Create a surface schedule, not only a room count
List walls, ceilings, trim, baseboards, doors, frames, closets, railings, cabinets, and feature walls separately. Note surfaces that are excluded. A “three-bedroom repaint” can mean very different work depending on ceiling height, trim, closets, current colours, and whether the home is occupied. Add approximate dimensions and representative photos so contractors can identify missing details.
Map repairs before choosing the final colour
Photograph nail holes, cracks, dents, peeling paint, water stains, failed caulking, damaged drywall, and rough previous repairs. State whether the underlying cause of stains or movement has been addressed. Ask whether filling, sanding, skim coating, stain blocking, caulking, and spot priming are included. Large or recurring defects may need a separate repair assessment rather than routine paint preparation.
Record product and finish decisions clearly
For each surface, identify the selected colour if known, existing colour, desired sheen, and who supplies the paint. If products are not selected, ask applicants to state the product line and quantity assumed. Strong colour changes, deep bases, stains, high-gloss surfaces, and unpainted materials can affect preparation and coat requirements. Do not assume every quote includes the same product or coverage.
- Colour and sheen by surface
- Owner-supplied or contractor-supplied paint
- Primer and stain-blocking assumptions
- Number of coats or coverage standard
- Leftover paint labelling and storage
Plan protection and daily access
Describe furniture, flooring, window coverings, pets, children, alarms, parking, elevators, and permitted work hours. Clarify who moves heavy items, removes switch plates, protects floors, handles wall-mounted objects, and returns rooms to use. In occupied homes, agree on the sequence and daily cleanup so essential rooms remain accessible.
Compare the finish and closeout process
Ask how touch-ups, inspection lighting, missed defects, cleanup, paint disposal, leftover products, and warranty information will be handled. Compare written scopes rather than relying on the lowest room price. A useful response should make preparation, products, protection, application, cleanup, and exclusions easy to find.
Additional planning examples
These external contractor pages illustrate how one provider describes a service scope. They are included for planning context and are not an EZ Clear endorsement.
- Review one interior-painting scope example — use it as a comparison point when writing your own neutral job scope