HOW TO COMPARE PAINTING CONTRACTORS
How to Compare Painting Contractors in Oakland and Macomb County
Use this checklist to evaluate prep standards, materials, warranties, scheduling, and cleanup. See how the Top Shelf standard compares to what homeowners often experience.
Checklist Comparison
| Factor | What Homeowners Often Experience | Top Shelf Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Prep | Spot prep or patch and paint | Full prep with repairs, sanding, priming where needed |
| Protection and Cleanup | Basic covers and sweeping at end | Floor and furniture protection, daily cleanup, final walkthrough |
| Materials | Contractor grade paint | Premium lines from leading manufacturers specified in writing |
| Warranty | Limited verbal assurances | Written workmanship warranty with clear terms |
| Scheduling | Unclear start windows | Defined scheduling, updates, and weather policy |
| Communication | Variable responsiveness | Dedicated estimator and crew lead with updates at milestones |
See our process, Service Level Guide, and warranty details for more information.
Buyer Questions
How many coats should I expect?
Most projects require one prime coat when needed and two finish coats. Your estimator will specify coat counts in the quote.
Do you help with colors?
Yes. We offer in-home or virtual color consults and provide samples when needed.
How quickly can you start?
Interior starts are usually 1 to 3 weeks. Exterior starts follow safe weather windows. We will confirm start windows during the estimate.