Before The Brush — Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Painter: A Homeowner’s Checklist For Choosing A Painting Company You Can Actually Trust
There’s a moment—right before you hire a painter—when it all feels a little unclear.
You’ve got two or three quotes in hand.
One is strangely cheap. One is oddly vague. One looks fine, but you don’t really know what you’re looking for.
Do they all include primer? What about sanding? Who’s moving the furniture? Will the same people show up every day?
More importantly… do you even feel comfortable asking?
At Stanwich Painting, we believe that hiring a painter shouldn’t feel like crossing your fingers.
It should feel like hiring a professional who’s already thinking five steps ahead of you.
That’s why we created this guide—so you can walk into any estimate conversation informed, empowered, and clear on what matters most before the first drop cloth is ever laid.
The Homeowner’s Pre-Paint Checklist: What to Ask Before You Hire
These aren’t trick questions—they’re the kind that responsible, high-end contractors should welcome. Ask them with confidence.
“What’s your prep process?”
Why it matters:
Prep isn’t cosmetic—it’s structural.
A quality painter will talk about sanding, patching, priming, taping, caulking, and protecting surfaces in detail. A vague answer is a red flag.
“Is primer included?”
Why it matters:
Primer adds adhesion, coverage, and long-term durability. If it’s not on the estimate, you’re looking at a cost cut—not a value add.
“Do you apply one coat or two?”
Why it matters:
Two coats are considered standard for most professional paint jobs—especially when changing colors, covering patched areas, or ensuring longevity and consistent sheen. But some companies don’t specify it, which can lead to uneven coverage or unexpected upsells.
At Stanwich Painting, most projects include two coats by default—unless the coverage is flawless with one and you’re happy with the result. We always communicate this up front, so you’re never left guessing.
“What paint lines do you use—and why?”
Why it matters:
Brand and product choice affects sheen, durability, and long-term appearance. Pros know why they choose Benjamin Moore or Fine Paints of Europe over generic latex. If they can’t tell you, they probably can’t guarantee the result.
“Do you include furniture protection and floor coverings?”
Why it matters:
A real pro doesn’t rush to tape down plastic at the last minute. They plan ahead—covering floors, furniture, and fixtures with intention. Look for companies that treat your home with surgical precision: canvas drop cloths, floor masking, furniture wrapping, and clearly defined clean zones. It shows care before the painting even begins.
“Do you use subcontractors or your own crew?”
Why it matters:
Consistency and accountability.
With in-house teams (like Stanwich Painting’s), the quality stays tight, the communication is clear, and your home doesn’t become a revolving door.
“Will I have the same team on-site each day?”
Why it matters:
Continuity means accountability. A new crew every morning means miscommunication, sloppy transitions, and no sense of ownership.
“How do you handle touch-ups after the job is done?”
Why it matters:
Even with perfect work, life happens. Good companies will walk the space with you, mark missed spots, and offer a post-job touch-up window. If they disappear after the final invoice, consider that a warning sign.
Bonus Questions (Optional but Smart)
“Can you walk me through your insurance and licensing?”
“Do you supply a detailed estimate in writing?”
“How do you handle scheduling if there’s a weather delay?”
“How long should I wait before hanging art or moving furniture back?”
You’re not being difficult—you’re being smart. A professional crew will never make you feel awkward for asking.
| Element | Bid A | Bid B | Stanwich |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primer included? | No | Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Number of coats | 1 | “As needed” | ✅ Most jobs include 2; we’ll only apply 1 if coverage is flawless and you approve |
| Prep detail | Light sanding only | Not listed | ✅ Full patch, sand, seal |
| Paint line | “High quality” | Not specified | ✅ Benjamin Moore / Fine Paints of Europe |
| Furniture moved? | Homeowner | Homeowner | ✅ We handle it |
| Tape, protection | Basic drop cloth | Not listed | ✅ Surgical-grade masking |
| Post-job touch-up | “If needed” | No mention | ✅ Built into the process |
Red Flags to Watch For:
“We’ll see how it goes when we get there.”
No clear start/end timeline
No mention of prep or primer
Subcontractor labor with rotating crews
Full payment due up front
You’re not just hiring someone to paint—you’re hiring someone to be in your home, often for multiple days. You deserve professionalism at every stage.
The Stanwich Standard
At Stanwich Painting, we welcome questions.
We build our quotes like roadmaps: clear, step-by-step, and easy to understand. We include paint specs, prep details, sheen levels, and timelines—not vague promises.
When you hire us, you get:
One consistent team
Full prep and protection
Premium materials (Benjamin Moore, Fine Paints of Europe, Sherwin-Williams)
Timely project execution
A clean home at the end
We don’t hide behind pricing tricks or contractor jargon—because trust is the foundation for great work.
Final Takeaway:
Before the brush hits the wall, you should feel calm, clear, and confident.
If you don’t? Ask more questions. Or call someone who has answers.
Ready to compare more than just price?
Reach out to Stanwich Painting for a consultation that respects your time, your space, and your standards.