When renovating or improving the aesthetics of a house, interior painting should always be prioritized alongside exterior painting, as the overall look of your home’s interior is essential in determining how well your home will look. In addition, the interior paint used for the walls would also help elevate the look of the furniture and fixtures that you will place in various areas of your property.

In order to get the best results when it comes to interior painting, you will need to get the services of expert interior painters. Hiring the right interior painting services is essential to achieving a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing result. Here are 20 questions you may want to ask when hiring interior painting services.

Are you insured and licensed?

You would need to verify that the painting service holds the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your area. This helps protect you in case of accidents or damages during the project.

How many years of experience do you have in the painting industry?

Assess the contractor’s level of experience to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary for your specific interior painting needs. The website of the painter or contractor will also tell you about how long they have been operating.

Can you provide references or examples of past painting projects?

Request references or testimonials from previous clients or ask for examples of completed projects to gauge the quality of the painter’s work. Online reviews are also recommended to be read so that you will know more about the painter’s customer service through the opinions of previous clients who have written their feedback on the internet.

Do you have experience with the type of painting job I need?

Confirm that the painter has experience with the specific type of interior painting you require. Here are some of the most common types of painting jobs that you can avail for the home’s interior:

• Flat Finish – A matte finish that has no shine or gloss. It provides a smooth appearance and is ideal for hiding imperfections on walls.
• Eggshell Finish – This kind of finish has a slight sheen, resembling the surface of an eggshell. It is more washable than flat finishes.
• Semi-Gloss Finish – Semi-gloss finishes have a noticeable shine. They are very durable and easy to clean, making them suitable for areas prone to moisture and stains, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Textured Finish – Textured finishes add dimension to the wall surface. Common textures include stucco, popcorn, or knockdown textures. They can help hide imperfections and add visual interest.
• Venetian Plaster – Venetian plaster is a decorative finish that typically mimics the look of polished marble or stone. It involves applying multiple layers of plaster for a smooth and polished appearance.
• Faux Finish – Faux finishes involve using techniques to create the appearance of materials like wood, marble, or stone on a wall. Techniques include rag rolling, sponging, and dragging.

What types of paint do you recommend for my project, and why?

Seek the painter’s advice on the most suitable paint options based on your preferences, the type of surfaces, and the purpose of the painted space. Take a look below for the types of paint that you can choose for interior walls.

• Latex or Water-Based Paint – Latex paint is water-based and dries relatively quickly. It is easy to clean up with water, has low levels of fumes, and is environmentally friendly.
• Acrylic Paint – Acrylic paint is water-based and dries quickly, similar to latex paint. It is durable and resistant to fading and yellowing. Acrylic paint is more commonly used for exterior walls because of how resilient it is against outdoor elements and how well it can retain its color.
• Enamel Paint – Enamel paint is durable and has a hard, glossy finish. It is often used for trim, doors, and cabinets. It is also ideal for areas that require a tough and glossy finish, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Can you provide a written estimate for the project?

Request a written estimate for the project that includes a breakdown of costs, which should include materials, labor, and any extra charges. Having a written estimate ensures that the costs wouldn’t change except in instances where the prices of the materials increase during the duration of the project.

What is the estimated duration of the interior painting project?

Get a clear understanding of how long the project is expected to take, including preparation, painting, and drying times. For interior painting, it would take several days for the project to be completed, so expect your home to be quite busy for a long time.

Do you offer a warranty for your services, and if so, what does it cover?

Inquire about warranties or guarantees on the painting work to ensure coverage in case of issues. If damages are included in warranties, the contract will be able to fix the issues with the walls or interior paint without additional costs.

How do you protect furniture, flooring, and other belongings during the painting process?

Discuss the measures taken to prevent damage to your home’s interior during the painting, including the protection of furniture and flooring. Painters may move the furniture away from the work areas to prevent damage. Then, they may apply drop cloths or plastic sheets on the floor to prevent the paint from splashing or dripping onto the floor.

What steps will be taken for surface preparation before painting?

Understand the procedures for preparing surfaces, such as patching holes, sanding, and priming, before the actual painting begins.

Will you handle the removal of switch plates, fixtures, and other items before painting?

Clarify whether the painter will handle the removal and reinstallation of items like switch plates, fixtures, and other accessories. Much like furniture, the painters may also remove items placed on the walls to prevent damage.

How do you handle unexpected issues, such as hidden damage or mold?

Discuss how the painter addresses unforeseen challenges and any potential additional costs associated with unexpected issues. They may charge additional fees if they ever need to perform repairs on the interior walls.

What is your payment schedule, and are there any upfront fees for the project?

Clearly understand the payment terms for the project, including any upfront deposits and the schedule for progress payments.

Can you provide a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, materials, and duration of the project?

A comprehensive contract protects both parties by clearly outlining details, expectations, and responsibilities. Read the contract carefully and thoroughly so that you won’t miss anything important, like warranties, guarantees, and additional charges.

Do you carry insurance for your workers, and are they covered by workers’ compensation?

Ensure that the painting service has worker’s compensation insurance to cover injuries to workers during the project. Injuries rarely happen for experienced painters, but if there are inevitable accidents that may occur during the project, the insurance of the contractor ensures that you won’t have to worry about the medical expenses of the painters.

How should I care for and maintain the painted surfaces after the project is complete?

You should ask for advice on caring for the newly painted surfaces and any specific maintenance recommendations. Having the interior walls properly maintained would save you plenty of money later on, as you don’t need regular repairs if you take care of the interior walls well.

What is your process for addressing touch-ups or issues after the paint has dried?

Understand the procedures for addressing any touch-ups or issues that may arise after the paint has dried and confirm the painter’s responsiveness to post-painting concerns.

Can you provide information on recommended cleaning products for the painted surfaces?

You should also obtain recommendations for cleaning products that are safe and suitable for the specific painted surfaces to avoid damage to the interior walls.

Is there a follow-up inspection or consultation after the painting is complete?

Determine if the painter conducts a follow-up inspection or consultation to ensure your satisfaction with the finished product. Painters would need to inspect every area of the walls they have painted to ensure that they have done their work with no issues. If there are problems with the surface, they may need to perform touch-ups.

How do you handle color matching if touch-ups are needed in the future?

Discuss the process for color matching if touch-ups are required in the future to ensure consistency. Hiring the same painters or contractors for the touch-ups is ideal, as they will already have records on the specific colors or shades that they have used for your property.

When hiring interior painting services, it is essential to always ask the right questions so that you can make better decisions on who to hire. Get the services of the best painters or contractors in your area for the best results.