Quick Answer
Ask about insurance, prep, wood rot repair, the exact paint they'll use, a written itemized estimate, a written warranty, how they communicate, and their recent reviews. The answers tell you more than the price does.
Most painting estimates look similar on paper. The difference shows up in the details: how the house is prepped, what happens when the crew finds rot, and whether anyone answers the phone once the job starts. These are the questions we'd ask if we were hiring a painter for our own homes.
1. Are You Licensed And Insured?
Ask for proof of general liability insurance. If someone falls off a ladder or a window gets broken, you want to be sure it's not your homeowner's policy on the line.
2. What Does Your Prep Include?
Prep is where most of the time on a good paint job goes. Ask specifically about power washing, scraping, sanding, priming bare wood, and caulking. If the answer is vague, the prep probably will be too.
3. How Do You Handle Wood Rot?
In Kansas City, most homes have at least some rot. Ask whether the painter repairs it in-house, what materials they use, and how they handle damage they find once work starts. You should see photos and approve extra work before it's done.
4. What Paint Will You Use?
"Premium paint" can mean a lot of things. A good contractor will tell you the exact product line and why it fits your home.
5. Is The Estimate Written And Itemized?
You should know exactly what's included: which surfaces, which repairs, colors, and any add-ons. Itemized quotes make it easy to compare bids fairly.
6. What Warranty Do You Offer, In Writing?
Ask how long it lasts, what it covers, and how you'll receive it. Ours ranges from 2 years on interiors to up to 7 years on exteriors, and every customer receives it in writing with their invoice. See how our warranty works.
7. Who Will Be At My House, And How Will You Communicate?
Find out who your point of contact is, how often you'll get updates, and what happens when weather pushes the schedule. Clear communication is what separates a stressful project from an easy one.
8. Can I Read Your Reviews?
Recent Google and Facebook reviews tell you more than any sales pitch. Look for comments about communication, cleanup, and how problems were handled. Read what our customers say.
Red flags: a large cash deposit up front, no written quote, no proof of insurance, or pressure to sign the same day.
Ask Us Anything
We're happy to answer every one of these questions during your estimate. Request a free estimate, and we'll walk your home with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Painting Quotes Should I Get?
Two or three is plenty. More than that usually adds confusion, not clarity. Compare what's included, not just the total.
What Are Red Flags When Hiring A Painter?
A large cash deposit up front, no written quote, no proof of insurance, a vague answer about prep, or pressure to sign the same day.
Should A Painter Repair Wood Rot Or Hire It Out?
Either can work. A painter who repairs rot in-house can find it, fix it, and paint it in one schedule without waiting on another contractor.
Cade Zerr is the owner of Arrowhead Painting KC, leading a team with more than 35 years of combined painting experience. More about Cade