When comparing bids why are some high, and some really low?
The cost of a job is determined by the level of thoroughness, attention to detail, and quality of materials to be used. For example, it costs more to properly prepare a surface for painting than to give it the “quick once over.” We would be happy to review, in detail, our calculations for your project so you can make a fair comparison with other bids.
Also, keep in mind that larger painting companies have a higher overhead, and inversely painters that are not licensed, bonded, and insured may be in question about not fulfilling your needs.
Choosing the right painting contractor
It is extremely important to compare costs before making a financial commitment toward any home improvement project. You should solicit at least two or three bids from prospective contractors-bids based upon the same building specification, material, labor, and time needed to complete the project.
Discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain you understood the reasons for any variations in the prices. Do not automatically choose the lowest price. One contractor’s bid might me higher because the materials to be used are of a better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore, require more time and labor.
Ask the painter for local references and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractors work. If possible, visit and inspect their completed projects.
Will you stay at the job from start to finish once you begin?
Yes. We’ll stay with the project and work continually until your project is complete. However, this differs for exterior work. Weather dictates our working habits during cold and rainy seasons.
Do you mask and cover to protect unpainted surfaces?
Yes. Floors, furniture and other areas necessary to protect from paint will be covered. We also cover doorways to adjoining rooms to contain dust if we will be sanding. On completion we will pick up and clean up to return your home to the condition that we found it.
Do you use only one kind of paint?
For the past 20 years of business, we have using products such as Benjamin-Moore and Parker Paint. With technology changing the past 5 years, and daily, the brand of paints we use can be influenced by other factors including customer preference, the nature of the project, and other bid specifications. We believe there is not “One” and “One only” paint product out there. We are very open to using all the best products available. In the last couple of years we are finding that Behr and Valspar are excellent products. In addition to using the best paint, we use top quality materials, tools and supplies from other companies.
How can I prepare my home before you start painting?
The only items we ask the customer to move are the small knick-knack items and pictures. We come expecting to move large furniture items, window coverings and flash plates. We also ask that you let us know if you have animals that we need to be cautious of, watch for escape, etc. If your animals normally have access to the areas we will be in, please restrict them from our work area, at least until the paint is dry. Upon completion of the project, we will replace all items we moved back in their correct location.
What is better, Spraying? or Brushing the paint on?
This is an all too common question: The design of a paint sprayer is “only” for the ease painting. It applies the paint at a rate far heavier than a brush or roller. This is only used in large areas and to the paint manufacturer’s specifications at a reasonable mil thickness to insure proper coverage. The only way to insure the proper mil thickness is to spray the paint and back brush or roll as needed. There is no answer to what is better. It all depends on the surface being painted.
the sprayer is a tool, as the brush is, as the roller is. The end results is the only better way, not how it gets there.