A Guide To Comparing Painting Contractor Estimates

Slavic Gagauz

September 27, 2022

When looking for a painting contractor, homeowners commonly start by gathering estimates from several prospects to compare the services they offer. Doing so can help them save time since the quotation includes essential information homeowners need to determine whether the service coverage and costs would match their requirements and preferences. Moreover, a work estimate can give customers an idea of what to expect during a painting project.

As you study price estimates from different companies, you may find them quite similar to each other, particularly regarding the information they contain. However, it's essential to look into the details more closely and understand them to make a wise selection. Also, while the knee-jerk reaction of most customers is to compare prices, choosing the best service provider would entail looking into other aspects of the estimate.

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If you'd like some tips on how to compare estimates from painting contractors effectively, here are some suggestions you may find helpful:

Consider The Company Background And Expertise

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A painting company's reputation can serve as your guarantee of the quality of services they can provide. Thus, looking into their background and expertise when considering hiring their services is essential. Ideally, the company should have at least five years of experience and a solid track record in handling house painting projects. You can also look at their customer ratings and reviews to see what former clients can say about their performance.

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Check Qualifications

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It's essential to check the qualifications of your contractor and the painters who will participate in the project. Doing so, you'll have the protection you need in case you encounter issues with the quality of work or services you receive. Also, some states require painters to acquire licenses to qualify for insurance coverage, which is crucial for their protection in case of work-related accidents or injuries.

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For instance, the State of California requires licensure for contractors who take on projects that pay over $500. Aside from this, painters are also needed to gain four years of work experience in a related field, have a minimum of USD$15,000 surety bond, and pass the C-33 exam. These qualifications are set to protect the consumers, so you must check if your painters have all the credentials required by regulatory boards in your location.

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Warranty Coverage

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In the US, 90% of companies that take exterior work projects offer warranty to customers. Contractors commonly offer a guarantee for the quality of work they provide to keep a competitive edge in the market, which is why it's wise to consider what it entails. Some items usually covered in painting project warranties include the quality and scope of work guaranteed, the length of coverage, and the circumstances in which the customer can claim for damages or poor work quality.

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Paint Products To Be Used

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The prices quoted on the work estimate should include the costs of the paint products, including the brand, quantity, and type. These aspects can significantly impact the total expenses for the products to be used. For instance, one gallon of paint will cover 350 square feet on average, giving you a rough estimate of the quantity of products you’ll need for your project. Aside from the paint, you may be billed for other products, such as fillers for cracks, primer, or finishing sheen.

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To give you a better idea of how all the quoted products would be used, you can ask the contractor to categorize the items based on their specific purpose or the areas where they'll be applied. The contractor should be able to provide a clear explanation of the products and their application if they have the expertise required to complete the project successfully.

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Scope And Method

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See if all areas requiring paint will be covered by the contractor's scope of work, and inquire if any aren't included in the estimate. You'll see which contractor offers more coverage for the estimated price.

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Besides the scope, you'll also need to inquire about the method of painting to be employed, such as air spraying, brush or roll painting, priming, and others. Lastly, ask the contractors to specify the number of coats applied to each section and the drying time allocated between coats.

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Pre-Painting Work

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Before starting a painting project, a house must be prepared in a way that protects floors, furniture, décor, and other items from spillage or damage. The floors and other surfaces must be covered with plastic, adhesive tapes, a tarp, or paper that would serve as protection from splatters or drips. Then, all the items inside the space should be put away or protected with covering materials.

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Most contractors include pre-painting tasks in their scope of work. If not discussed in the estimate, you can ask the contractor to put them in writing to ensure all tasks will be adequately documented.

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Conclusion

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A work estimate can be significantly helpful in managing your house painting project in its early stages. Take advantage of the information from various contractors, and don't hesitate to ask for further details when needed. Moreover, give equal importance to all the aspects involved in the project as it will help you select the ideal contractor that could match your requirements and preferences.

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MIT Citations

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Tom, C. (2021, May 11).

How To Get a Painter's License (State Requirements). Indeed

Retrieved January 9, 2023, from

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/painters-license

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Christian, S. (2020, June 15).

What Does a House Painting Warranty Cover. Kind Home Solutions

Retrieved January 9, 2023, from ‍

https://www.kindhomesolutions.com/2020/06/15/what-does-a-house-painting-warranty-cover

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Lauren, M. (2022 July 25).

How Much Paint Do I Need For My Project? Forbes