Searching for “painters near me” gives you a long list of names, and most of them look the same online. The difference shows up in the quote, the prep and what happens if something goes wrong. These ten questions will help you compare painting companies and pick one you can trust in your home.
1. Will you come out and look at the job?
A real quote needs a visit. A painter has to see the wall condition, measure the rooms and check the ceilings before giving a price. Be careful with exact numbers given over the phone: they tend to change once work starts.
2. Is the quote in writing, and what does it include?
Ask for a written quote that lists:
- the rooms and surfaces included (walls, ceilings, trim, doors);
- the prep work (patching, sanding, caulking, priming);
- the number of coats;
- the paint brand and line;
- what happens if more repair is found once work starts.
When you compare house painting quotes, compare the scope, not just the total. A lower price often means one coat instead of two, no primer, or no ceilings.
3. Are you insured?
This is the most important question. If a worker is hurt on your property or something in your home is damaged, the company’s insurance should cover it, not yours. Ask to see proof.
About licenses: Texas does not issue a state license for house painters. A company that says it is “state licensed” for painting in Texas is either confused or stretching the truth. Insurance and a written warranty are what protect you.
4. What warranty do you give?
Ask what it covers (peeling, flaking, workmanship), how long it lasts, and whether it is in writing. A painter who stands behind the work will tell you plainly.
5. Who will actually be in my home?
Ask whether the company’s own crew does the work or whether it is passed to subcontractors, and who is in charge on site.
6. How do you protect floors and furniture?
A good crew covers floors and furniture before opening any paint, masks what will not be painted, and cleans up at the end of each day, so you can use your home in the evening.
7. What paint do you use?
Professional lines from brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore cost more per gallon but cover better and hold up longer. Be wary of quotes that say only “premium paint” without a brand.
8. How do you handle repairs?
Most walls need some patching. Ask how small repairs are handled in the price, and how larger ones, like water damage or big holes, are quoted. A painter who also does drywall repair can fix and paint in one visit.
9. Can I see your work and read your reviews?
Look at photos of real jobs, not stock images, and read recent reviews on Google. Pay attention to what people say about cleanup, timing and whether the final price matched the quote.
10. When can you start, and how long will it take?
A clear start date and a rough timeline are signs of a company that plans its work. Be careful with anyone who wants to start tomorrow but cannot say how long the job will take.
Warning signs
- a large deposit in cash before any work is scheduled;
- a price given without seeing the job;
- no written quote or no proof of insurance;
- pressure to decide on the spot.
How we answer these questions
At ProGeneralService we come out for a free on-site visit and give you a firm written quote with no hidden fees before we start. We are fully insured, and all of our work carries a 2-year workmanship warranty, with 5 years against peeling and flaking on exterior paint. Our lead painter has more than 35 years in the trade and checks every surface before work begins. We use Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paints, cover floors and furniture, and clean up every day.
We are based in Richmond and work in Katy, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Fulshear and Missouri City. See our interior painting service, read what homeowners say, or call (713) 489-3811 to set up a free visit.
