Painting your home is one of the most effective ways to boost its value and refresh its look, but the quality of the final result depends entirely on the quality of the contractor you hire. Choosing a painter is a significant decision. You’re inviting someone into your home and trusting them with a major investment. So, how do you sort through the options and find a true professional who will deliver exceptional results?
By asking the right questions. A reputable painter will not only have good answers but will welcome your diligence. To help you make a confident choice, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for homeowners in Illinois. Ask these ten questions before you sign any contract.
1. “Are you fully insured? Can I see a copy of your certificate?”
Why it’s important: This is the most critical question you can ask. In Illinois, a legitimate contractor must carry two types of insurance: General Liability to cover any potential damage to your property, and Workers’ Compensation to cover their employees in case of injury. Without it, you could be held liable for accidents.
The “Right” Answer: “Yes, absolutely.” They should be able to provide a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) without any hesitation. Verify that the coverage is active and sufficient for your project.
2. “Do you provide a detailed, written contract?”
Why it’s important: A verbal agreement is not enough. A professional contract protects both you and the contractor. It eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page regarding the project’s scope and cost.
The “Right” Answer: A confident “yes.” The contract should clearly detail the scope of work, the exact materials to be used, the prep and cleanup process, the total cost, and the payment schedule.
3. “What is your process for surface preparation?”
Why it’s important: The difference between a paint job that lasts two years and one that lasts ten is the prep work. A low-cost bid often means this crucial step is being skipped. This is where you can truly gauge a painter’s commitment to quality.
The “Right” Answer: They should describe a thorough process that includes cleaning surfaces, scraping and sanding failing paint, patching holes or cracks, caulking gaps, and priming where necessary. The more detailed their answer, the better.
4. “What specific brands and types of paint will you use?”
Why it’s important: This question reveals if they use quality materials or cut corners with cheap, builder-grade paint. A professional will use trusted brands and will be able to explain why a certain type of paint (e.g., eggshell, satin) is right for a specific area of your home.
The “Right” Answer: They should name specific, reputable brands (like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams) and the exact product lines they plan to use for walls, trim, and ceilings. It should be written into the contract.
5. “Who will be working on my property?”
Why it’s important: You need to know who will have access to your home. Are they trusted, long-term employees or a random group of subcontractors? A company that uses its own trained team generally has better quality control and accountability.
The “Right” Answer: An honest description of their team. Ideally, they’ll tell you that you’ll be working with their in-house crew of experienced painters, led by a project manager or foreman.
6. “How will you protect my home and property?”
Why it’s important: Professionalism is about respect for your space. Spilled paint on floors or furniture is a sign of an amateur. This question shows you care about the details, and they should too.
The “Right” Answer: A clear plan that includes covering floors, using plastic to drape furniture and fixtures, and masking off areas not being painted. This is a core part of our residential painting process.
7. “What is your projected timeline and daily schedule?”
Why it’s important: This helps manage your expectations and lets you know how long your life will be disrupted. A professional will have a clear plan and won’t disappear for days in the middle of a job.
The “Right” Answer: A realistic start and end date, along with defined daily working hours (e.g., “We work from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.”).
8. “Do you offer a warranty on your work?”
Why it’s important: A warranty is a sign that the contractor stands behind the quality of their work. It gives you recourse if paint starts peeling or failing prematurely due to poor workmanship or materials.
The “Right” Answer: “Yes, we do.” They should be able to provide a written warranty that clearly states what is covered and for how long. A typical warranty for interior work is at least two years.
9. “Can you provide local references or show me recent projects?”
Why it’s important: Past performance is the best indicator of future results. Seeing their work and speaking to former clients in your area gives you real-world proof of their quality and professionalism.
The “Right” Answer: They should be happy to provide a list of recent clients or direct you to a portfolio of their work. You can also check for reviews on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau.
10. “How do you handle daily cleanup and the final walkthrough?”
Why it’s important: A job isn’t finished until your home is put back in order. A professional leaves the worksite clean and ensures you are completely happy with the result before they consider the project complete.
The “Right” Answer: They should state that they clean up the work area at the end of each day and that they will perform a final inspection with you to identify and address any touch-ups before final payment is due.
Choosing a painter is a big decision, but you don’t have to go into it blind. By asking these questions, you empower yourself to make a smart, informed choice that will protect your home and ensure a beautiful, lasting result.
Ready to put a contractor to the test? We invite you to ask us these very questions. Contact us today for a free, detailed estimate for your painting project.
