ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: The best painting quotes spell out prep work, paint brand and product line, number of coats and warranty terms. Without those details, a low price often means less prep — and a paint job that fails sooner.
The Checklist
- License and insurance — licensing varies by state; liability and workers' comp coverage protect you.
- Lead-safe certification — EPA RRP certification is required for work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes.
- Written scope — surfaces included, prep steps, number of coats.
- Paint specification — brand and product line, not just "premium paint."
- Warranty — ask what's covered (peeling, blistering) and for how long.
- References and photos — ideally jobs a few years old.
Questions to Ask
- What prep will you do, and what's excluded?
- Will you spray, brush, roll — or a combination?
- How will you protect landscaping, floors and furniture?
- Who's the on-site lead, and how do we communicate during the job?
Red Flags
- No written quote or vague scope
- Large upfront deposit well beyond the cost of materials
- No mention of prep on an older, peeling exterior
- Unwilling to show insurance or RRP certification on a pre-1978 home
Frequently Asked Questions
How many painting quotes should I get?
Three itemized quotes usually show the local price range and highlight differences in prep and paint quality.
What's a normal payment schedule for painters?
A modest deposit to cover materials, with the balance due after a final walkthrough, is common.
🔎 How we research: The ServiCover Editorial Team compiles prices and guidance from published 2026 cost guides, manufacturer information and industry sources. Prices are national ranges and vary by location, home and provider, so always compare written quotes. We don't perform the work ourselves, and we may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners — see our Advertiser Disclosure.