The ceiling part is not ready for paint.

The trim could be in some jobs, since often the painter is responsible for caulking.

I've done painting jobs where I had to make fairly major repairs---like that ceiling. And exterior jobs where I had to replace fascia and soffit material.

"Ready for Paint" should mean that the work has been prepared so paint can be applied but some might want it to mean that the work is "ready for the painter" which would usually mean the prep work has not been done and the painter will do it.

It is best to avoid cryptic jargon and make it clear who will do the prep work especially if it involves repair and patching.

Excellent point!!!!!

Fair enough. I let the owner know the status by phone and will now proceed. (I just had to do it since I kept hearing how "great" this guy was supposedly.)

Hey, homebound! someone is looking for unfit kitchens. Might be on oldhouse at garden web. Show her yours.

Hey, homebound! someone is looking for unfit kitchens. Might be on oldhouse at garden web. Show her yours.

I would distinguish between the phrases "ready TO paint" and "ready FOR paint"; in the latter, the word paint refers to the process, not the colored liquid in a can as implied in the former. The paint process entails all necessary prep work but does presume a fit/paintable substrate. Uncraftsmanlike woodwork is outside the scope of the paint job but filling wall imperfections is within it.
Casey

Casey,
Great points, especially about uncraftmanlike work. That's hitting the nail on the head. As it turns out, the other guy had a bid for the painting, too, but didn't get that part so...

As a side note, he is installing light-duty, pre-made floating shelves (purchased from target or somewhere) to support a mini stereo system & speakers, CD.'s, etc. I already gave my thoughts to the homeowner and now get to wait and see how well it all turns out.