A Homeowner’s Checklist for Hiring a Painting Contractor

Don’t Just Hope for a Good Paint Job — Ask the Right Questions

Hiring a painting contractor might seem straightforward: get a quote, pick a color, and let the crew handle the rest. But if you’ve ever dealt with a messy, no-show contractor or peeling paint just months after the job was done, you know there’s more at stake than price alone.

Not all painting companies are created equal. Some are seasoned professionals with solid processes and clear communication. Others? Not so much.

The good news? Asking the right questions upfront can protect your home, your time, and your budget. This checklist will help you spot red flags early, compare contractors confidently, and make sure you’re getting quality and value — not just a quick coat of paint.

Let’s dive into the most important questions to ask before hiring a house painter.

1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?

This might sound like a formality, but it’s actually one of the most important questions you can ask a painter.

Why it matters:

• A license shows that the contractor meets local or state requirements for doing business legally and professionally.
• Liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong, like accidental damage to your home or an injury on the job site.
• A bond offers a level of financial protection if the contractor doesn’t complete the job as promised.

In Texas, licensing laws for painters vary by city, so it’s especially important to ask directly. You want to know: Is this contractor legitimate, and are they prepared to take responsibility if something goes wrong?

At Hendrick Painting, we carry full liability insurance and prioritize safety and accountability on every job. Homeowners can feel confident knowing we stand behind our crew and our work, not just with words, but with real protection.

If a contractor can’t provide documentation or dodges the question, that’s a red flag. Move on.

2. What’s Included in Your Written Estimate?

A trustworthy painting contractor should always provide a detailed, written estimate, not just a number scribbled on a napkin or tossed out during a phone call.

Here’s what a solid estimate should include:

• Scope of work: Which rooms or surfaces will be painted? Are ceilings, baseboards, or doors included?
• Surface prep: Will they patch holes, sand rough areas, or prime stained walls?
• Paint specifications: What brand and finish of paint will be used? How many coats are included?
• Timeline: When will the job start and finish? How many days will they be in your home?
• Total cost: A clear breakdown of labor, materials, and any additional services

Vague or overly simple quotes often lead to confusion, budget overruns, and disputes later on. You don’t want to find out halfway through that trim wasn’t included or that touch-ups cost extra.

At Hendrick Painting, we provide every client with a written, room-by-room estimate outlining 

3. Can You Share Photos and References From Recent Projects?

Reputable painting contractors should be proud to showcase their work — and have happy customers willing to vouch for them. If a painter can’t provide recent before-and-after photos or verified client references, that’s a sign to be cautious.

Here’s why this question matters:

• Photos let you evaluate quality, consistency, and attention to detail
• References give you real-world feedback on how the crew handled scheduling, communication, and cleanup
• Online reviews (on Google, Houzz, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau) offer additional peace of mind

Ask to see examples of work similar to your own project — especially if you’re painting cabinetry, dealing with textured walls, or tackling large interiors. Don’t settle for just one or two filtered images on a website. Look for consistency across multiple jobs.

At Hendrick Painting, we maintain a portfolio of recent San Antonio projects and are always glad to provide local references. We believe a painting company’s track record should speak for itself — and our clients are often our best advocates.

4. What’s Your Prep and Cleanup Process Like?

The quality of a paint job depends heavily on what happens before and after the painting itself. That’s why it’s essential to ask how a contractor handles prep and cleanup — because it’s these steps that separate professionals from shortcuts.

Here’s what you want to hear:

• Prep includes:
  
  • Filling nail holes and cracks
  • Sanding rough surfaces
  • Cleaning dirty walls or trim
  • Priming as needed
  • Taping off edges and protecting floors and furniture
    
• Cleanup includes:
  
  • Removing tape and coverings
  • Wiping down any surfaces affected by dust or splatter
  • Taking tools and equipment off-site
  • Leaving your home as clean as they found it

Some painting crews skip or rush through prep — and the result is uneven coverage, visible flaws, and paint that doesn’t last. Others leave messes behind for the homeowner to deal with.

At Hendrick Painting, we view prep and cleanup as non-negotiable. Our crews arrive prepared, cover everything with care, and leave your home clean at the end of each day — not just at the end of the project. We believe that treating your home with respect is just as important as delivering a great final coat.

5. Do You Offer a Warranty or Stand Behind Your Work?

A reputable house painter should do more than promise quality — they should guarantee it. If a contractor hesitates when you ask about a warranty or doesn’t put anything in writing, that’s a major red flag.

Here’s what to look for in a paint job warranty:

• Clear duration (e.g., 2-year warranty against peeling, bubbling, or cracking)
• Defined scope — what’s covered and what’s not
• Commitment to touch-ups or repairs if something goes wrong within the warranty period

Warranties aren’t just for peace of mind — they signal that a painter is confident in their workmanship and products. A professional will use premium materials, apply them properly, and fix issues if they arise down the road.

At Hendrick Painting, we offer a written warranty on most interior and exterior projects. Our clients know that if something isn’t right, we’ll make it right — without the runaround.

A Confident Hire Starts With Smart Questions

Hiring a house painter isn’t just about picking the lowest bid — it’s about choosing someone you can trust with your home. The right contractor will welcome your questions, offer clear answers, and walk you through every step of the process.

To recap, here are five essential questions to ask before hiring a house painter:

1. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
2. What’s included in your written estimate?
3. Can you share photos and references from recent projects?
4. What’s your prep and cleanup process like?
5. Do you offer a warranty or stand behind your work?

These questions help you avoid headaches, surprises, and costly mistakes — and they set the tone for a smooth, professional painting experience.

At Hendrick Painting, we believe in full transparency, honest pricing, and treating your home with the respect it deserves. Whether you’re updating one room or repainting your entire interior, our experienced San Antonio team is here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to work with a painting contractor who checks every box? Request your free, no-pressure estimate today or explore our residential painting services to learn more.