Hiring a painter is one of the easier home-improvement decisions to get wrong. Anyone with a brush and a ladder can call themselves a painter. Here are the ten questions that will tell you whether you're talking to a real professional — and what good answers sound like.
1. 'Are You Licensed and Insured?'
Both general liability and workers' compensation insurance are non-negotiable. Without workers' comp, you can be liable if a painter gets hurt on your property. Ask for current certificates — Callapainter sends them with every quote.
2. 'How Long Have You Been in Business?'
Local longevity matters in trades. A contractor still answering the phone after 10+ years almost always means consistent quality. Callapainter has served Madison and Dane County for 21+ years.
3. 'Can I See Recent Local Work and Reviews?'
Ask for addresses (or at least neighborhoods) of recent jobs and a Google review link. Local Madison-area reviews carry far more weight than generic before-and-after photos.
4. 'Who Will Actually Be On My Project?'
Some contractors bid jobs and subcontract the work to whoever's available. Ask whether they use their own crew, how long their painters have been with them, and who the on-site lead will be.
5. 'What Brand and Line of Paint Do You Use?'
A serious contractor names brand AND product line (e.g. 'Sherwin-Williams Emerald,' not just 'Sherwin-Williams'). Cheap contractor-grade lines look identical in the can and fail in 2 years. See our paint finish guide for what sheens and lines fit which rooms.
6. 'What's Your Prep Process?'
Prep is 80% of a paint job's longevity. The right answer covers washing, scraping, sanding, priming bare spots, and addressing drywall repair before paint. If they skip past prep to talk about color, that's a red flag — see why prep matters.
7. 'How Many Coats Are Included?'
Two finish coats minimum on walls. One coat is a corner-cutting bid that will look uneven within months. For color changes, ask about tinted primer.
8. 'What's Your Written Warranty?'
Professional painters offer a written warranty (Callapainter's is 2 years on interior, 3 years on exterior). Verbal promises don't count.
9. 'Will You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?'
Line-itemed quotes that specify surfaces, paint product, number of coats, prep, and timeline. Cash-only no-paperwork bids are the cheapest and the riskiest.
10. 'How Do You Handle Issues After the Job?'
Things happen — touch-ups, missed spots, a chip from moving furniture back. A contractor who answers callbacks within a day is one you can trust.
Bonus: Get Three Bids
Always get at least three quotes. Throw out the highest and the lowest — the middle is usually closest to fair-market for solid work. For pricing context, see our interior painting cost guide and cabinet painting cost guide.
Get a Callapainter Quote
We're happy to be one of your three. Request a free written estimate — no pressure, no obligation.