Surrey Ridge Community AssociationProtecting your home improvement budget
Planning a home painting project
Know what the painter will prepare, apply, and stand behind before work begins.
Start with the approved appearance
Use the exterior-project guide to prepare the required Association request before starting exterior work. Keep the written approval and exact color information with your project documents. A contractor's proposal is not Association approval.
Ask what is included in the price
A proposal that only says "paint exterior" leaves important questions unanswered. Ask the painter to identify the surfaces included, cleaning and preparation, repairs, primer where needed, finish products, protection of surrounding property, and cleanup.
If the painter relies on a manufacturer's specification, ask for that document to be identified and included in the agreed scope. The appropriate preparation depends on the surface and product; there is no single pressure-washing setting or paint system suitable for every house.
Check coverage before the whole house is painted
Ask how the selected color will look on your actual surface in daylight. A sample area can help you and the painter see whether the agreed application provides the intended appearance.
Before approving extra work, ask why it is needed, where it will be done, and what it changes in price and schedule. For a major color change, discuss how any additional coats would be handled before work starts. Do not assume a product's coverage slogan defines your contractor's obligations.
Read both the product and labor promises
A manufacturer's product warranty and a painter's workmanship warranty may cover different problems. Ask for both in writing if offered. Find out who receives a claim, what is excluded, whether labor is included, and which maintenance or notice conditions apply.
The number of years printed on a brochure does not by itself explain what will be repaired at no charge. Keep the actual warranty, contract, and product details together.
Keep a useful project folder
- Written approval, signed scope, and agreed changes.
- Paint brand, product line, color code, and sheen for each surface.
- Dated photographs of the work and any issues.
- Invoices, warranty documents, and contractor contact details.
At completion, walk through the work with the contractor and put any remaining concerns in writing. These records are useful for touchups and future maintenance as well as resolving a problem.
For contractor screening and written estimates, see the FTC home-improvement guidance.