What Questions Should I Ask a Painting Contractor Near Me?
Jul 15, 2025

What Questions Should I Ask a Painting Contractor Near Me?

Ever seen a place so dull it felt like walking through a black-and-white movie?

Now pretend…

You're standing in the middle of your office, warehouse, or store in Oshawa, staring at the walls. The paint’s peeling like dried-up bark. The ceiling’s stained like a forgotten coffee mug. And the vibe? Dead.

It’s the same feeling Dorothy had before she stepped into the Technicolor magic of Oz.

That’s what professional painters do. They don’t just change colors—they breathe life into walls, ceilings, and even your brand.

But…
Not every painter who holds a brush is worth your buck.

So, what questions should you ask a painting contractor near you before trusting them with your commercial or residential space?

Let’s dive in because making the wrong choice can cost you more than just money. It can cost you peace of mind.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Don’t let smooth talk fool you. Ask the hard stuff.

Imagine a painter falls off a ladder while painting your warehouse's 20-foot ceiling. If they're not insured—you’re liable.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, nearly 18% of fall injuries happen during painting or renovation work. That’s no joke.

Always ask:

  • Do you have liability insurance?
  • What happens if a worker gets injured on-site?
  • Are you covered for property damage?

If they stutter, run.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Would you let a rookie pilot fly you through a thunderstorm?

Same thing with painting. Experience matters.

Brock Painting & Contracting has been in the industry for over a decade—earning the trust of businesses across Oshawa by transforming dull walls into spaces that sell, inspire, and shine.

Ask:

  • How many commercial properties have you painted?
  • Do you specialize in interior painting services, exterior painting, or both?
  • Can I see your portfolio?

A real pro will show you, not just tell you.

3. What’s Your Process Like—Start to Finish?

Ever watched Ocean’s Eleven?

They had a plan. A flawless one. Every pro does.

Ask your painter:

  • Do you help with prep work like patching, sanding, or priming?
  • What brand of paint do you use?
  • How many coats will you apply?
  • How long will it take?

At Brock Painting & Contracting, we believe painting is not just a task. It’s a process. From day one, we map it all out for you—from tape to final touch-up. Our commercial painting contractors in Oshawa follow a tight system that never leaves you guessing.

4. What Do You Charge—and What’s Included?

Let’s cut to the chase.

You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing what’s under the hood, right? Then why settle for vague painting estimates?

Ask:

  • Is this a flat rate or hourly?
  • Does the quote include materials, prep, clean-up, and labor?
  • Are there extra charges for ceilings or textured walls?

In Oshawa, the average commercial painting contractor price ranges between $3 to $6 per square foot, depending on wall condition, size, and material quality. If someone quotes $1 or $10—both are red flags.

5. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Ever read a fake review and felt it?

Too perfect. Too robotic.

You want the raw stuff—the 3-star reviews with real stories.

Ask:

  • Can I speak to past clients?
  • Do you have Google or Yelp reviews I can check?
  • Can I see recent before-and-after photos?

At Brock Painting & Contracting, we don’t just say we’re the best commercial painting contractors in Oshawa—we let our work do the talking. From offices downtown to industrial spaces near the GM plant, we’ve left our mark with pride.

6. Do You Offer Both Residential & Commercial Painting Services?

You need a contractor who speaks your language.

Commercial painting is a different beast than residential. It's not about pastel bedrooms—it’s about brand colors, warehouse efficiency, and durability against foot traffic, weather, and time.

Make sure they offer:

  • Tailored commercial solutions
  • Experience with ceilings, industrial finishes, and large-scale painting
  • Knowledge of building codes and safety standards

We specialize in residential & commercial painting contractors in Oshawa, meaning we’ve painted both cozy homes and vast warehouses—with zero compromise on quality.

7. Do You Offer Any Guarantees or Warranties?

What if the paint starts peeling in six months?

Silence.

Ask:

  • Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
  • Is the paint covered under manufacturer’s warranty?
  • What happens if I’m not happy with the result?

A trustworthy painting contractor won’t ghost you after payday.

At Brock Painting & Contracting, we guarantee satisfaction. If something chips, fades, or bubbles within the warranty window—we fix it, no questions asked.

8. What Type of Paint Do You Use—And Why?

Ever sniffed cheap paint?

Yeah. Smells like a mix of chemicals and regret.

Ask:

  • Do you use low-VOC or eco-friendly paints?
  • Which brand do you trust the most?
  • Why that brand?

Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are our go-tos. They last longer, cover better, and are safe for your team’s health. Because your warehouse or storefront shouldn’t smell like a gas station for weeks.

9. Will You Keep Me in the Loop During the Project?

No one wants to be in the dark.

Communication is king.

Ask:

  • Will I get daily or weekly updates?
  • Who’s my point of contact?
  • Can I reach out after hours?

One of our recent clients—James, owner of a retail store near Oshawa Centre—said:

“What I loved about Brock Painting was the updates. I knew exactly who was coming, what was being done, and when. No guesswork. Just clarity.”

10. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues or Delays?

Murphy’s Law is real.

Maybe rain hits mid-job. Or mold shows up behind drywall.

Ask:

  • How do you adjust the timeline if delays happen?
  • What if you find damage under the surface?
  • Will I be notified before extra charges?

Professionals stay calm under pressure. We don’t just paint over problems—we solve them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How do I verify if a painting contractor is licensed in Oshawa?
Check Ontario’s Consumer Protection Ontario website or ask for their license number directly.

Q2. How long should a commercial paint job last?
With quality paint and prep, interior commercial painting lasts 5–10 years, and exterior painting services last 5–7 years, depending on weather and surface condition.

Q3. What’s the difference between commercial and residential painters?
Commercial painters handle large-scale jobs, complex coatings, and follow stricter codes. Residential painters focus on aesthetics and personal style.

Q4. Should I vacate during the paint job?
For smaller residential jobs, not always. But for large commercial spaces—especially with ceiling or high-access work—yes, for safety and speed.

Q5. What affects commercial painting contractor price in Oshawa?
Square footage, surface prep, ceiling height, paint brand, and project complexity.

Conclusion

You wouldn’t hire a mystery chef for your wedding cake…
So why hire a random painter for your business?

You deserve clarity, quality, and commitment. And at Brock Painting & Contracting, we bring all three—with our heart in every brushstroke.

We’re not just commercial painting contractors in Oshawa. We’re your partners in transformation. From faded walls to eye-catching storefronts, we help your business shine like never before.

So, the next time you wonder, "What questions should I ask a painting contractor near me?"—remember this guide.

And when you're ready to bring color back to your life—
Give Brock Painting & Contracting a call. We’ll bring the magic, one wall at a time.