Painting and Decorating Service Contract

What a good one includes

• A granular breakdown of every surface to be painted, including trims, doors, ceilings, and the specific paint brands, colors, and finishes agreed upon.
• Clear terms stating exactly who is responsible for moving furniture, removing wall fixtures, and protecting flooring before work begins.
• A clause addressing how unexpected wall damage, rot, or mold discovered during prep work will be priced and handled.
• A structured payment timeline that outlines the deposit amount, progress payments for longer projects, and the final payment terms upon completion.
• A simple procedure requiring written and signed agreements for any additions or alterations to the original scope of work.
• An explicit statement defining the level of clean-up provided and who is responsible for disposing of leftover paint and materials.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to specify the exact number of paint coats or leaving out trim and ceilings, which often leads to clients expecting extra work for free.
• Not defining who moves heavy furniture or takes down curtains, resulting in unpaid prep labor and project delays on day one.
• Agreeing to verbal requests for extra accent walls or color changes without a written amendment, making it incredibly difficult to collect payment for the extra labor.
• Leaving the final inspection and touch-up process open-ended, allowing clients to delay final payments indefinitely over minor, subjective imperfections.

Frequently asked questions