Preparing Your Painting Budget: A Detailed Estimate Is a Must-Have
Preparing a maintenance budget is never easy, even under the best of circumstances. Add in the uncertainties we’re experiencing today, and it becomes more important than ever to have a consistent, reliable plan to carry you through.
If you have painting needs for the upcoming year, a large part of this successful planning starts with a clear painting estimate.
What’s In Your Painting Estimate?
The main goal here is to avoid any surprises, right?
Let’s dig into some specifics…
1. Do you understand your estimate?
Our best advice is to make sure your estimate is completely clear. If you have a question, ask. If you aren’t sure of a detail or two, clarify. Don’t assume that something is included - some less than scrupulous contractors profit off that kind of ambiguity.
2. What level of surface preparation or repairs is included?
We touched on this in another article (take a look here at 5 questions to ask your painting contractor), but it bears repeating. Lasting value is found in doing the job right, and that starts with thorough surface preparation and repairs. Your estimate should outline exactly what your contractor recommends.
3. Are color consultations included, or recommended?
A professional color consultant can add efficiency to your project by helping you develop just the right palette. Major time (and resources) are lost when you need to rethink and repaint. Working with a painter who offers digital color renderings is also a huge benefit, allowing you to see exactly what your colors will look like in place. For large-scale exterior work and repaints, this is essential.
We hope these tips are helpful! If you have any other questions about your Bay Area commercial or HOA painting needs, please reach out. We’re here to help!