Most homeowners receive a painting quote, look at the total, and either say yes or no. That is the wrong way to evaluate a quote. The number at the bottom tells you almost nothing useful. What matters is what is inside the quote — and what is missing from it.
Get a free written quote — no site visit needed.
Send photos of your space and Reza will send a line-by-line estimate within 24 hours. Serves Toronto and the GTA.
Start your free quote →What a proper quote must include
A professional painting quote is a written scope of work, not just a number. Before signing anything, confirm every item on this list is addressed:
- Exact rooms and surfaces covered. Walls only, or walls and ceilings? Does it include doors, trim, and baseboards? What about closets? Ambiguity here is where disputes happen.
- Number of coats. One coat on a previously painted surface is often not enough, especially for colour changes. A quality quote specifies primer coat (if any) plus the number of finish coats. Two finish coats is standard.
- Surface preparation details. Prep is the most variable line item. Does it include washing walls, filling nail holes, sanding, caulking trim, and protecting floors? Or does it just mean taping? This is the most important question to ask.
- Paint brand and product line. There is a significant quality difference between a builder-grade paint at $40/gallon and a premium product at $90/gallon. A quote that does not specify the paint product can substitute cheaper materials after you sign.
- Paint finish (sheen level). Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss — each has different durability and cleaning properties. The appropriate finish depends on the room and your preference. It should be specified, not left open.
- Who does the work. Will the person who quoted you be on the job, or will it be subcontractors? Ask directly.
- Payment terms. A small deposit (10–25%) is normal. More than 50% upfront before work begins is unusual and a risk. Full payment before job completion is not standard practice.
- Warranty. A workmanship warranty of at least one year is standard. It should be in writing. No warranty = no accountability after the crew leaves.
- Proof of insurance and WSIB coverage. Ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance (CGL policy) and WSIB clearance certificate. If anyone is injured on your property and the painter is not properly insured, you may be liable.
Red flags in a painting quote
These are the warning signs that a quote will lead to problems:
- A single lump-sum number with no line items. You cannot compare it to anything, verify what is included, or dispute items that were not done.
- No mention of prep work. Prep is 40–60% of the work on a professional job. A quote that lists only “paint two coats” is almost certainly missing the prep.
- Verbal changes to scope. Any scope change — adding a room, changing paint product, skipping a coat — should be in writing before it happens, not promised verbally.
- Large deposit required upfront. Anything over 30% before work begins is unusual. Walk away from any painter asking for full payment before starting.
- No company name or contact details. A quote should have the company name, address, phone, and ideally a GST/HST number. An email from a personal account with no business information makes it hard to find the painter if something goes wrong.
- Pressure to decide same-day. A contractor who pressures you to sign immediately — “I have another job starting tomorrow” — is using a sales tactic. A legitimate painter does not need to pressure you.
How to compare two quotes fairly
Two quotes are only comparable if they cover exactly the same scope. Before comparing prices, confirm both quotes include the same:
- Rooms and surfaces
- Number of coats
- Prep work scope
- Paint product quality
If one quote is 30% cheaper, ask what is different. The answer is almost always in one of those four categories. A lower number that excludes prep or specifies one coat instead of two is not a better deal — it is a smaller job.
Quick reference: what to look for
| Item | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Every surface listed by name | Vague (“entire interior”) |
| Coats | Primer + number of finish coats specified | No mention of coats |
| Prep | Filling, sanding, caulking listed | Not mentioned at all |
| Paint | Brand and product line named | “Quality paint” with no specifics |
| Warranty | Written, minimum 1 year workmanship | Verbal only or not offered |
| Insurance | CGL certificate + WSIB clearance provided | Refused or unavailable |
| Payment | Deposit under 30%, balance on completion | 50%+ upfront or full payment before work |
What our quotes include
Sky Painting quotes are written, itemized, and broken down by room and surface. Every quote includes the prep scope, number of coats, paint product specified, and a written workmanship warranty. We carry full liability insurance and WSIB coverage and provide documentation on request.
Submit a free online quote request with photos of your space and we will send you a written estimate — no site visit required in most cases. We serve homeowners and businesses across Toronto and the GTA.