Every potential painter will agree with you that prep is the most important part of the job. But how can you determine the true-believer from the salesman? The answer is in the details.
Ask any potential painter to provide a thorough explanation of the kind of prep they recommend for your job and why. For exteriors, ask if they recommend scraping, sanding, or a full grinding. Why? Look for contractors that attend to the different surfaces and areas of your home such as trim versus siding or walls. Do they ask if you want nicks and cracks filled? Do they note areas of buildup that may need to be stripped? The more you both talk details, the better. You may decide that you’d rather save money by skipping some cosmetic prep, but discussing all the options will assure the painter better understands and meets your expectations. Finally, ask if they have a contingency to perform more prep if their initial efforts don’t meet your expectations.
