Painter & Decorator in Provo

Three checks: recent photos or addresses of comparable jobs (ask specifically for work 1-2 years old — fresh paint always looks good), reviews that mention prep and cleanliness rather than just price, and the quote itself — a detailed written scope with prep level, paint spec, and coat count signals a professional; a one-line price signals corner-cutting. Cutting-in lines around ceilings and trim are where skill shows.

For small interior jobs, many painters ask nothing up front or a token booking fee. For larger jobs, 10-30% deposit is typical, sometimes with a materials payment when paint is purchased. Be wary of demands for 50%+ before any work starts. Stage payments for multi-week jobs are fine; hold back the final payment until you've inspected the finished work in daylight.

Many painter-decorators do both — wallpaper hanging, feature walls, and removal — but it's a distinct skill, so ask for wallpaper-specific references. Wallpaper removal before painting is usually quoted separately since old paper can come off in minutes or take days depending on how it was applied. Never let anyone paint over wallpaper without discussing it; it's occasionally fine, usually a mistake.

Because scope assumptions differ: prep level, coat count, paint quality, whether materials are included, insurance and tax status, and how busy the painter is. A quote 40% below the pack usually means one coat, minimal prep, or an uninsured operator. Normalise the quotes to the same scope in writing and the spread typically shrinks dramatically — what remains is the real price difference.

Not always — this is the biggest source of quote confusion. Some painters quote labour-only with you supplying paint; others include mid-range trade paint and itemise upgrades. Materials typically add 15-25% to a labour-only price. Always ask: is paint included, what brand and line, and how many coats? Two quotes can differ mostly because one includes premium paint and the other assumes you buy it.

Two topcoats is the professional standard for a proper finish, plus a primer or sealer coat on new plaster, stains, or strong colour changes. Be suspicious of quotes that assume one coat — it rarely covers evenly and is the classic way a cheap quote wins then disappoints. Dramatic colour changes (dark to light) can need a tinted primer plus two coats.

If it was built before 1978 and the job disturbs more than minor amounts of painted surface, yes — the contractor must be an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm and follow containment practices. Ask for the certification number; fines for uncertified work are significant and the dust risk to children is real.

Hourly rates run about $25-$75, but most interior work is bid at $2-$6 per square foot of floor area or per room ($300-$800 for a standard bedroom). Whole-interior repaints of a 3-bed home typically land between $2,500 and $8,000 depending on prep, ceilings, and trim.