Painting quotes can be all over the map. This can occur with other trade quotes as well, but it seems to be particulary common in the painting industry. Why is that? Most likely the wide range of quality and experience. In all honesty anyone can call themselves a painter.
What Factors Influence The Price Of A Paint Quote?
-Attention to detail and the time taken to do the preparation work is usually the main reason for a price variance. The steps taken to prepare the surfaces are an important part of the job. Some projects may require a great deal of preparation work often taking longer than the actual painting. This is where where many painters skimp on the job.
-The level of the painters experience and the quality of the products being used. We’ve seen some horrible painting over the years. We gone to do repaints at houses where we can’t believe that the previous paint job was done by someone that was paid for it.
-Whether the painter is a licensed company, has full liability insurance and WCB coverage. These all cost money so of course someone painting without them can cut costs. You can’t expect that the pricing from a fully qualified professional is going to be the same as someone who bought a brush and calls themselves a painter.
-Who is doing the actual painting? Did the owner of the company show up to do the quote and impress you with his experience and skills but is going to send a much less experienced person to do the work? Is there a constant rotation of staff? Are you getting a knowledgeable and experienced employee or the summer student?
-Is the quote fixed price? Make sure you are not getting a lower quote only to find out that extra costs will be added along the way.
Get an estimate that is detailed and gives a full description of what work is going to be done. You need to be able to compare apples to apples. In addition to preparation, check to see how many coats of paint are going to be applied and what product is being used. There are very few cases where applying one coat of paint is appropriate.
Our estimates always state the preparation work, the number of coats of paint that are going to be applied and what product is going to be used. For more details about how we do our quotes see: Parnell Painting Estimate Information