Is It Normal for a Painter to Ask for Money Up Front?

You’ve been searching for a painter for your next project. You finally found a painter you like. They’ve shown up on time, seemed knowledgeable, and their estimate looks fair. Then they ask for a deposit before starting the job. Suddenly, you’re wondering if that’s normal or if it’s a red flag. You’ve probably heard stories about contractors who disappear after taking money, and you don’t want to make that mistake. But you also want to be fair and professional with a company that seems trustworthy.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving homeowners in Omaha since 1996, and this question comes up all the time. After nearly three decades of helping people improve their homes with interior, exterior, and cabinet painting projects, we’ve seen both sides of the conversation—homeowners who are cautious about paying upfront, and painters who rely on deposits to schedule and prepare properly.

This article will help you understand why deposits are common in professional painting, how much is reasonable, and what safeguards you can look for before paying. By the end, you’ll know what’s normal, what’s risky, and how to handle payment terms with confidence when hiring a painter in Omaha or anywhere else.

Why Painters Ask for a Deposit

Is It Normal for a Painter to Ask for Money Up Front? Yes, it is. A small deposit, usually 10% to 25%, is a standard part of hiring a professional painter. Anything more than a small deposit is out of the ordinary and a major red flag.

Most legitimate painting companies ask for a deposit before starting a project. This isn’t because they’re trying to collect money and disappear; it’s because they have real upfront costs.

Professional painters often spend money before the first brush even touches your walls. This can include:

• Purchasing paint and materials specific to your job
• Scheduling and reserving time for a crew
• Preparing equipment or shop space
• Ordering special finishes, stains, or primers

When a homeowner commits to a deposit, it tells the company you’re serious about moving forward. In return, they block out dates, order materials, and start prep work. 

For example, at Brush & Roll Painting, we typically ask for a 10% deposit to secure your spot on our schedule. This small percentage helps ensure everything is lined up and ready to go when your project starts.

Without deposits, painting companies could end up with open calendar spots due to last-minute cancellations, which costs them time and money. That’s why deposits have become a standard business practice in most professional trades.

How Much Should a Painter Ask for Up Front?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but here’s a general guideline for Omaha homeowners:

• 10% to 25% of the total job cost is considered normal for most painting projects.
• Larger or multi-week projects (like exteriors or cabinet refinishing) might require slightly more.
• Any request for full payment up front should raise a red flag.

A modest deposit shows mutual trust. It helps your painter prepare, while protecting you from paying too much before work begins.

For example, if your total project costs $5,000, a 10% deposit would be $500. That’s enough to get materials ordered and secure your spot, but it still keeps most of the balance due only after progress is made or the job is completed.

Why You Shouldn’t Pay the Full Amount Before Painting Work Begins

Paying a small deposit is normal, but paying the full amount up front is not. No matter how trustworthy a contractor seems, it’s best to wait until the work is done before paying in full. Here’s why:

1. Protects You from Scams: Unfortunately, there are contractors who take full payments and never show up, or disappear halfway through the project. Paying only a deposit ensures the painter has a reason to complete the job.
   
   
2. Keeps Accountability High: When part of the payment is still pending, it keeps communication and quality at the forefront. A professional painter wants that final payment, which means they’re motivated to meet your expectations.
   
   
3. Gives You Time to Review the Work: Once the project is complete, you can walk through and make sure everything looks right before final payment. Most reputable companies will happily go over details and make small touch-ups before closing out the job.

What a Fair Painting Payment Schedule Looks Like

Professional painters will be transparent about how and when payments are due. A fair payment structure might look something like this:

• Deposit: 10% to 25% to reserve your project

• Beginning Payment, ⅓ of the remaining balance: This payment is usually invoiced on the first day the work begins.

• Progress Payment ⅓ of the remaining balance: For larger jobs, another payment partway through the project
• Final Payment, ⅓ of the remaining balance: Due once the work is completed and you’re satisfied

This approach protects both sides. If a company insists on full payment before any work starts, or wants a large portion without a clear plan, that’s worth questioning.

Always make sure your payment terms are outlined in your estimate or contract. A professional painting company will provide this automatically; it’s part of running a legitimate business.

If the painter can’t or won’t provide written details, that’s a sign to look elsewhere. Transparency builds trust.

How to Spot Red Flags from Painting Companies

Here are a few signs that should make you cautious when it comes to paying upfront:

• The painter wants more than 50% before any work starts.
• The painter gives a rough estimate
• There’s no written estimate or contract.
• The company only accepts cash.
• The contractor seems hesitant to discuss payment stages.
• There are no local references or reviews you can verify.
• Your painter can start tomorrow

Good painters welcome questions and will explain why they ask for a deposit. Scammers tend to get defensive or avoid details.

You can also check if the company has a consistent online presence, such as a website, Google Business page, and local Omaha reviews. Longevity is another sign of reliability. A business that’s been around for decades doesn’t stay that way by cutting corners.

What a Deposit Tells You About the Painter

If a painter asks for a small deposit and provides clear paperwork, it’s usually a good sign. It shows the company is organized, values professionalism, and takes planning seriously.

For instance, a 10% deposit means the company is confident in its process and doesn’t need to rely heavily on customer funds to operate. They’re simply asking for enough to cover materials and scheduling, nothing more.

A deposit isn’t just about money; it’s about trust. You’re trusting a painter with your home, and they’re trusting you to follow through on your commitment. The right company will treat your project like a partnership.

By having clear terms, written documentation, and reasonable deposit amounts, both sides start on the same page. You can feel confident that your painter is preparing properly, and your painter can feel confident that you’re ready to move forward.

It’s also worth noting that some painters use deposits to lock in pricing. Paint costs fluctuate throughout the year, especially with ongoing product shortages or manufacturer increases. When you pay a deposit, it often secures your quoted rate even if material prices rise later.

Questions to Ask Before Paying a Deposit for a Painting Project

Before you pay, it’s completely reasonable to ask a few questions. A professional painter will appreciate your attention to detail. You might ask:

1. How much is the deposit, and what does it cover?
2. When are the remaining payments due?
3. What happens if we need to reschedule?
4. How do you handle change orders or additional work?

Asking these questions ensures both sides have the same expectations. It also helps prevent misunderstandings later.

Hiring a Painter in Omaha, NE

A small deposit, usually 10% to 25%, is a standard part of hiring a professional painter. It helps them order materials, schedule their team, and keep your spot reserved. What’s not normal is paying the entire amount before any work begins.

This article has helped you understand why deposits exist, what fair payment terms look like, and how to protect yourself from red flags.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve worked with Omaha homeowners for nearly 30 years, helping them feel confident every step of the way, from estimate to final walkthrough.

If you’re ready to start your painting project, click the button below to get a quote.

Or, if you’d like to see what your project might cost first, try our painting pricing calculator to get a general idea before scheduling an estimate.