, high humidity, or freezing temperatures.

What to look for: A clear plan for weather delays: how they'll communicate schedule changes, whether they'll move to interior work if possible, and how rain affects your timeline.

Pro tip: Make sure the contract addresses weather delays so you're not penalized for conditions outside anyone's control.

Questions About Pricing and Payment

Understanding costs upfront prevents surprises and helps you compare estimates accurately.

17. Can you provide a detailed written estimate?

A professional estimate breaks down costs so you understand exactly what you're paying for.

What to look for: Line-item pricing covering labor, materials, surface prep, repairs, number of coats, and any additional services. The estimate should specify square footage or linear footage being painted.

Red flags: One-line estimates with a single total price and no detail about what's included.

18. What's included in your estimate, and what costs extra?

Hidden costs inflate budgets and create tension. Make sure you understand what the quoted price covers.

What to look for: Clear inclusion of prep work, primer, finish coats, cleanup, and minor repairs (filling nail holes, caulking gaps). Ask specifically about trim, ceilings, doors, and accent walls if your project involves those.

Red flags: Estimates that exclude basic prep work or charge separately for every small task.

19. What are your payment terms?

Payment structure protects both you and the contractor.

What to look for: A small deposit to secure your spot and cover initial materials (typically 10-20% of total cost), a progress payment when prep is complete and first coats are applied, and final payment when the job is finished to your satisfaction.

California law limits deposits to 10% of the contract price or $1,000 (whichever is less) for projects over $1,000.

Red flags: Demands for full payment upfront, cash-only transactions, or pressure to pay before you're satisfied with the work.

20. Do you offer any discounts or promotions?

Some contractors offer seasonal discounts, referral bonuses, or price breaks for scheduling during slower periods.

What to look for: Legitimate promotions that reflect slower seasonal demand (painting interiors during winter, for example) or volume discounts if you're painting multiple rooms or surfaces.

Red flags: Aggressive discounts tied to signing immediately or paying cash to "avoid paperwork."

Questions About Warranties and Guarantees

A warranty only matters if it's written, specific, and backed by a company that will still be around when you need it.

21. What warranty do you offer on your work?

Quality contractors stand behind their work with written warranties covering both labor and materials.

What to look for: A written warranty specifying coverage period (typically 1-6 years), what's covered (peeling, cracking, adhesion failure due to workmanship), and what's excluded (damage from homeowner modifications, normal wear in high-traffic areas, fading from UV exposure beyond paint manufacturer specs).

At Lamorinda Painting, we offer a full 6-year warranty on all our work because we use high-quality materials and proper preparation techniques that we know will last.

22. What does your warranty actually cover?

Some warranties sound great until you read the fine print and realize they exclude everything that might actually go wrong.

What to look for: Coverage for application defects: peeling, bubbling, poor adhesion, visible brush marks or roller stipple, color inconsistencies. The warranty should commit to returning and fixing these issues at no cost to you.

Red flags: Warranties that only cover "materials" (which are already covered by the paint manufacturer) or that require you to pay service fees for warranty claims.

23. How do I file a warranty claim if needed?

A warranty is worthless if you can't reach the contractor when something goes wrong.

What to look for: A clear warranty claim process with contact information, expected response time (24-48 hours), and commitment to inspect and resolve issues promptly.

Questions About Cleanup and Final Details

The job isn't done until your home is clean and back to normal.

24. What does your cleanup process include?

Professional contractors clean thoroughly at the end of each workday and perform a final deep clean when the project is complete.

What to look for: Daily cleanup (removing trash, folding drop cloths, sweeping walkways) and final cleanup including moving furniture back to original positions, cleaning fixtures, vacuuming all floors and carpets, removing all garbage, and leaving labeled touch-up paint.

At Lamorinda Painting, we move furniture back to original positions, clean wall and ceiling fixtures, vacuum and sweep all floors and carpets, remove all garbage, and label touch-up paint before we leave. We take pride in our attention to detail and always leave your home spotless.

25. Will you provide touch-up paint?

Touch-up paint is essential for maintaining your paint job over time.

What to look for: Commitment to leave labeled touch-up paint for each color used. Containers should be sealed, labeled with the room or surface, and stored in a cool, dry location.

How to Evaluate the Answers

Asking these questions is only half the equation. Pay attention to how contractors respond:

Good signs:

• Answers are clear, specific, and confident
• Contractor provides details without hesitation
• They ask you questions in return to understand your needs
• They explain technical concepts in plain language
• They encourage you to verify their credentials and check references

Warning signs:

• Vague or evasive answers
• Defensive or dismissive attitude when questioned
• Pressure to stop asking and just trust them
• Inconsistencies between what they say verbally and what's in the written estimate
• Reluctance to put commitments in writing

Trust your instincts. If a contractor makes you uncomfortable during the estimate process, that feeling won't improve once they're working in your home.

What Professional Contractors Expect

Don't worry about offending contractors by asking tough questions. Professionals expect you to do your homework, and they welcome the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and professionalism.

Legitimate contractors understand that:

• You have a right to verify licensing and insurance
• You need clear, written estimates and contracts
• You want to check references and see examples of their work
• You're comparing multiple bids before making a decision
• You need time to think, not pressure to sign immediately

If a contractor gets defensive or tries to rush you through this process, they're telling you exactly what working with them will be like—and you should look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many contractors should I interview?

Get at least three written estimates from licensed, insured contractors. This gives you a range of pricing and approaches without becoming overwhelming. More than five estimates often creates confusion without adding value.

Should I ask all these questions to every contractor?

Use your judgment. If a contractor's website and initial conversation answer several questions clearly, you don't need to repeat them. Focus your interview on areas where you still need information or want to compare approaches.

What if a contractor won't answer certain questions?

A professional contractor will answer any reasonable question about their credentials, process, pricing, or warranties. If someone refuses to answer or becomes defensive, that's a red flag. Move on to someone who values transparency.

Is it rude to ask for proof of insurance?

Not at all. Legitimate contractors expect this and provide proof without hesitation. It's a standard business practice that protects both parties. Anyone who's offended by the request isn't someone you want working on your property.

Can I negotiate after getting estimates?

You can certainly ask questions about costs or request modifications to the scope of work. Most contractors will work with you to find a solution that fits your budget. What you shouldn't do is ask contractors to match lowball bids from unlicensed or uninsured competitors—you're not comparing apples to apples.

What questions should I ask about paint colors?

Ask whether the contractor offers color consultation services, how they help clients choose colors, whether they provide sample boards or test patches, and how color choices might affect pricing (some colors require more coats for even coverage).

Make an Informed Decision

The time you spend interviewing contractors and asking these questions protects your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. Don't skip this step or let anyone pressure you into signing before you're ready.

A professional painting contractor who's confident in their work will welcome your questions, provide clear answers, and give you the time and information you need to make an informed decision.

Ready to discuss your painting project with a team that values transparency and quality? Contact Lamorinda Painting today for a free estimate. We've been serving Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and the greater East Bay since 2003 with high-quality painting services, competitive pricing, and the attention to detail that sets us apart.