Choosing the right painter can make all the difference between a smooth, beautiful project and one filled with headaches. Before you sign a contract or schedule a start date, it's smart to ask a few key questions — and not just about the price. You'll want to understand exactly what you're getting into, who you're working with, and what the finished result will look like.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we believe that a quality paint job is about more than just color — it's about craftsmanship, communication, and care for your home. Serving the Omaha area since 1996, we specialize in delivering beautiful, lasting results through expert prep work, premium products, and attention to every detail. Whether you're refreshing a single room or giving your entire home a new look, our experienced team is committed to making the process smooth, professional, and stress-free from start to finish.
By reading this article (or watching the video below), you’ll learn the key questions to ask before hiring a painter — questions that protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. You'll walk away knowing exactly what to look for, what to watch out for, and how to feel confident choosing the right professional for your project.
Questions to Ask a Painter
About the Project
What products will you use?
The quality of the paint and materials being used is one of the biggest factors in how your project will turn out — and how long it will last. Not all paints are created equal. Some lower-end paints might look good at first but start fading, peeling, or scuffing after just a year or two.
Ask the painter exactly what brands and product lines they use. Are they using professional-grade products like Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Emerald, or are they cutting corners with cheaper, contractor-grade options? Good painters aren't shy about sharing this. They know that better products lead to better results.
How long will the job take?
Everyone wants a freshly painted home — but no one wants their life disrupted for longer than necessary.
Be sure to ask for a realistic timeline. A painter who promises to finish a whole house in two days without a large crew might be rushing or skipping important steps. On the other hand, a contractor who can't commit to a timeline at all might not be organized enough to manage your project properly.
Understanding the expected start and finish dates helps you plan better and sets expectations from day one.
How much prep work will be done?
Prep work is where the magic happens. It's not the glamorous part of painting, but it's what determines whether your paint will last for years or start peeling next season.
Ask the painter exactly what prep work they plan to do. Will they patch holes? Sand rough areas? Clean dirty walls? Scrape loose paint? Caulk gaps?
The more thorough the prep, the better the final result. Beware of anyone who brushes this question off — a paint job is only as good as the surface it’s applied to.
Are you using a primer?
Primer isn't always necessary for every wall or surface, but in many cases, it's critical. If you're changing colors dramatically (for example, going from dark to light), painting over stains, painting bare wood, or working with glossy surfaces, a primer is a must.
Ask if primer is included and where they plan to use it. Skipping primer when it’s needed can lead to poor adhesion, uneven color, and a finish that doesn't hold up.
How many coats of paint will be applied?
One coat might seem cheaper upfront, but it often won’t give you the full color depth, durability, or finish you’re hoping for.
Make sure your painter explains how many coats they plan to apply — and that it's written clearly into the contract. Two coats are standard for most professional jobs, and you deserve to know you’re getting the full coverage you're paying for.
Are you covering and protecting my space with tape and plastic?
Professional painters should treat your home with care. Ask how they plan to protect your furniture, floors, counters, and belongings. Will they use painter’s tape for crisp lines? Plastic sheeting to shield your furniture? Drop cloths to protect your floors?
If a painter can't confidently explain how they protect your home, that's a major red flag.
What amount of cleanup can be expected?
The last thing you want is to walk into a freshly painted room only to find paint splatters, dust, and supplies left behind.
Clarify upfront what their cleanup process looks like. Will they remove all trash and leftover paint? Vacuum or sweep the floors? Wipe down surfaces? A good painter leaves your home looking better than they found it — not like a construction zone.
About the Painting Quote
What could make this quote change?
Nobody likes surprise charges. Ask what could cause the price to change after the job begins. Some painters provide a firm quote, while others give an estimate that could go up if they run into unexpected issues.
Are there hidden charges for extra coats of paint? Repairs discovered after prep work begins? Understanding what’s included — and what’s not — helps you budget properly and prevents frustration later.
Is this an exact estimate?
Some contractors call their pricing an "estimate" when it's really just a ballpark figure. Others provide a fixed, detailed quote. Be sure you know what you're looking at.
Ask if the price is locked in unless you request additional work. Clear, detailed quotes are a sign of an organized, trustworthy company.
About the Company
What is the communication going to be like during each phase of the project?
Communication can make or break your experience with a painting contractor. Ask how they’ll keep you updated. Will they check in daily? Give you a schedule before starting? Let you know about any issues right away?
Knowing what to expect — and who to go to if something comes up — makes the whole project feel a lot less stressful.
Who will I be in contact with?
Sometimes the person you meet for the estimate isn't the one managing the crew once the project starts. Find out who your main point of contact will be. Is it the owner? A project manager? A crew lead? Having one consistent person to reach out to keeps communication clear and helps avoid misunderstandings.
Do you have a warranty? Why or why not? What does it cover?
A good painter stands behind their work. Ask if they offer a warranty, how long it lasts, and what exactly it covers. Does it include peeling paint? Cracking? Fading?
If they don’t offer a warranty, ask why. It’s a fair question, and how they answer can tell you a lot about their confidence in their work.
Can I see a certificate of insurance?
Hiring an uninsured painter can expose you to serious risks if something goes wrong on your property.
Always ask to see a certificate of insurance. It should show both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (if they have employees). This protects both you and the workers.
Are your employees covered by worker’s compensation?
If a worker gets injured on your property and the company doesn’t carry worker’s compensation insurance, you could be held financially responsible.
Ask this question directly. It’s not rude — it’s smart. Painters who are running legitimate businesses will be happy to give you this peace of mind.
Do You Have Employees or contractors?
This is a small but important detail that often gets overlooked.
Find out if the people doing the work are direct employees or subcontractors. Employees are typically more closely trained and supervised, which can mean more consistent quality. Subcontractors can be hit-or-miss, depending on how tightly the painter manages their crew.
How long have you been in business?
Experience matters.A company that's been around for years or even decades has weathered ups and downs, honed its process, and built a reputation for doing good work.
Ask how long they’ve been in business — and even better, ask how long they’ve been operating under their current company name. (Sometimes companies with bad reputations close and reopen under a new name.)
Key Items Every Painting Quote Should Include
- Terms and conditions
- Contractors' contact information
- A detailed list of prep work that will be done
- A detailed list of what will be painted
- Which specific product is being used
- Final inspection information
- Start date information
- Payment information
- Warranty information
- Total price or estimate
If you don’t see some of the above items on the quote that a contractor provides here are some questions you can ask them to make sure that you have a clear understanding of what they are offering to do for you.
Hiring a Painter in Omaha, NE
When it comes to hiring a painter, asking the right questions can save you from a lot of frustration later. It gives you a clear picture of what to expect, helps you spot any red flags early on, and sets the foundation for a smooth, successful project.
Remember, a trustworthy painter won't shy away from these conversations. In fact, they’ll appreciate that you care about getting the job done right. From understanding what products will be used to knowing who will be managing your project day-to-day, every answer you gather helps you make a more informed decision.
Your home is a major investment, and it deserves the care and attention of a painter who takes pride in their work. By taking the time to ask good questions now, you’ll end up with a finished project you’ll feel proud of for years to come.
Click the button below to get a quote from Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE. As we have been serving the Omaha metro since 1996, we know how to treat your home with the quality and care it deserves.
Hiring the right painter is about more than just getting a good price — it’s about trusting someone with your home. The more you ask up front, the smoother your project will go. If you want to feel even more confident before hiring, we’ve put together a simple, helpful guide with even more tips and questions to ask.
Click here to download your free copy of our Hiring a Painter Guide — and make sure your next project starts off on the right foot.
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