How to Choose a Painter in Mequon, Wisconsin

Verify Insurance & Workers' Compensation

This is non-negotiable. If an uninsured painter injures themselves on your property, YOU could be liable. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that shows:

• •General Liability: Minimum $1 million coverage
• •Workers' Compensation: Required in Wisconsin for employees
• •Current Coverage: Check expiration dates are in the future

Check Licensing Requirements

Wisconsin doesn't require a state-wide painting license, but many municipalities do. Additionally, for pre-1978 homes, the painter MUST be EPA Lead-Safe Certified (RRP Rule).

• •EPA Lead-Safe Certification: Required for homes built before 1978
• •Local Business License: Check with Mequon City Hall
• •BBB Accreditation: Optional but shows accountability

Read Google & Yelp Reviews (The Right Way)

Don't just look at the star rating. Dig deeper:

• •Read the 3-star reviews: These are often the most honest
• •Check review dates: Recent reviews matter more than 5-year-old ones
• •Look for patterns: Multiple complaints about the same issue = real problem
• •See how they respond: Professional response to negative reviews = accountability

Ask for Recent References

Any reputable painter should happily provide 3–5 references from the past 6 months. When you call references, ask:

• •Did they show up when they said they would?
• •Did the final cost match the estimate?
• •How did they handle problems or touch-ups?
• •Would you hire them again?

Get Written, Itemized Estimates

A professional estimate should detail exactly what you're paying for. Beware of vague, one-line quotes. A proper estimate includes:

• •Scope of work: Which rooms, walls, trim, ceilings?
• •Prep work: Patching, sanding, priming, caulking
• •Paint brand & product: Specific product names, not just "premium paint"
• •Number of coats: Should be 2 coats minimum for most jobs
• •Timeline: Start date and estimated completion
• •Payment terms: When payments are due

Confirm Paint Brands Used

The paint quality dramatically affects durability and appearance. Ask specifically what products they use:

Ask About Their Prep Process

Prep work is 70% of a quality paint job. Ask them to walk you through their process:

• •Cleaning: How do they clean surfaces before painting?
• •Repairs: How do they handle cracks, holes, peeling?
• •Priming: When do they use primer? (Answer: almost always)
• •Protection: How do they protect floors, furniture, fixtures?

Get Warranty in Writing

A verbal promise means nothing. Get the warranty details in your contract:

• •Duration: How long does the warranty last? (1–3 years is standard)
• •Coverage: What exactly is covered? Peeling, cracking, fading?
• •Exclusions: What voids the warranty?
• •Process: How do you file a warranty claim?

Never Pay 100% Upfront

Payment structure protects both parties. A reasonable payment schedule:

• •Deposit: 10–30% to secure scheduling and buy materials
• •Progress Payment: Optional mid-project payment for large jobs
• •Final Payment: Balance due upon satisfactory completion