![]() What paint goes where-If many types and colors of paint will be used on the project, simplify things with a specifications list: brand name, type, and color (with manufacturer’s product number) for siding, for instance, and the same details for trim, shutters, garage door, and porch risers, as opposed to the treads. Include any remaining gray areas, like that porch ceiling or the dingy insides of the kitchen cabinets. But by putting in writing all the details you’ve pinned down, plus a few other clauses, you can eliminate common sources of disputes.ĭetailed description of job-Prep work, paint, number of coats, specs for walls and trim, and description of the work area. ![]() A contractor who sorts out the details and puts them on paper is likely to follow through with those details on-site.Įven an airtight contract won’t make dishonest contractors honest or turn sloppy shortcut painters into dependable experts. To compare more than price, look for a thorough recap of the specs, work area, materials, starting date, and an estimate of how long the job will take.If different contractors propose different arrangements, adjust accordingly when comparing prices. Check whether contractors will supply the paint or if that’s your responsibility.Competition ensures contractors offer their best prices. Tell bidders you’re getting other proposals.That’s great, but why not include each point in the proposal? Although that sounds simple, too many contractors submit offers such as “Paint house for $5,000.” A friendly contractor may offer a reassuring handshake and promise that the crew will take care of all the details-starting on time, working every day, cleaning up, etc. Low prices don’t indicate lousy work.Īsk companies to provide detailed bids on identical specifications. ![]() Because companies that perform top-quality work are just as likely to quote low prices as companies that do shoddy jobs, don’t be put off by low bids. The message is clear: Get several price quotes. For the exterior work, prices ranged from $1,830 to $6,800-a difference of $4,970 for the interior work, prices ranged from $1,175 to $4,780-a difference of $3,605. The figure below shows the bids eight painting contractors quoted our undercover homeowner for two separate jobs: (1) Re-caulk and repaint all exterior wood trim, including 27 windows, on a two-story 3,000-square-foot home and (2) Repaint the walls, ceiling, and trim for a foyer, hallway, two bathrooms, two stairwells, and three bedrooms. Once you’ve assembled a pool of candidates, ask each of them for a cost proposal. Experience matters, particularly with a traditional manual skill like painting. When asking for references from previous customers, give more weight to contractors with long track records of successful projects and more years in business. A few phone calls will help you determine if the candidate is highly regarded or barely known. Also ask for references from paint suppliers. In addition to recommendations on our website and from friends, look for contractors with references from previous customers in your neighborhood for jobs within the past year, or with other particulars that reach beyond two or three satisfied customers (or relatives). Reviews were collected from surveys we sent to Checkbook and Consumer Reports subscribers, plus other randomly selected consumers we invited to participate. Our Ratings Tables report both raves and rants from local consumers about painters they’ve used. But who does the painting can have a dramatic effect on how well the job is done-and how much you’ll pay for it. Unlike other trades, you don’t need special training or a truck full of tools to paint one room or an entire house.
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