What to Expect From A Painting Contractor Estimate

The estimate should contain at the very minimum the following information:

• Labor
• Materials
• A detailed explanation of prep work
• Total number of coats that will be applied
• The time frame of the project
• Brand and model of material to be used

A sign of an experienced estimator is one that takes the time to talk to you about your needs, walks the entire area to be painted, and makes thoughtful suggestions.

Be Clear Of Your Needs

The old cliché “communication is key” stands up here. It’s very important to be upfront with the painting contractor if you have a tight deadline, want a certain “look”, or have issues like an uneven surface that needs to be painted a specific way. A good painting contractor will always listen to your needs and try to find a solution to those issues. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have, there truly isn’t a stupid question when you’re paying money for a service. During the initial phone call or estimate, be sure to address any and all concerns with the estimator.

Never Hire Solely On Price

Always dig deeper than comparing painters solely by price. You may find a painter that advertises an enticingly cheap special, but if you read the fine print you may notice it doesn’t include the price of paint, prep work, additional rooms, etc. So, what once seemed like a good deal is now more expensive. Additionally, the cheapest company may not offer guarantees or may not be properly licensed and insured. Conversely, going with the most expensive company does not always guarantee the best results.
What matters is the quality of work, past reviews, communication, and the thoroughness of the painting company. Additionally, be aware of painters that subcontract out work. You always want to work directly with the company that will be painting your home.
BE AWARE OF UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS: Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damages done to your home by an unlicensed contractor.
Just a side note, we are not saying the cheapest painter may not be the best option. You just need to make sure you do your due diligence before hiring them (like you would with any other option).

Examine the contract

Make sure you obtain a complete contract from the painting contractor. The contract should always include all of the contractor’s basic information including:

• name
• address
• all phone numbers
• contractor’s license number
• all the details included in the estimate

The contract should also always clearly state what is and isn’t included in the contract. Be sure to ask for a copy of their insurance and license. If the contractor doesn’t have insurance, you will be held liable for an accident. For example, if one of the painters needs to use a ladder and accidentally falls, you would be on the hook. That’s something nobody wants to deal with.
The contractor should also always provide a guarantee and warranty on their work for at least two years.

Gut Feeling

This one does not require much explanation. Always trust your gut feeling and always go with the painting contractor that makes you feel 100% satisfied. Painting your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a homeowner. You will be seeing it every day as you come home for years. So think to yourself, do you really want to be reminded of a negative experience? Consider what that’s worth next time you make your decision.

Bottom Line

Conducting a little due diligence can go a long way when looking to hire the right painting contractor. With these tips, we hope you will hire the right painting contractor. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to help!

Looking for a licensed, insured, and reputable painter in Sydney?

We would be honoured if you would give Excellent Painting Group the opportunity to earn your business.
With more than a decade of industry experience, we deliver results that perform a “cut above the rest”. We are your one-stop-shop painting contractor and offer interior and exterior painting, general contractor services, staining, power washing, and much more.