The Painter You Hire Matters More Than the Paint
Two crews can buy the same gallon of paint and deliver jobs that look identical on day one — and completely different by year three. After 25+ years painting homes across Metro Detroit, here are the questions we would ask any contractor, including us.
The 8 Questions
1. Who actually does the work?
Many companies sell the job and subcontract the labor to the lowest bidder. Ask directly. At Broadway Painting Solutions you work with the owner, and we never outsource your project.
2. What prep is included — specifically?
“Prep” should mean washing, scraping, sanding, priming bare spots, and caulking — written into the estimate. Vague prep language is the single biggest predictor of early paint failure.
3. What paint are you using?
Brand and product line, not just brand. There is a real difference between a contractor-grade line and a premium line from the same company. We use top-of-the-line Sherwin-Williams products and will tell you exactly which one and why.
4. Are you insured?
Liability insurance protects your home. Don’t feel awkward asking for proof — pros expect it.
5. How will you protect my home?
Floors, furniture, landscaping, fixtures. The answer should be specific: drop cloths, plastic masking, moving and covering furniture, daily cleanup.
6. Is the estimate written, itemized, and free?
Yes to all three, or keep looking. A written scope is what protects you when memories differ in week two.
7. Can I see recent local work?
Photos are good; addresses and referrals in your own community are better. Our gallery shows real Metro Detroit projects, and much of our work comes from referrals in the same neighborhoods.
8. Why is your price what it is?
A pro can explain their number: hours, prep, product, crew. When one bid is dramatically lower, the savings are coming out of prep or paint quality — the two things that determine how long the job lasts.
The Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest job over ten years. Hire the contractor who is specific — about prep, products, protection, and price.
We are happy to answer all eight questions in person. Request a free estimate, see our residential and commercial services, or call 248.839.8160.
Hiring a Painter FAQ
What should I ask a painting contractor before hiring?
Who performs the work, what prep is included, which paint products they use, whether they are insured, how they protect your home, and whether the estimate is written and itemized.
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Prep and paint quality. A low bid often means minimal prep and builder-grade paint, which fails years sooner.
Should a painting estimate be free?
Yes. Reputable contractors in Metro Detroit provide free, written, no-obligation estimates.