Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter
Most problems with painting contractors are avoidable. Asking the right questions before you sign anything — not after — is the single most effective thing a homeowner can do.
Hiring a painter is a significant investment. A quality job on a full interior or exterior repaint can run several thousand dollars, and the results will be visible every day. Yet many homeowners sign contracts without asking basic questions that would reveal whether a contractor is properly insured, who will actually be doing the work, or what happens if something goes wrong.
The questions below are worth asking every contractor you get a quote from — not just the cheapest one.
Are you insured?
Ask specifically for general liability insurance. This covers damage to your property — a spilled can of paint on hardwood floors, a broken window, a damaged fixture. A contractor without liability insurance means any damage comes out of your pocket or theirs, with no insurer to resolve the dispute. Ask to see a certificate of insurance, not just a verbal confirmation.
Do you have WCB coverage?
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage is separate from liability insurance and equally important. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have WCB, you as the homeowner can be held liable. In Alberta, you can verify a contractor's WCB status directly at wcb.ab.ca. Don't skip this step — it takes two minutes and protects you from significant financial exposure.
Who actually does the painting?
The person who gives you the quote is not always the person who shows up to do the work. Ask directly: will you personally be on-site, or will you be sending a crew? If it's a crew, who supervises them? This matters because the quality, communication style, and attention to detail you experienced during the estimate may not reflect what you get during the job.
Do you use employees or subcontractors?
Some painting companies operate entirely through subcontractors — independent workers who may have their own insurance (or may not). If a contractor uses subs, ask whether those individuals carry their own liability insurance and WCB coverage. The answer tells you a lot about how the contractor runs their business and who is accountable if something goes wrong.
What preparation is included?
Prep work is where most of the quality difference between painters shows up. A good paint job requires cleaning surfaces, sanding, filling holes and cracks, caulking gaps, and priming bare or repaired areas. Ask exactly what prep is included in the quote. If the answer is vague — 'we'll do what's needed' — push for specifics. Skipped prep is the most common cause of paint failure and poor results.
How many coats?
One coat is rarely enough for a quality finish, especially over a colour change or on previously unpainted surfaces. Ask how many coats are included for walls, ceilings, and trim — and whether a primer coat is included or additional. Get this in writing. 'Two coats' means different things to different contractors, and a single coat that looks fine on day one may show unevenness within weeks.
What paint products are being used?
Not all paints are equal. Ask for the brand, product line, and sheen level being quoted. Premium paints from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Cloverdale cost more but cover better, last longer, and are easier to clean. A contractor quoting a significantly lower price may be using builder-grade paint that will need repainting sooner. Ask what's included — and whether you can upgrade the product for a price difference.
Who supplies the paint?
Most professional painters supply the paint themselves and include it in the quote. Some contractors ask homeowners to purchase paint separately. If you're buying the paint, make sure you understand exactly what products and quantities are needed — and that the contractor is accountable for the result regardless of who purchased the materials.
Is minor drywall repair included?
Nail holes, small cracks, and minor dings are common in any home and should be filled before painting. Ask whether basic drywall repairs are included in the quote or billed separately. For larger repairs — water damage, significant cracks, or texture matching — expect a separate discussion. The key is knowing upfront what's covered so there are no surprises on the final invoice.
How are floors and furniture protected?
Ask specifically what protection is used for floors, furniture, and fixtures. Drop cloths on floors are standard, but ask whether they use canvas or plastic (canvas is less slippery and more absorbent), whether furniture is moved or painted around, and how light fixtures and hardware are handled. A contractor who has a clear, practiced answer to this question has done it enough times to have a system.
What happens if there are touch-ups needed after the job?
Even good painters occasionally miss a spot or leave a thin area. Ask how touch-ups are handled: will the contractor return to address them, and within what timeframe? A professional contractor will have a clear process — typically a final walkthrough with the homeowner before considering the job complete, followed by a defined window for touch-up requests. Be cautious of contractors who are vague or dismissive about this.
Is there a written warranty?
A workmanship warranty means the contractor stands behind their work if the paint peels, bubbles, or fails prematurely due to application error. Ask whether a warranty is offered, what it covers, how long it lasts, and what voids it. A written warranty in the contract is worth more than a verbal assurance. Most reputable Calgary painters offer a one- to two-year workmanship warranty as standard.
How are change orders handled?
Scope changes happen — you decide to add a room, change a colour mid-job, or discover something unexpected behind a wall. Ask how changes to the original scope are priced and documented. A professional contractor will issue a written change order with a price before proceeding. Verbal agreements about extras are a common source of disputes at invoice time.
One More Thing: Get It in Writing
A verbal quote is not a contract. Before any work begins, ask for a written quote that specifies the scope of work, paint products, number of coats, start and completion dates, payment terms, and warranty. In Alberta, contracts over $50 that include a deposit are subject to pre-paid contractor rules — a reputable contractor will be familiar with these requirements. If a contractor resists putting things in writing, that tells you something important.