It is common to get three painting quotes for the same house and find that the highest is double the lowest. Usually the difference is not the paint; it is how much preparation each painter plans to do, how many coats they intend to apply and what exactly they have included. This guide explains how to compare quotes fairly and choose a painter you can trust.
Get the Scope in Writing
A good painting quote lists every surface: which rooms, whether ceilings, trim, doors and closets are included, and for exteriors whether soffits, fascia, porches and railings are part of the job. If a quote just says "paint main floor," you have no way of knowing what you are paying for.
Prep: The quote should describe the preparation: filling holes, sanding, caulking, spot priming, scraping and washing. Prep is where most of the labour goes and where low quotes save time.
Products: Ask for the product line and sheen, not just the brand. Premium and contractor-grade lines from the same manufacturer perform very differently.
Coats: Two finish coats is a common standard. If the quote says "one coat," ask why.
Ask About Insurance and Safety
Ask whether the company carries liability insurance and, if it has employees, WSIB coverage, and ask for proof. If someone is injured on your property or your home is damaged, you want to know who is responsible. For homes built before 1990, ask how the painter handles possible lead paint during scraping and sanding.
Look at Real Work
Ask for photos of recent jobs or addresses of exterior work you can drive past. Online reviews on independent platforms are more useful than testimonials on a company's own website.
Understand the Schedule and Payment
A clear quote includes an approximate start date, how long the job will take and how payment works. A modest deposit is normal; paying most of the job up front is not.
Red Flags
Cash-only pricing with no paperwork: You lose any written record of what was agreed.
No site visit: An accurate painting quote needs someone to look at the surfaces.
Pressure to sign today: A reputable painter will give you time to compare.
The Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is often cheapest because it skips the prep that makes paint last. Compare quotes line by line, ask the questions above, and choose the painter who explains clearly what they will do and why.