As a paint contractor, it is very common to get the call we don’t want to hear. It goes something like this: “Hi, I’m looking to get my house painted. I’m receiving 3 bids to get the exterior painted this year. I will select the cheapest price.” This is not the way to go about hiring a paint contractor (or should I say, painter).
If you have taken bids for a paint project, you have probably noticed the extreme price differences. Some will seem extremely high while others will be the opposite; extremely low. The differences can sometimes be offered by two totally different people – a contractor and a painter. A contractor will be fully set up to operate a business. Insurance, employees, workmans comp., detailed estimates, warranties, etc. A painter will typically offer a ‘steal of a deal’, provide an informal, shortly written bid (if any writing at all), be ready to go tomorrow and speak of no warranty.
In the end it’s up to you, the customer, to decide what feels best. Go with your gut. If it comes down to you spending more money to get your house painted, do it! It will pay off in the end. You will reap huge benefits from using a professional business as opposed to a ‘painter’. Price shopping will eventually back fire and leave you spending twice as much to get a second paint service to fix the first one.
Don’t price shop.
