📌 Key Takeaway: The best painting quotes spell out prep work, paint brand and product line, number of coats and warranty terms. Without those details, a low price often means less prep — and a paint job that fails sooner.

The Checklist

  1. License and insurance — licensing varies by state; liability and workers' comp coverage protect you.
  2. Lead-safe certification — EPA RRP certification is required for work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes.
  3. Written scope — surfaces included, prep steps, number of coats.
  4. Paint specification — brand and product line, not just "premium paint."
  5. Warranty — ask what's covered (peeling, blistering) and for how long.
  6. References and photos — ideally jobs a few years old.

Questions to Ask

  • What prep will you do, and what's excluded?
  • Will you spray, brush, roll — or a combination?
  • How will you protect landscaping, floors and furniture?
  • Who's the on-site lead, and how do we communicate during the job?

Red Flags

  • No written quote or vague scope
  • Large upfront deposit well beyond the cost of materials
  • No mention of prep on an older, peeling exterior
  • Unwilling to show insurance or RRP certification on a pre-1978 home

Frequently Asked Questions

How many painting quotes should I get?

Three itemized quotes usually show the local price range and highlight differences in prep and paint quality.

What's a normal payment schedule for painters?

A modest deposit to cover materials, with the balance due after a final walkthrough, is common.