Vetting the painter

What do you ask when you’re interviewing a painter for your home? Here’s a starting point:

• How long have you been painting houses, and how experienced is your crew?

• How long have you been in business?

• Do you belong to a local trade or business group?

• Can you show me your C-33 license from the California Contractors State License Board and proof that you’re bonded and insured?

• Do you offer a written warranty or guarantee?

• What kind of prep work will you do? Caulk and fill cracks? Pressure wash? Sand or scrape? Prime?

• How many coats of paint do you expect are needed and what kind of paint do you recommend?

• Do you provide the paint and is that part of the bid, or can I buy what I want? How does that affect the warranty? How long should the paint job last?

• How long do you expect the job to take and how many hours a day are you here?

• What happens if the paint gets on the roof or walkways?

• Can you give me references and do you have other work I can look at?