Do You Tip House Painters? And Other Questions People Are Afraid to Ask

People ask us these questions quietly at the end of a job, so we figured we would answer them out loud. Here is the etiquette of having painters in your home, from a crew that spends most of the week in other people's houses.

Do you tip house painters?

You do not have to, and nobody on our crew expects it. Painting is a skilled trade priced as a job, not a service priced for tips. That said, if the crew went above and beyond and you want to hand them something at the end, it is always appreciated and it goes straight to the people who did the work. Cold drinks on a hot day, or lunch on a long one, land just as well.

What do painters actually appreciate?

• A clear path to the rooms being painted
• Wall art and small breakables taken down ahead of time
• Pets somewhere safe, for their sake and ours
• A decision on colors before the first day
• A quick walkthrough with you at the end so anything that needs a touch-up gets done while we are there
• An honest online review if you are happy

Do I need to move my furniture?

No. We move it to the center of the room, cover it, and put it back when the room is finished. Large pieces like pianos and armoires we work around. The only things we ask you to handle are wall art, photos, and anything small and breakable.

Should I be home while the painters work?

Up to you. Many of our Gainesville customers go to work and leave us a key or a garage code. Others stay home and work from another room. Either way, we lock up and text you at the end of the day. The one time we do want you present is the final walkthrough.

Can I stay in the house during an interior job?

Yes. We work room by room and use low-odor paints, so the rest of the house stays usable. Bedrooms are usually finished in a day so nobody sleeps on the couch.

Is it rude to ask about licensing and insurance?

Not at all. It is the smartest question you can ask. Any legitimate painter will send certificates before the job starts. We do.

What if I do not like the color once it is on the wall?

Tell us right away, ideally after the first wall. We bring samples and paint test patches for exactly this reason, and it is far easier to change direction after one wall than after the whole house.

Have another question?

Ask us. HVR Painting is a family-owned painting company in Gainesville, and we would rather answer a question than have you wonder. Call or text (352) 328-3659 or read our FAQ.