Painting checklists

Checklists work because paint problems are almost always visible — you just have to look at the right time, under the right light, before the money is gone. Inspect during the day, from about three feet away, and again from across the room.

The single highest-value pre-hire item is the insurance certificate sent directly from the contractor's agent, covering general liability and workers' compensation. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, that can become your problem.

For pre-1978 homes add three items: the firm's Lead-Safe Certification, confirmation a certified renovator will be on site, and a description of containment and cleanup. EPA requires certified firms, lead-safe work practices and compliance recordkeeping for covered work.

How to choose

Pre-hire

Written surface-by-surface scope; three bids on that scope; insurer-issued certificate of insurance; written warranty; lead certification if pre-1978; references on similar work.

Contract stage

Colors, sheens and product lines named; coat count; start and finish dates; who moves furniture; payment milestones; change-order rate for wood repair.

Day one

Confirm protection of floors, landscaping and fixtures; agree on parking, water and power access; confirm the crew lead's name and phone number.

Mid-job

Check prep before the first coat goes on — this is your only chance. Look for sanding, patching, caulk and primer on the surfaces you were promised.

Before final payment

Daylight inspection: coverage, straight cut lines, no drips or roller lap marks, no overspray, hardware and switch plates back on, site clean, leftover paint labeled and left with you.

After

Get the warranty in writing with a start date, keep the product names and color codes, and keep photos of the finished work.