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Painter Interview Checklist

Twelve questions to ask every painter before you sign — covering insurance, prep, warranty, and timeline.

Credentials and insurance

  • Are you licensed to do business in Minnesota and can I see your certificate of insurance?
  • Is your crew W-2 employees or subcontractors, and are they covered by your workers' comp?
  • Are you EPA Lead-Safe Certified? (Required for homes built before 1978.)

Scope and prep

  • Walk me through your prep process — patching, sanding, caulking, priming.
  • How many coats are included and what product line will you use?
  • How do you protect floors, furniture, and landscaping?

Schedule and crew

  • Who will be on site each day and who is the point of contact?
  • When can you start and how many working days will the project take?
  • How do you handle weather delays or change orders?

Warranty and payment

  • What is your written workmanship warranty and what voids it?
  • What is your payment schedule — deposit, progress, final?
  • Will you provide a final walk-through and touch-up paint?

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