What Should You Ask a Painter Before Accepting a Quote?
Two painting quotations can have very different prices and still appear similar at first glance.
The reason is often in the detail.
One contractor may have allowed for extensive preparation, repairs or access equipment while another quotation may cover a much narrower scope.
Rather than comparing only the bottom line, ask a few questions before accepting a painting quote.
Exactly what areas are included?
Start with the basics.
The quotation should make it possible to identify the areas being painted.
For an interior this might mean walls, ceilings, doors, frames and trims.
For an exterior, the scope might include walls, eaves, fascia, windows, doors and other surfaces.
Do not assume an area is included simply because it appears obvious.
What preparation has been allowed for?
Preparation can make a substantial difference between quotations.
Ask how the contractor intends to deal with the existing surfaces.
Depending on condition, that could involve:
- washing
- sanding
- scraping
- removing loose paint
- filling
- patching
- repairs
- priming.
A vague quotation that says only “prepare and paint” gives you less information than one that explains the relevant preparation.
Are repairs included?
Ask how visible damage has been treated in the quote.
If there are cracks, damaged render, holes or other defects, are repairs included?
If not, are they excluded or to be quoted separately?
Clarifying this before work begins reduces the chance of disagreements about what was expected.
What paint system is being proposed?
You do not need to become a paint technician.
However, the quotation should provide enough information to understand what products or coating systems are being considered.
The right product depends on the substrate, environment and intended use.
This is particularly important where different surfaces require different products.
How will difficult areas be accessed?
For taller homes and commercial buildings, access can be a meaningful part of the project.
Ask whether the quotation includes the required ladders, platforms, scaffolding or other access arrangements.
If an allowance has not been included, find out what may be added later.
How will the property be protected?
Painting involves more than the walls being coated.
Ask how floors, furniture, landscaping or adjoining areas will be protected.
On commercial sites, this may also include operational areas and pedestrian routes.
What is specifically excluded?
Exclusions are useful.
They tell you where the contractor’s responsibility stops.
Common examples might include certain repairs or work by another trade.
A clear exclusion is much better than discovering an assumption after the job begins.
What is the expected programme?
Ask when the contractor expects to commence and approximately how the project will be staged.
For commercial properties, also discuss operating hours and occupied areas.
For homes, clarify access and anything the homeowner needs to move or organise.
What happens if additional work is uncovered?
Not every condition is visible at the quoting stage.
Ask what happens if the contractor discovers something unexpected during preparation.
There should be a clear process for discussing additional work before it proceeds rather than simply adding it without explanation.
How will communication work?
Knowing who to speak to can make the project much easier.
Ask who your main contact will be and how updates will be provided.
Nu-Vision’s capability material describes detailed quotations and keeping clients informed about costs, options and products as part of its service approach.
Compare scope before price
A lower price is not automatically better or worse.
The important question is what you are receiving for that price.
Line up the quotations and compare:
- preparation
- areas included
- repairs
- coatings
- access
- protection
- exclusions
- programme.
Once you understand those items, the final figures become much more meaningful.
Have a painting quote you are trying to understand?
Nu-Vision Painting provides detailed quotations for residential and commercial painting projects across Perth. Contact our team to arrange an assessment of your property.