5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Residential Painter

Jade Erhart | Posted on June 22, 2025 |

Hiring a residential painter might sound straightforward, but it really isn’t something you want to rush into. Think about it—you’re trusting someone to work inside your home, handle your walls, trim, ceilings, and more. That’s a big deal. A rushed or sloppy paint job can show up in uneven lines, cracked surfaces, or peeling paint just months after the work is finished. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or painting your entire home, making the right hire helps the project go smoother and the results last longer.

If you’re a homeowner in Minneapolis, especially during the warm summer months when painting conditions are ideal, it’s a good time to start thinking about who you’ll bring in for the job. Asking the right questions before you sign a contract goes a long way. It gives you a better understanding of the painter’s skill level, professionalism, and how well they’ll manage the work. Below are five questions you should always ask before choosing a local painting company to handle your residential project.

What Experience Do You Have With Residential Painting?

Painting a home isn’t just about rolling color on the wall. It takes attention to detail, knowledge of proper prep work, familiarity with different surfaces, and the discipline to get clean lines and even coverage. One of the best ways to narrow down your options is by asking about their residential painting experience. Someone who mostly paints commercial spaces may not be the right fit for trimmed-out living rooms and detail-heavy stairways.

It’s also helpful to ask whether they’ve handled homes like yours. For example, older Minneapolis houses might need different prep than a newer build. There could be wood trim that needs careful staining or walls that have multiple existing paint layers. A crew that’s familiar with these common conditions is more likely to deliver smooth, lasting results.

Here are some questions you might consider:

How long have you been doing residential painting?
What types of homes have you worked on?
Can you show me examples of past work that’s similar to my project?
Do you have any references who can speak about the quality of your work?

Asking these things gives you a fuller picture of their skill set and how they approach jobs like yours. If a painter can show you quality before-and-after photos or seems confident talking about interior layout details or surface prep, that’s usually a good sign. It shows they’re not just painting houses—they’re paying attention to them.

Are You Licensed And Insured?

This might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s one of the most important questions on the list. If a painter is working on your home and something goes wrong, whether they damage your property or get hurt during the job, you could end up responsible for it. That’s why licensing and insurance aren’t just nice to have. They provide peace of mind and help protect you legally and financially.

Start by checking whether the painter holds the proper licenses for residential work in Minneapolis. State and local laws often require painters to carry specific credentials to work on homes. If a contractor avoids the topic or gives a vague answer, that could be a sign to look elsewhere.

You’ll also want to ask for proof of insurance. Any reliable local painting company should carry both liability and worker’s compensation coverage. Liability insurance covers property damage, while worker’s comp takes care of injuries that may happen on the job site.

Here’s what to ask:

Are you currently licensed for residential painting in Minneapolis?
Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
Can I see a certificate or documentation verifying coverage?

No honest painter will have an issue sharing this kind of info. It’s standard practice. A crew that’s properly licensed and insured shows that they take their work seriously and understand how to protect both sides of the agreement. It’s another layer of trust before you invite someone into your space.

Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate?

Before signing any contracts or putting down a deposit, make sure you get a complete estimate in writing. A clear estimate helps you understand what’s being paid for and reduces the chances of surprise fees along the way. Some painters offer ballpark numbers that leave out important details. That’s never helpful. You want to walk away from that conversation knowing exactly what you’re paying for and why.

A well-done estimate should break down the full scope of the work. This includes labor, materials, surface prep, paint brand or type, coats to be applied, and any extra services like trim repair or touch-ups after the job wraps up. If something isn’t listed clearly, don’t be afraid to ask.

Here are a few things to look for when reviewing or requesting an estimate:

Total cost including labor and materials
Paint brand and finish type being used
Number of coats that will be applied
Prep work included, such as sanding or caulking gaps
Details about timing and duration of the project
Wording around extra charges or situations that could raise the cost

Painters who take the time to walk you through a detailed estimate tend to be more careful in their approach. It shows they’ve thought through the work and aren’t likely to cut corners just to save time. It also gives you a paper trail so everyone’s expectations are set before the job begins.

What Preparations and Cleanup Will You Handle?

Every painting job needs prep before the first drop of paint hits the wall. Some homeowners don’t realize how much time is spent getting those walls or surfaces ready. Without proper prep, even the best paint won’t look good for long. That’s why it’s smart to ask what kind of prep and cleanup services the painter includes.

Not all companies handle these steps the same way, so get it in writing. Some might wash the walls and tape off trim. Others might expect you to move all the furniture, remove outlet covers, and handle cleaning yourself. That might not fly if you’re short on time or don’t have help in the house.

Ask clear questions to get a sense of what they’ll control and what you’ll be responsible for, like:

Will you move large furniture or should I handle that first?
Do you include drywall patching or nail hole filling?
Will you protect my floors, windows, and trim?
How do you clean up after the work is finished?
Do you haul away leftover materials and trash?

The prep and cleanup process matters just as much as the painting itself. Clean lines, long-lasting coverage, and an overall polished look usually depend on what happens before and after that brush gets picked up. Plus, a crew that respects your space by cleaning up afterward leaves a better final impression.

What Is Your Project Timeline?

Summer in Minneapolis is one of the busiest times for home improvement projects. Painting companies can get booked quickly or run into schedule delays if the weather shifts. That’s why having an honest conversation about timelines is worth your time. You want to know exactly when the job is starting, how long it’ll take, and what the plan is if something delays progress.

Sometimes smaller projects get squeezed into a packed calendar, leaving you with days between visits. Instead of assuming things will move fast, ask about the painter’s current schedule and how they plan the work. If they’re juggling multiple clients, you need to know if they’ll be fully dedicated to your home or popping in and out.

Good timeline questions to ask include:

When can you realistically start?
How many days will the project take, start to finish?
Will your team be working full days?
What happens if it rains or supply delays occur?
How soon can I put my furniture back or touch the freshly painted surfaces?

If the painter gives you a clear and detailed answer, that lets you plan your home life around the work. Whether you’ve got kids, pets, or a tight schedule, knowing the plan helps reduce any stress during the process. And if the plan does change, you want someone who’ll keep you informed and make adjustments quickly.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing a local painting company for your residential project isn’t something to take lightly. There’s more at stake than just paint color. The quality of the work affects how your home looks, how long the results last, and even your day-to-day routine during the project. Asking questions like the ones above helps you feel more confident and keeps everyone on the same page from the very beginning.

By going over licensing, experience, prep work, project timing, and pricing carefully, you’re protecting your investment and setting yourself up for a better experience. Whether you’re updating an older home in Minneapolis or adding a new look to a newer build, the right painter will be open with answers and proud to share how they work.

A professional team takes time to listen, provide clear details, and handle your home with care. When you ask thoughtful questions before signing anything, you build trust with the crew and can relax a little more once the brushes and rollers come out. That kind of peace of mind makes all the difference.

As you make your decision on who will transform your home, consider working with a trusted local painting company like Premium Painting. With our deep knowledge of the Minneapolis area and a commitment to dependable service, we’re here to bring lasting color and care to your home. Contact us to learn how we can help bring your project to life.