10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter in Pennsylvania

1. Are you licensed and insured in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania does not require a statewide license for residential painters, but a legitimate contractor should carry general liability insurance (at minimum $500K, ideally $1M) and workers' compensation if they have employees. Ask to see the certificate of insurance - a reputable contractor has it on file and can produce it immediately. If they hesitate or can't provide it, walk away. Without insurance, you are personally liable if a painter is injured on your property or causes damage.

Joseph Assise III Painting carries $1M general liability through Erie Insurance and PA License PA126039.

2. Can you provide local references from the past 12 months?

Online reviews are helpful, but nothing beats a direct reference call. A confident, established painting contractor should be able to give you 3-5 names and phone numbers of recent customers in your area who will speak about their experience. If a contractor is reluctant to provide references, that tells you something important about their confidence in their own work.

3. Who will be doing the actual work - you, employees, or subcontractors?

Many painting companies sell the job and then hand it to subcontractors you have never met, who work for multiple contractors on low-margin jobs. This is not inherently bad, but you should know. Some of the worst painting outcomes come from jobs where the owner sold it, disappeared, and anonymous subs showed up for a one-time job with no accountability. Ask who will be on-site daily and whether the owner is hands-on during execution.

4. What prep work is included in your price?

Paint quality matters far less than prep quality. A properly prepped surface painted with mid-grade paint will outlast a poorly prepped surface painted with the best product on the market. Ask specifically what prep is included: cleaning, sanding, patching holes and cracks, caulking, priming bare spots, removing hardware. The difference between a $3,000 and $5,000 quote is often entirely in the prep - and the $5,000 job may actually be the better value over 5 years.

5. What paint products will you use?

Ask for the specific brand, line, and sheen. There is a significant quality gap between big-box store budget paint and professional-grade products from Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. Any professional painter should be able to tell you exactly what they plan to use and why. If the answer is vague ("we use quality paint"), press for specifics. We use Sherwin-Williams Duration, Emerald, and SuperPaint lines, and Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select for most residential projects.

6. How many coats are included?

One coat is almost never sufficient for a lasting result, especially for exterior work or when making a dramatic color change. Two coats should be standard. Some contractors quote one coat to hit a lower price point - confirm explicitly whether your quote includes two coats of finish, or one coat over primer, and what the coverage plan is for your specific situation.

7. What does your estimate include - and what is excluded?

Get the estimate in writing and ask specifically what is excluded. Common exclusions that generate surprise add-on bills include: moving furniture, patching damage beyond nail holes, priming over stains, painting ceilings, painting closet interiors, and painting garage or utility areas. A clear written estimate eliminates the most common sources of contractor-homeowner conflict.

8. What is your payment schedule?

Be cautious of any contractor who asks for more than 30-50% upfront before work begins. A reasonable schedule is 30-40% on signing, with the balance due upon completion and your satisfaction. Never pay in full before the job is done - it eliminates your leverage if something needs correction. Cash-only contractors with large upfront requirements are a common source of homeowner fraud.

9. What is your cleanup process?

Professional painters clean up daily - not just at the end of the job. Ask how they handle drop cloths, paint disposal, and protection of surfaces not being painted. A contractor who leaves your home in a mess at the end of each day is giving you a preview of how they will leave it permanently if something goes wrong.

10. Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?

Established painting contractors stand behind their work. Ask what happens if paint starts peeling prematurely, if there are drips in an obvious location, or if coverage is inconsistent. A reputable painter should commit to returning to correct any defects in workmanship - typically within a year of completion. Get this in writing.