Calgary Painting Quotes

Guide · Before you sign

Questions to ask a painter before you hire

Short answer

Ask for a written quote that lists scope, prep, coats and products. Confirm liability insurance and a WCB-Alberta clearance. If they want a deposit, check they hold an Alberta prepaid contracting licence and get the contract in writing. And ask what happens if something is not right after the job.

The questions

About the quote

  • Which rooms and surfaces are included, and which are not?
  • What preparation will you do, specifically?
  • How many coats, and where will you prime?
  • Which product line and sheen for each surface?
  • Who moves furniture, and who repairs drywall or rotten wood if you find it?
  • How do you handle a change of scope or colour after we start?

About the business

  • Can I see your certificate of liability insurance?
  • What is your WCB-Alberta account number, for a clearance letter?
  • If you take a deposit: can I see your Alberta prepaid contracting licence?
  • Will your own crew do the work, or subcontractors?
  • Who is my contact during the job?

About the finish

  • How long will it take, and what could delay it?
  • What does the final walkthrough involve?
  • What is your warranty or touch-up policy, in writing?
  • Will you leave labelled leftover paint?

Deposits and Alberta’s prepaid contracting rules

Service Alberta states that a business requesting payment before work starts, or before a renovation is completed, on a private dwelling is a prepaid contracting business and must be licensed, and that prepaid contracts must be in writing. Licensed businesses post security with the province, which consumers can claim against in some circumstances. Details are on the Government of Alberta prepaid contracting licence page.

WCB clearance

WCB-Alberta explains that a clearance letter shows whether a contractor has coverage and an account in good standing, and recommends getting one before hiring and before paying. See WCB-Alberta clearance letters.

Older homes

If your home was built before 1960, Health Canada says it probably contains lead-based paint. Ask how the painter will prepare old paint without dry sanding or heat guns, which Health Canada advises against. See exterior painting and interior painting for more.

The same rules apply to anyone we refer you to

We review your request and may refer an independent contractor manually, if available. You are free, and encouraged, to ask them every question on this page and to check the answers before you agree to anything. See how it works.

Related questions

Is it normal for a painter to ask for a deposit?
It is common. In Alberta, a business that takes payment before work is completed on a home is a prepaid contracting business and must hold a prepaid contracting licence from Service Alberta, and the contract must be in writing. Ask to see the licence before paying a deposit.
What is a WCB clearance letter?
A letter from WCB-Alberta confirming whether a contractor has a WCB account in good standing. WCB-Alberta advises getting one before you hire a company and before releasing payment, because if a contractor has not paid premiums you may be liable for them.
Does the contractor you refer me to meet these requirements?
Ask them directly, the same way you would any contractor. We review requests and may refer a suitable painter manually, but do not hold their licences or insurance documents on your behalf, so checking is your decision and your right before you agree to anything.

Next

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