Are you planning an upcoming painting project? Whether you are updating your interior or exterior, you probably have a few estimates in front of you. If not, you will soon! It’s tempting to choose the lowest bid to save a few bucks. After all, a coat of paint is a coat of paint, right?
The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds especially true for professional house painting. While bargain bids are alluring, they can end up being the most expensive option at the end of the day.
When a Bargain Isn’t A Bargain
Looking at your painting estimates may be overwhelming and hard to read. There are a lot of details in most painting estimates and there are a few key sacrifices painters make to lower their prices. Are you willing to make these sacrifices?
Ask Your Painter These Questions
- What kind of surface prep does my estimate include? Thorough preparation and repairs are an essential part of the painting process. Surface prep sets quality paint jobs away from the rest. If your prep work is skipped, your finish will suffer.
- Are you using high quality products? There is a reason that cheaper paint costs less! The ingredients don’t perform as they should. This means that your paint won’t cover your surfaces as well, and it won’t last as long.
- Can you explain the details of my warranty? A little secret is that lengthy warranties look impressive, but are often filled with loopholes to protect the painter. Short, clear warranties are honest, up front, and offer peace of mind.
- Do you work with subcontractors or hire employees? Some painters hire subcontractors. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, your painters should rely on their own dedicated and invested team. Painters that hire full time employees invests in their training and ongoing education. Unfortunately, sub-contractors are often more focused on getting the job done quickly, rather than getting the job done right.
Added Value
Paying more up-front for a job well done is more cost efficient than paying extra to correct poor craftsmanship. Another hidden value is the longevity of the paint job. A well painted home, using top quality materials will last for years to come. Its an investment in your future!
Take time to get to know your local painter. Are they committed to their team, community and clients? Reviews and social media are both great ways to start your research. Building a quality relationship with a true painting professional takes time, but is well worth it at the end of the day.