Before you hire a painter, check the license on the CSLB website and ask for proof of insurance. Get a written estimate that lists the prep, the coatings and the guarantee. Ask how payments work. Then compare what each bid covers, not just the bottom line. A good painter answers all of this plainly and puts it on paper.
Here is a checklist you can use before you sign anything.
Start with the license
How to check on the CSLB site
Go to the Contractors State License Board website (cslb.ca.gov) and use the license check. You can search by license number or by business name. When the record comes up, look for these things:
- The license status is active
- The classification fits the job. For painting, that is C-33, Painting and Decorating
- A bond is on file
- Any actions listed against the license
My license is CA Lic. #1143424. Go ahead and look it up. I would rather you check than take my word for it. Do the same for anyone else you are thinking about hiring.
Why it matters
A license is the first filter. If a painter cannot give you a number, or the number does not check out, you can stop there. It takes a few minutes and it saves you a lot of guessing.
Ask for proof of insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance. Do not settle for a simple yes. Two kinds of coverage are worth asking about:
- Liability coverage. This is meant to cover damage to your property.
- Workers’ compensation coverage. This is meant to cover injuries to the people working on your house.
The certificate lists the insurer or the agent who issued it. You can contact them to confirm the coverage is current. Any good painter will expect you to ask.
Get the estimate in writing
A written estimate protects both sides. It should list:
- The surfaces to be painted
- The prep work
- The coatings and the number of coats
- The colors
- Trim, doors and any repairs
- Cleanup
- The expected start and finish
- The guarantee terms and the payment schedule
Then compare bids line by line, not only by the total. Two bids can look alike and cover very different work. If a bid says only “paint house” and nothing else, ask for more detail. If something is missing, ask for it in writing.
For more on the kinds of work a painting contractor handles, see our services page.
Ask what prep is included
Prep is where a lot of the work is. It is also the part you will not see once the paint is on. Ask which of these are in the price:
- Washing
- Scraping and sanding
- Caulking
- Patching
- Priming
Ask who handles repairs to wood or stucco, and whether they are quoted separately. Prep has a big effect on how well paint holds up, so a bid with a short prep list deserves a question or two.
Ask about the guarantee
Get the guarantee in writing. Ask what it covers, what it does not cover, how long it lasts and how to make a claim.
It helps to know the difference between two things. A workmanship guarantee comes from the painter and relates to the work itself. A product warranty comes from the paint maker and relates to the paint. They are not the same, so ask about both.
I back my work with a 7-year workmanship guarantee. Ask me about the terms at the estimate and I will talk them through with you.
Understand the payment schedule
The payment schedule should be spelled out in the contract before work starts. California limits how much a contractor can ask for as a down payment on home improvement work. Do not rely on me or anyone else for the exact rule. The CSLB website explains the current one.
Also ask when the final payment is due. Many homeowners like it to come after a final walkthrough, once they have seen the finished job.
A few more questions worth asking
- Who will be on site, and who is my point of contact?
- What happens to the schedule if the weather moves it?
- How will my home be protected, and how is it cleaned up each day?
- Can you show me past work or give me references I can verify?
Weather is a real part of exterior work in San Diego. Marine layer mornings and rain can move a start day. A painter should be able to explain how that works before you sign.
Getting a free estimate from me
I would be glad to answer every question on this list. Call me at (858) 333-2396 to set up a free estimate, or use the contact page. Bring your list.
FAQ
How do I check a painter’s license in California?
Go to the Contractors State License Board website and search by license number or business name. Confirm the license is active, the class fits painting (C-33 is Painting and Decorating) and a bond is on file. Mine is CA Lic. #1143424. Check anyone you hire the same way.
What should a written painting estimate include?
It should list the surfaces to be painted, the prep work, the coatings, the number of coats, the colors, the guarantee terms and the payment schedule. If something is missing, ask for it in writing. Comparing bids line by line is the fair way to see what each one covers.
How should I pay a painter?
Get the payment schedule in the written contract before work begins. California limits how much a contractor can ask for as a down payment on home improvement work, and the CSLB website explains the current rule. Ask questions if most of the money is due up front.
Want a free estimate? Call me, John, at (858) 333-2396 or use the contact page. I work in Ocean Beach and around San Diego. See our location page for the area. CA Lic. #1143424. A Beautiful Job Every Time.