Was this new drywall or repainting that was being done?

The actual house is about 18 yrs old and the rooms we are repainting were painted about 8 yrs ago. We just did not care for the colors and wanted to change them.

I don't think you should be worried. As long as he was covered already painted walls, two coats of quality paint should be fine.

I only prime already painted walls if I'm doing alot of wall repair work etc.

Unless you're painting over removed wallpaper, a super glossy surface, or perhaps using a latex paint over an oil based finish, I think you'll be fine.

If you're painting over a really dark color with something light, sometimes a primer will help with coverage, but I've painted every room in my house and have always painted two coats over the existing paint. No problem.

I only prime if I am painting over a dark color. I have never primed over a light color. If the walls look fine with two coats I don't think they need a third coat.

Did anyone wash the walls first? Did he clean them with TSP? How well the first coats sticks depends on how dirty the walls were to begin with (kids, pets, smokers,etc).

candle burning

huh?

I don't get the candle comment either??

On priming, I've primed when I need to cover a lot of trial splotching, when I've painted over a red wall, and on new wall. Otherwise, I don't. And I just use two coats. I think you will be fine and he probably knows exactly what he is doing.

Red

I think sh meant that candle burning would also cause a residue that should be washed off walls, ceilings before painting.

I was just continuing FlyingFlower's list reasons for washing walls, above my post -- kids, pets, smoking ... candle burning ...

Candles leave gray smoke and greasy soot from aromatic oils on the walls.

Here is a link that might be useful: Candle Soot

You only need primer if -

-- you're painting new drywall, metal or wood
-- you're putting a drastically light paint over dark paint or vice versa
-- there was extensive damage to the walls that was repaired and you have large areas of raw, new surface plaster
-- you're painting surfaces that are very dirty (or smelly) and cannot for some reason be cleaned
-- you need for some reason to add to the waterproofing of the underlaying surface

So, you should be fine.

For what is, these days, a fairly expensive job, it is always good to have a written contract prior to the painting being done detailing what is going to be done. I agree with the others though, other than the list they put up, a primer on the walls isn't a requirement and if you use a quality paint two coats should be fine.