A BETTER BRIEF
Planning your painting project
Define the space and surface
List rooms or areas, approximate square footage, existing surface (drywall, plaster, wood, metal, previously painted), and condition (peeling, stains, smoke damage, water stains). Interior and exterior work need different products and prep; commercial spaces may need low-VOC or specific certifications.
Ask what prep is included
Request a written scope covering surface prep, sanding, priming, patching, masking, drop cloths and cleanup. Ask whether stains or odours need sealing primer and whether a colour change requires an extra coat. A price per room without prep detail is not comparable.
Compare products and warranty
Ask for paint brand and line, sheen, number of coats and coverage warranty. Confirm who supplies materials and what happens if a second coat is needed. For commercial work, ask about after-hours or occupied-space scheduling.
Jobs to describe in your request
- Residential interior painting
- Residential exterior painting
- Commercial interior painting
- Commercial exterior painting
- Cabinet and trim painting
- Popcorn ceiling removal and refinishing
What changes the cost?
Use these factors to compare the scope of proposals. A total price alone does not show whether the same work is included.
- Square footage and number of rooms
- Surface condition and prep required
- Interior versus exterior
- Number of coats and paint quality
- Occupied versus vacant space
Ask for a written description of included work, exclusions, payment stages and how additional work is authorized. Confirm who supplies materials and what documentation or warranty terms you receive at completion.