Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Questions When Hiring a Painter

Lee, along with his wife Liz, are the owners of CertaPro Painters® of Louisville. After relocating 10 times in 18 years for corporate America, including time spent living in Brazil, Lee and Liz were happy to put down roots in the Louisville area. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and exceptional customer service, Lee and his team are dedicated to delivering outstanding results for every residential and commercial painting project.
Learn more about our painting process.
What residential services do you offer?
We provide professional interior and exterior painting and staining, along with cabinet painting and refinishing, drywall repair and installation, light carpentry services, wallpaper removal, popcorn-ceiling removal, power washing, deck staining, and painting for brick, vinyl, stucco, and aluminum siding. During the estimate, we review the property and recommend the right services for the project
Do you provide commercial painting services?
Yes, we provide professional commercial painting services for businesses and commercial properties throughout the area. Our team can help with interior and exterior painting, surface preparation, and other commercial painting needs. We work with you to plan the project around your property, schedule, and business needs.
Do you have a project minimum?
Yes. Our standard minimum for a first-time residential customer is $1,200. We evaluate smaller projects for returning customers individually based on the scope, scheduling, and materials required.
After my initial estimate, can my project cost change?
It can change in limited circumstances, but we discuss every change with the homeowner and obtain approval before performing additional work. Common reasons include a final color that requires extra coats or primer, wallpaper removal that was not included originally, concealed drywall or water damage, added accent colors, or exterior carpentry repairs that could not be identified during the initial inspection (ex: rotted wood).
What paint brands do you use?
We primarily use professional products from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. Both manufacturers offer excellent color selection, dependable coverage, durability, and long-term protection. We select the specific product line and finish according to the surface, environment, and performance needs of the project.
What quality of paint do you use?
We use premium, professional-grade primers, and coatings because a paint project should both improve the appearance of a home and protect it. Two of our preferred Sherwin-Williams product families are Duration and Emerald, which offer high-quality interior and exterior options. The final product is matched to the surface and the customer’s goals rather than using one coating for every application. With Benjamin Moore, we use their BEN and Regal Select products.
How should I prepare my home for interior painting?
Please remove small breakables, wall hangings, décor, and small furniture from the rooms being painted. Empty any cabinets, bookshelves, closets, or pantries that must be moved or painted, and identify fragile or high-value items before work begins. We will discuss larger furniture, window treatments, access, pets, and any project-specific preparations with you in advance.
How should I prepare my home for exterior painting?
Please trim bushes, trees, and landscaping away from the surfaces we will paint; remove outdoor décor and movable items from the work area; and make sure windows and doors are securely closed during power washing. We also ask that vehicles be moved away from the work zone and that gates, water connections, and other required areas remain accessible.
What kind of standard prep work do you do?
Preparation is one of the most important parts of a lasting paint job. Depending on the surface, our standard process includes cleaning, scraping loose or peeling paint, light sanding where needed, caulking appropriate gaps and seams, and spot-priming or full priming as required. Any repairs or preparation beyond the written scope are reviewed with the customer before work proceeds.
How long does a typical paint project take?
Timing depends on the size, condition, access, weather, and scope of the project. A small project may be completed in one day, while a typical residential project usually takes about three to six working days. During the estimate and scheduling process, we provide a more specific timeline and communicate promptly if conditions affect it.
What is your cleanup process?
Before painting, we cover and protect floors, furniture, landscaping, and other areas that are not part of the scope. The crew organizes and cleans the work area at the end of each day, then performs a thorough final cleanup when the project is complete. Our goal is to leave the home clean, orderly, and ready to enjoy.
How many painters will be on my project?
Crew size is based on the project’s scope, schedule, access, and technical requirements. We assign enough trained painters to complete the work efficiently while maintaining quality, safety, and consistent supervision. The planned crew size can be discussed before the project begins.
Can painters work while I am not home?
Yes. Many customers choose to have our trained, insured professionals work while they are away. We coordinate access, security, pets, alarms, daily communication, and lock-up procedures before the project begins, so the homeowner knows what to expect. Our team treats the property with care and respect to whether the customer is present.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage. We also maintain licensing required by the municipality where the work is performed. Documentation can be provided upon request.
Do you have a warranty?
Yes. Our painting projects include a two-year written warranty, with the applicable terms and exclusions included in the proposal. We review the warranty with the customer, so coverage and maintenance duties are clear before the project begins.
How often should I paint my house?
For exteriors in our climate, we recommend a maintenance cycle of about five to seven years for siding and trim, although sun exposure, moisture, substrate, previous preparation, and coating quality can shorten or extend that interval. Interior walls, trims, and doors in high-traffic areas often benefit from repainting every three to five years, while ceilings typically last longer.
What are the signs that my home needs to be repainted?
Some common signs include:
- Peeling or chipping paint
- Fading or discoloration
- Cracking or deteriorating paint
- Exposed or weathered surfaces
- Worn or damaged trim
- Caulking that is failing
- Surfaces that are difficult to clean
- A dated or uneven appearance
Addressing deteriorating paint and surfaces sooner can help protect your Louisville home and prevent small maintenance issues from becoming larger repairs.
Why choose CertaPro Painters® of Southern Indiana?
We are a locally owned and operated team, serving homeowners throughout Southern Indiana for over 15 years. We provide free, detailed estimates, professional painting crews, careful preparation, clear communication, and dedicated project supervision from start to finish.
Our goal is simple: make your painting project professional, dependable, and as worry-free as possible.