6 Tips for Comparing Multiple Painting Bids
You’ve done your due diligence, collected several bids for your house painting project, and have to make a final choice. So, how do you pick?
Price can be an easy differentiator, but you know that’s not the best determining factor. There are so many variables at play, and cheaper isn’t always better. Honestly, neither is more expensive!
The price tag doesn’t guarantee the quality of your experience.
Let’s dig deeper than price and take a closer look at a few ultra-practical tips.
#1: Consider the Warranty
A warranty speaks volumes. Too short and it doesn’t inspire much confidence, and too long can be an indicator that your painter isn’t really planning on standing by their work. They may have loopholes woven into the fine print, or are more interested in closing the immediate deal than they are in building a long-term relationship. We recommend looking for a reasonable warranty with clear, specific terms. Take a closer look at this article for more information: What Should You Look for in Your Painting Warranty?
#2: Analyze the Bid
Not all bids (or estimates) are created equal. Look for absolute clarity, including a detailed breakdown of what’s included, from surface prep and repairs to the recommended products.
#3: Check the Credentials
Make sure you know whether your painter is licensed, insured, and what type of team they have (employees or subcontractors). These are all important factors to weigh, and they will impact your bottom line, too.
#4: Review the Reviews!
It’s helpful to ask for references, but you also should take a look at their reviews. And, if you see a poor review, check to see if it’s been responded to, and how. If you can’t find a clear track record of work and local reputation, that might be a bid you can remove from your list.
#5: Paint Coats and Quality
This ties in with #2 above, but it deserves to be highlighted. There will be a line item for “Paint” on your bid, but do you know what kind and how many coats? You don’t need to look too far for cautionary tales about companies that only apply one coat, or skip the priming stage. You also should know what kind of paint - there is a huge difference between bargain brands that won’t last very long, and more premium products that will really meet your performance requirements.
#6: Value the Experience
What kind of experience can you expect? Will your landscaping be trampled, or covered and protected? Will your painter bring a port-a-potty and sanitation station, or ask to use your bathroom? Will your yard be full of paint chips, or will containment and cleanup strategies be put into place? These are good questions to ask, if your bid doesn’t outline what you can expect.
The big takeaway? Think bigger than price, and think through what you need from both your project and the experience. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions, or push for clarification. If you’ve found the right painter, they’ll be happy to address every concern and offer priceless peace of mind.
