Wall Painting in Durham, NC: Hiring and Prep

Compare the same written scope

Give each contractor a room list and photos showing cracks, patches, peeling areas and stains. Describe your intended color change and identify surfaces you want left alone. Arrange an inspection of questionable areas before accepting a firm price. Include closets, stair walls and areas behind furniture in the discussion.

Get written quotes for your project and compare the same surfaces, repairs and preparation. Request the paint product, color, sheen, primer plan and proposed coats. Record who supplies materials, moves furniture, removes wall hangings and protects floors. Have each contractor identify exclusions and include any taxes or access equipment in the total-price discussion.

For an area-based quote, clarify whether the contractor measures painted wall area or floor area and how they handle openings. Agree on a written approval process for additional repairs. You should know the proposed charge and scope before authorizing extra work.

Settle lead-work applicability before preparation

North Carolina's Division of Public Health requires certification and permits for paid RRP projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing. RRP means renovation, repair and painting. For a home in that age category, have the contractor identify the planned disturbance and explain the applicable lead-work arrangements in the proposal. [1]

The state page provides a noncomprehensive overview. Use its linked rules or contact the Health Hazards Control Unit at 919-707-5950 to resolve project-specific applicability, exemptions and permit questions. Do not use this overview to determine whether your full project needs an ordinary building permit. [1]

The state guidance says the EPA RRP Rule does not require paint testing, but rule requirements apply without documentation that the paint is not lead-based. If you choose testing, the guidance calls for testing all surfaces involved in the project. Gather existing documentation and have the contractor explain what they will rely on before preparation begins. [1]

Identify whether you intend repainting or lead abatement when discussing the work. North Carolina requires separate certification for abatement. Contractors performing both abatement and RRP activities need both certifications. Confirm the work category before comparing proposals. [1]

Check credentials against the planned start date

Use the North Carolina certified lead-firm directory to check the contracting firm's name, Lead RRP Firm classification, certification number and expiration date. The directory includes a Durham County filter. Verify certifications as current before covered activities begin; the state cautions that its information can change. [2]

Compare the listed expiration with your proposed work date. The chart gives examples from the directory snapshot retrieved on October 14, 2026, so you can see why a credential check at quotation time may need another check before work. These examples are not contractor recommendations or evidence of availability, painting quality or insurance. [2]

Evaluate insurance documentation, references and the written proposal as separate hiring checks. Keep the firm name and certification number with your project records. If you cannot confirm a firm's current certification, the directory directs status questions to the Health Hazards Control Unit at 919-707-5950. [2]

Agree on repairs, room access and completion

Point out recurring stains, damp areas and cracks during the inspection. Decide who will investigate the cause and complete any repair before painting. Describe patching, surface preparation and priming in the agreement, and include a chance to review repaired areas before the contractor coats the remaining walls.

Approve a color and sheen sample in the room's lighting. Plan a room sequence and discuss preparation, painting, drying and return to room use as separate stages. Confirm ventilation arrangements, furniture placement and access for children and pets. Keep these arrangements in the proposal so everyone works from the same plan.

For exterior walls or unconditioned spaces, review the forecast and site conditions against the selected paint's instructions. The National Weather Service's supplied regional table covers Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the 1981–2010 normal period. Treat that historical airport information as background; use current site checks to make application decisions. [3]

Arrange a final walkthrough covering the surfaces and repairs in your agreement. Check edges, missed areas, drips and cleanup with the contractor, and record any remaining work. Keep the paint product, color and sheen information for touch-ups, along with the agreed payment schedule.

Time until listed RRP firm certification expiration

Choose your next step before accepting a quote

Your hiring checklist

1. List rooms, wall surfaces and exclusions before requesting quotes.
2. Photograph damage and agree on investigation and repair responsibilities.
3. Gather the construction year and existing lead-paint documentation.
4. Resolve applicable lead-work requirements and verify current credentials before covered preparation.
5. Record paint, sheen, primer, coats and the approval process for extra work.
6. Agree on furniture moving, protection, ventilation and room sequence.
7. Confirm the total price, payment schedule and final walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to test old paint before hiring a painter?

The state guidance says the EPA RRP Rule does not require testing, but rule requirements apply without documentation that paint is not lead-based. If you choose testing, include all involved surfaces. Resolve project-specific applicability through the linked rules or Health Hazards Control Unit. [1]

Does a directory listing mean the state recommends the painter?

No. The state says its directory does not constitute an endorsement and instructs readers to verify current certification before covered activities. Assess the proposal, references and insurance documentation as separate hiring checks. [2]

How should I compare prices and schedules?

Give contractors the same room and surface list. Compare repairs, preparation, materials, exclusions and total price. Request a schedule that distinguishes work stages, drying and room-use arrangements, plus an approval process for changes.