Most homeowners only hire a painter every few years, so it is hard to know what a good contractor looks like. The questions below will help you compare quotes fairly and avoid the most common problems, whether you live in Woodstock, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge or London.
1. Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?
A professional painting company should carry liability insurance and be happy to send you proof. If a ladder goes through a window or paint lands on new flooring, insurance is what protects you.
2. Are your workers covered by WSIB?
In Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) covers workers who are injured on the job. If a painter is hurt at your home and is not covered, you could be exposed to the cost. Ask for a WSIB clearance certificate.
3. Will I get a written, fixed-price quote?
A good quote lists exactly what is included: rooms or areas, surfaces (walls, ceilings, trim, doors), number of coats, the paint brand and line, and start and finish dates. Vague quotes are where surprise charges come from.
4. What prep work is included?
Prep is most of a good paint job. Ask whether the price covers filling holes, sanding, caulking gaps, spot-priming repairs, washing exterior surfaces and scraping loose paint.
5. Which paint will you use?
Premium paint covers better, cleans easier and lasts longer. Ask for the exact product, not just the brand. We work with Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Cloverdale and Behr, and we will recommend the right line for each room or surface.
6. How will you protect my home?
- Floors and furniture covered with drop sheets and plastic
- Switch plates and outlet covers removed and replaced
- Hardware and fixtures masked or removed
- Daily tidy-up, and a full clean-up at the end
7. Who will actually do the work?
Some companies sell the job and send a different subcontractor. Ask who will be in your home, and who you can call if something comes up.
8. How long will it take, and what is the daily schedule?
A clear timeline helps you plan around kids, pets and work. Ask what time the crew starts and finishes, and how many days your project will take.
9. Can I see reviews and past work?
Look at recent Google reviews and before-and-after photos of similar projects. A painter who is proud of their work will have both ready.
10. What happens if I am not happy?
Ask how touch-ups are handled after the job, and whether there is a final walkthrough before you pay the balance.
Red flags to watch for
- A large cash deposit with no written quote
- No proof of insurance or WSIB
- A price far below every other quote, which usually means skipped prep or cheap paint
- Pressure to sign the same day
For typical price ranges in our area, see our painting cost guide. You can also read about our interior painting and exterior painting services.
We serve homeowners and businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London and Woodstock, plus nearby towns along Highway 401.
Ready for a fixed-price quote? Book your free on-site estimate or call (519) 781-4382.