A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home or business, boosting its curb appeal and enhancing its charm. However, finding the right painting company in Calgary isn’t always a brushstroke away. With so many painting contractors out there, how do you ensure you’re hiring the right team for the job?
Not all painting companies are created equal, and a bad hire can lead to uneven coats, missed deadlines, and costly touch-ups. From licensing and experience to materials and warranties, the right questions can help you separate the professionals from the amateurs. Whether you’re looking for interior painting Calgary or a full exterior refresh, doing your homework upfront will save you time, money, and stress.
Before you sign on the dotted line, here are 12 must-ask questions to ensure you’re working with professional, skilled, and reliable Calgary painters.
Table of Contents | 12 Must-Ask Questions When Hiring a Calgary Painting Company
- Are You a Licensed and Insured Painting Company?
- How Much Experience Do You Have in Calgary as Painting Contractors?
- Do You Provide a Written Estimate?
- What Type of Paint and Materials Do You Use?
- Painters Calgary: Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?
- Can You Provide References or Reviews?
- What Prep Work Do You Include?
- Will You Move Furniture and Protect My Floors?
- How Long Will the Project Take?
- Do You Handle Cleanup After the Job?
- Do You Require a Deposit?
- How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Interior Painting in Calgary: Brushing Up on Smart Hiring Choices
1. Are You a Licensed and Insured Painting Company?
One of the first things you should verify is whether the painting company is licensed and insured. Licensing ensures they are a legitimate business operating under provincial regulations, while insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages. Without proper insurance, you could be financially responsible for any mishaps that occur on your property.
Tip: Ask for proof of both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have in Calgary as Painting Contractors?
Experience matters, especially when it comes to painting services. A fresh coat of paint is about more than just aesthetics—it’s a protective barrier against Calgary’s unpredictable climate. Local expertise is a huge plus because painters in Calgary are familiar with the city’s unique weather conditions. Cold winters and humid summers can impact how paint adheres to surfaces, leading to cracking, peeling, or premature fading if the wrong products are used. An experienced painting company will understand which paints and finishes work best for Calgary’s climate, whether for interior painting or exterior projects. They’ll also know how to properly prep surfaces to ensure long-lasting results.
Beyond weather-related concerns, experienced painters also bring efficiency and precision. From selecting high-quality, low-VOC paints to ensuring smooth application techniques, a professional team can save you time and money by getting the job done right the first time. When hiring a painting contractor, you’re not just paying for labour—you’re investing in expertise, quality materials, and a flawless finish that will enhance your home or business for years to come.
To have a better understanding of their experience, make it a point to look at examples of their past projects in Calgary.
3. Do You Provide a Written Estimate?
A professional painting company should always provide a written estimate before starting the project. This helps prevent hidden fees and ensures transparency. A detailed quote should include:
- Labour costs
- Materials (including paint quality and brand)
- Estimated completion timelin
Avoid contractors who only offer verbal estimates or vague pricing, as this could lead to unexpected expenses.
4. What Type of Paint and Materials Do You Use?
Not all paints are created on the same wavelength. Some are better suited for Calgary’s climate than others. Ask about the brands and types of paint the company uses for interior painting in Calgary, and whether they offer eco-friendly or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) options.
Tip: High-quality paint can extend the life of your paint job, so investing in top-tier products is worth it.
5. Painters Calgary: Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?
Reputable painting contractors stand behind their work with warranties. The standard warranty period can range from one to five years, depending on the company. Be sure to ask what the warranty covers—does it include peeling, chipping, or fading?
Red Flag: If a company doesn’t offer any form of warranty, it may be a sign of poor workmanship or low-quality materials.
6. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Before hiring Calgary painters, check their reputation. Most reliable painting services will have customer testimonials, online reviews, or references you can contact. Google Reviews and Yelp are great places to start.
Pro tip: A well-established company should have a portfolio of past projects that showcase their quality of work.
7. What Prep Work Do You Include?
Proper surface preparation is crucial for a smooth and long-lasting finish. Ask what steps the painting company takes before applying paint. This should include:
- Cleaning surfaces
- Sanding or patching holes
- Applying primer (if needed)
Skipping these steps can lead to premature peeling or uneven results.
8. Will You Move Furniture and Protect My Floors?
Interior painting Calgary can get messy. Find out if the painters will move furniture, cover floors, and protect non-painted surfaces. Professional contractors take extra care to keep your home clean and minimize disruptions.
Good to Know: Some companies include this in their service, while others may charge extra.
9. How Long Will the Project Take?
Time is money, and you don’t want a painting project dragging on for much longer than it should. Ask for a realistic timeline and whether the company can accommodate your schedule. A trustworthy painting company should be able to provide a rough start and end date.
Tip: If a contractor promises an unrealistic timeframe, be cautious—it might mean they’re cutting corners.
10. Do You Handle Cleanup After the Job?
Nobody wants to deal with a mess after a renovation. Ensure the painting contractors will clean up after themselves, dispose of paint cans responsibly, and leave your space as tidy as they found it.
Green Tip: Some companies offer environmentally friendly disposal options for leftover paint and materials.
11. Do You Require a Deposit?
Most professional painting services ask for a deposit before starting a job. However, be wary of contractors who demand a large upfront payment—this can be a red flag. A reasonable deposit typically ranges from 10-30% of the total cost.
Red Flag Warning: Avoid companies that insist on full payments before work begins.
12. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Sometimes, unexpected problems arise, like hidden mold, drywall damage, or lead paint. A reputable painting company will communicate these issues promptly and provide optimal solutions rather than surprises on your final bill.
Interior Painting in Calgary: Brushing Up on Smart Hiring Choices
Hiring the right painting company in Calgary doesn’t have to be a gamble. By asking these key questions, you can confidently choose skilled and trustworthy painting contractors who deliver high-quality results. Whether you need interior painting in Calgary or a full exterior refresh, a professional team makes all the difference.
At Timeless Painting, we bring expertise, top-quality materials, and a commitment to customer satisfaction to every project. Ready to transform your space? Book your free quote today and let’s bring your vision to life—one flawless coat at a time!
Explore our services:
- Interior house painting
- Exterior house painting
- Interior commercial painting
- Exterior commercial painting
Looking for more tips from expert painting contractors? Check out our other blogs:
- Calgary’s Best Painting Companies: How to Find Quality and Affordability
- Essential Services Offered by Professional Residential Painting Companies
- 8 Reasons Why Timeless Painting is a Top Residential Painting Company in Calgary
- Colour your world: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Interior Painting Company in Calgary
