21 Questions to Ask a Residential Painter (So You Don't Get Burned)

Hiring a residential painter isn't just about who can give you the lowest quote. It's about trust, quality, and protecting your biggest investment: your home. Before you sign anything, here are 21 essential questions to ask—and the kind of answers you should expect from professionals like Pro Works Painting.

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1. Are you licensed?

Why it matters: A valid business license means they’re accountable, registered, and legal to operate.

Pro Works Answer: Every Pro Works franchise is fully licensed in its operating region, from BC to Saskatchewan.

2. Do you have liability and workman's compensation insurance?

Why it matters: If a painter gets injured or damages your property, you could be liable without proper insurance.

Pro Works Answer: We carry both liability and WorkSafe (or equivalent) insurance for every team member.

3. Can you provide references or reviews?

Why it matters: Word of mouth is gold. If they can't provide a few happy clients, that’s a red flag.

Pro Works Answer: With over 10,000 projects completed across Western Canada, we have plenty of reviews and referrals.

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4. Do you offer a warranty?

Why it matters: A warranty shows they stand behind their work.

Pro Works Answer: Yes, we offer a workmanship warranty on all residential jobs.

5. Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews?

Why it matters: Subcontractors can mean inconsistent quality unless carefully vetted.

Pro Works Answer: Our jobs are managed by local owner-operators. Any subcontractors are vetted and trained to Pro Works standards.

6. What brands of paint do you use?

Why it matters: Cheap paint can ruin a great paint job.

Pro Works Answer: We use top-tier products like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Cloverdale.

residential painters:  what brands of paint does pro works painting use?

7. How do you prep the surfaces?

Why it matters: Prep is 80% of the job. Skimp here and the paint won’t last.

Pro Works Answer: We clean, sand, fill, tape, and prime as needed. Every surface gets the attention it deserves.

8. Do you provide a detailed quote?

Why it matters: Vague estimates leave room for surprise charges.

Pro Works Answer: We always give clear, itemized quotes before the brush touches the wall.

9. Will you help with color selection?

Why it matters: Choosing the right palette is hard—good painters can guide you.

Pro Works Answer: Yes, our reps offer color consultations and help you test swatches in real light.

residential painters: does pro works painting provide a detailed quote?

10. How many coats will you apply?

Why it matters: Some pros cut corners by only doing one coat.

Pro Works Answer: Two coats is our standard unless otherwise discussed.

11. Will you protect my furniture and floors?

Why it matters: No one wants paint splatter on their couch or hardwood.

Pro Works Answer: Always. We use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and remove or cover all surfaces.

12. What finish do you recommend for each room?

Why it matters: Matte, satin, semi-gloss—each has a purpose.

Pro Works Answer: We recommend based on use. Kitchens get semi-gloss; bedrooms get eggshell or matte. We tailor each space.

residential painters: does pro works painting help with color selection?

13. How long will the project take?

Why it matters: You need realistic expectations, especially if you're living at home during the job.

Pro Works Answer: We provide a detailed schedule before we start and stick to it.

14. What’s your payment structure?

Why it matters: Run from anyone who demands full payment upfront.

Pro Works Answer: Typically, we take a deposit and the rest upon completion.

15. How do you handle touch-ups or issues post-job?

Why it matters: No job is perfect. How they handle touch-ups says everything.

Pro Works Answer: We offer touch-ups and post-job walkthroughs. If anything’s missed, we fix it fast.

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16. Do you clean up daily?

Why it matters: You don’t want to live in a construction zone for a week.

Pro Works Answer: Yes. Daily cleanups and respectful workspaces are standard.

17. Who will manage my project?

Why it matters: You need one clear point of contact.

Pro Works Answer: Your local franchise owner or project manager will handle everything from start to finish.

18. How do you handle weather delays (for exteriors)?

Why it matters: Rain or cold can affect schedules—you need a plan.

Pro Works Answer: We monitor weather daily and build buffer time into outdoor projects.

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19. Can I stay in my house during the project?

Why it matters: You need to know if you’ll have to move out.

Pro Works Answer: In most cases, yes. We work room by room and minimize disruption.

20. What do I need to do before you arrive?

Why it matters: A little prep can save a lot of time.

Pro Works Answer: We’ll send a checklist beforehand (like clearing wall art or moving valuables), but we handle the heavy lifting.

21. What makes you different from other residential painters?

Why it matters: This question reveals passion, professionalism, and pride.

Pro Works Answer: We’re locally owned, nationally backed, and hyper-focused on quality. No rushed jobs. No ghosting. Just honest, accountable work from people who live in your community.

residential painters: what makes pro works painting different from other residential painters?

Want the right answers in real life?

‍📍 Contact Pro Works Painting for a free quote or consultation today. Let’s make your home the next one we bring to life.