Are you hiring an exterior house painter for the first time? If so, it’s important to ask the right questions the first time so you know exactly what’s happening and when. We’ve gathered a list of valuable questions that will help you in selecting a reputable exterior painting contractor. The bidding porcess is your chance to interview painting companies that will work on your biggest investment, your home. By doing your due diligence and asking the right questions, you can protect yourself and ensure that you’re hiring the best painting company the first time.

• Q) How long and which homes have you painted in the area?
  • A) A painting company that has been in the area for a significant amount of time should be able to give you addresses and references to the homes they’ve painted like yours.
• Q) Do you test for lead and are you lead certified?
  • A) Some older homes in Oakland County may still have their original lead-based paint. A painting contractor should be able to recognize lead paint and test for it when appropriate. They should be certified by the EPA and provide you a Renovate Right Lead-Safe Certified Guide.
• Q) What kind of prep work do you do before applying exterior paint?
  • A) It’s important to dig into the details as prep work is the foundation to a successful exterior paint job. The prep work and process should be listed in their bid.
• Q) Do you replace rotted wood?
  • A) Make sure your contractor is doing a thorough job inspecting your home in order to make sure rotted wood trim & siding is being replaced prior to painting. It’s important that this step is spelled out in the estimate, as painting over rotted wood is setting the paint job up for failure.