Like you, I also do not want to pay more than I have to for services I need. I want a dependable company that will do quality work at a reasonable cost. Some may get one bid and go with that company because they feel comfortable with the estimate, especially if the company was referred to them from a satisfied client. Others will get several bids.
In the painting industry it is almost impossible to compare bids. A cheaper bid in many cases is a red flag. The cheaper the cost is usually means the least expensive company is missing something or leaving things out to win more work. Let me explain.
Did you know that most of the cost for a residential painting job is labor? The paint companies with cheaper bids are going to do less prep on your home to get the job done in less time. A lot of companies leave that out of their bids altogether to avoid having to defend their decision to do less prep.
Some paint companies will bid one "premium" coat of finish and saying it will self-prime your painted surfaces. I have seen many examples of painters leaving out how many coats will be applied, the painter is hoping the homeowner won't ask about how many coats.
Lack of details in a bid is bad news for the homeowner and the contractor. The paint contractor can give you a price and tell you what a great job he will do. Even if you have given him all the details when you walked the home with him if it is not in the bid it may not get done. During the job if you notice work you requested is not getting done, if it wasn't in the bid the contractor may tell you it will cost more.
Bottom line, look for the details in the bids you receive. There are many honest paint contractors out there and there are some that are not. If you know what to look for and ask it can help you in the long run. Be aware of the lowest price, it may save you money in the short term but may cost you more money, time and headaches down the road. To do a job right it takes experience, knowledge of materials, good craftsmanship, quality people and more.
In the painting industry it is almost impossible to compare bids. A cheaper bid in many cases is a red flag. The cheaper the cost is usually means the least expensive company is missing something or leaving things out to win more work. Let me explain.
Did you know that most of the cost for a residential painting job is labor? The paint companies with cheaper bids are going to do less prep on your home to get the job done in less time. A lot of companies leave that out of their bids altogether to avoid having to defend their decision to do less prep.
Some paint companies will bid one "premium" coat of finish and saying it will self-prime your painted surfaces. I have seen many examples of painters leaving out how many coats will be applied, the painter is hoping the homeowner won't ask about how many coats.
Lack of details in a bid is bad news for the homeowner and the contractor. The paint contractor can give you a price and tell you what a great job he will do. Even if you have given him all the details when you walked the home with him if it is not in the bid it may not get done. During the job if you notice work you requested is not getting done, if it wasn't in the bid the contractor may tell you it will cost more.
Bottom line, look for the details in the bids you receive. There are many honest paint contractors out there and there are some that are not. If you know what to look for and ask it can help you in the long run. Be aware of the lowest price, it may save you money in the short term but may cost you more money, time and headaches down the road. To do a job right it takes experience, knowledge of materials, good craftsmanship, quality people and more.
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