Knowing what belongs in a thorough repaint quote gives you the tools to compare bids on equal footing and spot the gaps that explain why one contractor is cheaper than another. Those gaps are almost always in the prep work, the products, or the surfaces covered.

Every surface being painted should be listed explicitly: siding, trim, fascia, soffits, window casings, doors, shutters, garage doors, and any other painted element on the exterior. A quote that says ‘exterior painting’ with a single line item gives you no way to verify what is and is not included. When a surface is not listed, assume it is not covered. After the job, ‘I thought that was included’ is a conversation you do not want to have.

The breakdown also tells you something about how carefully the contractor assessed the house. A contractor who lists every surface by name walked the house and thought about the job. One who writes a one-line description either did not look closely or does not want to be held to a specific scope.

The quote should name the primer and topcoat being used, by brand and product line. Not ‘quality exterior paint’ or ‘professional grade.’ Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura, or Sherwin-Williams Emerald are specific products with known performance characteristics. A builder-grade product at $35 a gallon and a premium product at $95 to $115 a gallon are not the same job, and a homeowner comparing quotes that do not specify products has no way to know which one they are getting.

Two coats of topcoat over properly primed surfaces is the standard for a full exterior repaint built to last. One coat is a maintenance application, not a repaint. The quote should specify the number of coats per surface type. Some surfaces may need a primer coat plus two topcoats. Others may need only two topcoats over existing paint in good condition. What matters is that the number is stated explicitly so there is no uncertainties when the job is called complete.

A quote from a contractor who does not carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation is not a real quote. It is a price that transfers risk to you. If a painter falls off a ladder on your property and the contractor has no workers’ comp, that injury claim can land on your homeowner’s insurance or directly on you. Ask for proof of both before anyone sets foot on the property. In New Jersey, a valid Home Improvement Contractor license is also required for any exterior painting work. You can verify it through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. A contractor who cannot provide all three should not be on your shortlist regardless of price.

A thorough quote includes a projected start date, an estimated duration in working days, and the daily work hours the crew will be on site. Without a timeline, you have no accountability mechanism if the job drags. A contractor who starts a job and then disappears for days at a time is a common complaint in residential painting, and a written schedule is the only thing that gives you standing to push back. The timeline should also note how weather delays will be handled and communicated.

Some painting companies quote the job and send a subcontracted crew to do it. The homeowner has no idea who will show up on day one. That matters for quality control, liability, and continuity. If the crew changes mid-job because the sub picked up a bigger contract, your project suffers. Ask directly whether the crew doing the work is employed by the company or subcontracted. A contractor who runs their own crew from start to finish has more accountability for the outcome.

A workmanship warranty should be in the quote, not offered verbally after the fact. Two to three years is a reasonable range for a full exterior repaint with quality products and proper prep. The warranty should specify what it covers: peeling, flaking, and adhesion failure due to workmanship. It should also specify what it does not cover: normal weathering, damage from impact, or failure due to conditions the contractor was not responsible for.

•       Prep described as included but not itemized. On a house that needs significant prep, this is where corners get cut.

•       One coat specified or no coat count given. One coat is not a repaint.

How do I verify a contractor’s NJ HIC license?

Through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website. Search by business name or license number. Any contractor doing home improvement work in New Jersey is required to hold a valid HIC license. Verify it before signing a contract, not after.

It needs to be in writing. A verbal warranty has no legal weight. The contract should specify the warranty term, what it covers, what it excludes, and what the process is for making a claim. If a contractor offers a warranty verbally but will not put it in the contract, treat it as if there is no warranty.

What is a reasonable deposit for an exterior repaint in NJ?

Red Trim Painting Services LLC has been painting homes across Middlesex County and surrounding NJ communities for over 10 years. Every quote we provide lists surfaces, products, coat counts, prep scope, and warranty terms in writing. We walk every house before quoting and we answer every question before a contract is signed.