Questions to Ask Your Painter

beachpainting • April 17, 2024

When it comes to having work done on your out-of-town vacation home, it's not always possible to be on site while the work is being done. You may feel like you're taking a risk every time you have to complete a project, but there are some things you can do to mitigate that risk.

One of the best ways to get a feel for the caliber of the people you will be working with is to ask questions. The answers you get will be helpful, but even beyond that, the candor with which they answer (or evade answering) will be give you some insight. Here are some important questions to ask:

Do You Use Subcontractors?

When a painting company uses only their own employees for the work they perform, they have direct control over the quality of the painting. Each painter on the job is accountable for timeliness, quality, cleanliness, and overall professionalism.

Sometimes a company that hires 1099 “subcontractors,” in an effort to avoid paying taxes and workers compensation, has trouble with quality. There is less control (or even knowledge) of exactly who is entering the client’s home, and if there is a problem on the job, this “subcontractor” may be difficult to hold to account. Beach Painting performs its work with its own employees, who are covered under our liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

How Do You Screen Your Employees?

A painting company that cares about its clients and its reputation will take the time to screen their potential employees. It is worthwhile to ask the painting contractor whether they do background checks on their new employees, and if they have a method of testing their painting skills.

At Beach Painting and Beach Construction Group, we do run background and reference checks on all potential employees. We also require that they pass a written exam. All new employees are put on a probationary period of up to 90 days before they are considered full-time.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Unfortunately, anyone can (with a minimal investment) buy a van and equipment and call himself a painting contractor. Many of these fly-by-night companies go out of business within the first three years.

A company that has been in business for over 25 years will typically still be in business if you have a warranty claim. Furthermore, a company with some history will have a professional staff and will be able to provide a list of references and addresses of recently completed projects.

Who Is My Contact Person?

When you work with a quality painting contractor, you are likely going to find an effective and organized office with dedicated personnel who oversee the projects. If the person who gives you the estimate is also going to be the one painting your home, it could be a red flag that the company has insufficient infrastructure.

Many owner-operators of painting companies spend more time working for their business than working on their business. They can be difficult to reach by phone and slow to return your calls. You should have one contact person who can answer your questions, keep you up to date on job progress, and ensure quality control.

Other Considerations:

Look for professionalism in your painting contractor. It’s usually pretty easy to spot – the contractor either has it, or he doesn’t. Is the proposal detailed and clear? Does the company have a website, clean identifiable vehicles, or even an office? These are signs that the company is serious about its business and its public image.

Any serious contractor should carry insurance and should not hesitate to provide you with an ACORD certificate as proof. Even the best contractors can have an occasional mishap. What separates the good contractors from the bad ones is how the mishap is handled.

Another sign of professionalism is a contractor’s involvement in trade organizations. Beach Painting Contractors is a member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, and the Outer Banks Homebuilders’ Association.

Often times, the best price isn’t the best value. By asking the right questions and taking your time, you can find a painting contractor that will provide you with excellent service and peace of mind.

Person looking up, reaching towards a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, framed by a white wall.

Color Trends 2026

By beachpainting • February 12, 2026
Each year, most paint manufacturers release a “Color of the Year” along with a palette of complementary shades. Pantone — the global authority on color — is best known for the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which provides a standardized language for identifying, matching, and communicating color across design, fashion, printing, and manufacturing. Their annual selection is often a strong predictor of broader color trends and frequently aligns with the palettes chosen by major paint manufacturers.
Workers in lift painting the exterior of a white house with a blue sky background.

Winter Maintenance

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By beachpainting • August 25, 2025
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The Real Value of Quality Work

By beachpainting • July 9, 2025
When it comes to home improvement, few things make an instant visual impact like a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's reviving weather-worn siding or refreshing an outdated interior, painting can breathe new life into your space. But as you start collecting quotes, you may wonder: why does a good painting contractor cost more than others?
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Why Waiting Will Cost You More $$$

By beachpainting • June 10, 2025
If you’ve been putting off painting your house, you’re not alone—but it may cost you more than you think. Summer is the best time of year to paint your Outer Banks home. If you've noticed signs of paint failure (e.g. fading, peeling, blistering, chalking), give us a call today.
Hand with dusty fingers next to light-colored, horizontal wall siding.

How to Fix Paint Chalking

By beachpainting • May 27, 2025
If you've noticed a fine, powdery residue on your painted walls or outdoor surfaces, you may be dealing with chalking paint. This is a fairly common issue that occurs when paint breaks down over time due to weather exposure, UV rays, or low-quality paint ingredients. It’s especially prevalent on exterior surfaces (especially fiber cement siding). What Causes Chalking? Chalking happens when the paint binder deteriorates, allowing pigment particles to loosen and form a chalky dust. While it’s a natural part of aging for some paints, excessive chalking can affect appearance, stain surrounding surfaces, and prevent new paint from adhering properly. How to Fix Chalking Paint Test for Chalking: Rub your hand or a dark cloth over the surface. If it comes away dusty, you have chalking. Clean the Surface: Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove as much chalk as possible. Follow up with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Let It Dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Prime If Necessary: For areas with stubborn residue or if you're repainting, apply a high-quality, binding primer suited for chalky surfaces. Repaint: Choose a premium, weather-resistant paint and apply as recommended. Preventing Future Chalking Invest in high-quality paint with strong UV resistance and proper binders. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing and inspections, also helps keep surfaces looking fresh. By addressing chalking early and using the right materials, you can extend the life and look of your paint job for years to come!
Person on a ladder painting a house's exterior siding near an oval vent.

Picking the Right Color

By beachpainting • May 8, 2025
Summer is a great time to paint your Outer Banks home if it is not in rental program. Temperatures and humidity are relatively consistent and longer daylight hours generally lead to shorter project durations.
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Common Reasons for Wood Rot

By beachpainting • October 29, 2024
Wood rot in homes and buildings on the OBX is a common occurrence. It is caused when bacteria and fungi have a chance to grow in a damp environment. Our weather (high humidity, nor’easters, hurricanes, etc…) provides enough moisture to promote wood rot. If you know what to look for, you can often catch the rot early enough to avoid major structural damage.
Paint roller and tray with a paint can in the background; preparing to paint.

A Guide to Wall Touch-Ups

By beachpainting • June 25, 2024
In a previous blog post, we tackled the topic of how to determine whether your house needs to be repainted. If your paint job is holding up well, but you have minor paint damage to your walls from children, pets, or summer guests, the following guide will help you. Step-by-Step Guide to Wall Touch-Ups: Clean the Surface: Begin by cleaning the damaged areas with a mild detergent and water. Remove any dust, dirt, or greased that may affect paint adhesion. Prepare the Surface: Use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) to smooth rough edges around the damaged area. Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust. Prime (if necessary): For significant repairs or bare patches, apply a primer to ensure proper adhesion and uniformity of the topcoat. Apply Paint: Use a small brush (angled brushes work well for corners and edges) or a roller for larger areas. Apply the paint in thin layers, feathering the edges to blend with the surround wall. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Blend and Feather: To achieve a seamless finish, father the edges of the touch-up paint into the existing paint. This technique helps to minimize visible lines and ensure a uniform finish. Expert Tip: Matching Paint SheenSatin and eggshell finishes will lose their sheen over time, which means your wall touch-up may be visible to the naked eye (even if the color match is perfect). One method to assure uniformity in sheen is to add a few drops of water into your paint bucket (assuming you are using a water-based paint). If you are touching up an oil-based paint, add a little paint thinner.