Painting looks simple, which is exactly why it goes wrong: the difference between a paint job that lasts two years and one that lasts ten is almost entirely preparation, and preparation is the part you cannot see in the finished photo. This guide covers scoping the work, what drives price, and the federal lead-safety rules that apply to older homes.
Fair Price Pros publishes planning guides for painting projects but is not yet accepting painting requests through the marketplace. Use this guide to plan and compare written proposals; leave your interest and we will note demand as new trades open.
Define the scope before you call
List the rooms or elevations, the surfaces involved (walls, ceilings, trim, doors, cabinets), and the current condition: peeling, cracking, stains, or bare wood all change the prep required. For exteriors, note the siding material, the number of stories, and any areas of peeling or mildew.
Color changes matter to price. Going from dark to light or covering stains takes additional coats or specialty primers; mention dramatic changes up front so quotes include them.
Preparation is the job
A professional exterior job typically includes washing, scraping and sanding loose paint, spot-priming bare areas, caulking, and masking before any finish coat. Interior prep includes filling holes and cracks, sanding, and priming stains and patches. Ask each bidder to describe their prep scope in writing — it is the single best predictor of how long the job will look good.
Two finish coats over proper prep is the standard for a durable result. A one-coat quote is cheaper for a reason.
Lead-safe rules for pre-1978 homes
If your home was built before 1978, assume painted surfaces may contain lead until tested. Federal law (the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting rule) requires contractors who disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes to be certified and to follow lead-safe work practices — containment, specialized cleanup, and verification.
Ask any contractor working on an older home for their RRP firm certification. Uncertified disturbance of lead paint is a health hazard, especially for children, and a federal violation.
What legitimately changes a quote
Prep condition, stories and access, the number of colors, trim density, cabinet or door spraying versus rolling, paint grade, and lead-safe containment requirements all move the number. Paint itself is a modest share of a professional job; labor is most of it, which is why prep scope dominates price differences between bids.
Ask which paint line is quoted. Contractor-grade and premium lines differ meaningfully in coverage and durability, and the product name should appear in the written quote.
Credentials and insurance to check
Painting licensing varies: some states require a contractor license above a dollar threshold, some require registration, and some regulate painting only when it is part of larger work. Check your state guide for the rule where you live. For pre-1978 homes, the federal RRP certification applies everywhere.
Confirm liability insurance, and workers' compensation if the company has employees — ladders and scaffolding make painting a genuinely risky trade.
Questions to ask before signing
Ask: What exactly does prep include, in writing? How many finish coats? Which paint line and sheen? For pre-1978 homes: what is your RRP certification number? Who protects floors, landscaping, and fixtures, and how? What is the warranty on peeling or adhesion failure?
Painting: homeowner questions
Painting requests are not open yet
You can use this guide to plan your project and compare written proposals independently. Fair Price Pros is currently accepting HVAC requests only. Leave your interest below; this does not submit a job request or promise a contractor match.
Sources and further reading
- EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program
- HUD: Lead-Based Paint Safety
- USA.gov State Consumer Protection Offices
Requirements may change and depend on your address and project scope. Confirm current instructions with the licensing agency and permitting authority before hiring or starting work. Fair Price Pros does not perform construction, provide legal or engineering advice, or certify a contractor’s credentials.