Painting checklists
Before you hire: written scope, three comparable bids, certificate of insurance sent by the insurer, a written workmanship warranty, and - for pre-1978 homes - a verified EPA or state Lead-Safe Certification. Before final payment: inspect in daylight for coverage, cut lines, drips, overspray and hardware reinstalled, and get the punch list in writing.
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.
Choosing painting checklists
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- 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.
All painting checklists
Painting Pre-Project Checklist
Painting Hiring Checklist
Painting Maintenance Checklist
Painting Safety Checklist
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- EPA - Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules · retrieved 2026-07-25
- EPA - RRP Program: Contractors · retrieved 2026-07-25
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