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Not all painters are equal. Not all prep is equal. Not all quotes are equal. It's one of the biggest misconceptions in our industry. Many listen to quotes, compare pricing, and go with what option seems most reasonable.
We wrote this article to help guide you when comparing quotes. And please hear us when we say that this article is not at all a condemnation of our competitors. This is just meant to equip you with the knowledge to make the best decision for you. Yes, we would love for you to choose Veenstra for your project. But you should always go with what you feel fits best. Read on to see some of the most important factors you need to consider when listening to quotes for your painting/staining project.
The most useful way to compare painting quotes is by looking at what each one includes for surface prep and which product is being proposed, not by comparing the bottom-line price alone. Two quotes that look similar on paper can represent very different amounts of actual work.
A painting quote's price is built from labor hours and material cost. The two easiest places for a contractor to lower a bid are cutting time out of surface prep and using a lower-grade product. Neither shows up in a side-by-side price comparison, and neither is visible in the finished job until months or years later when the cheaper job starts to fail. See what full prep actually includes for what should be in that scope.
Ask what specific prep steps are included, caulking, sanding, priming, washing, and whether those are itemized or just assumed. Ask which product line is being proposed and why it was chosen for that specific surface and exposure. Ask what happens if underlying issues, like rot or previous paint failure, are discovered once work begins. A contractor who answers these clearly and specifically is generally a more reliable indicator of quality than the number at the bottom of the quote.
A quote with no mention of prep work, a verbal estimate with nothing in writing, or a price significantly below every other quote received are all reasons to ask more questions before signing. None of these automatically mean a contractor is unreliable, but they are exactly the kind of gaps that turn into problems after the job has started. Paint that fails early is usually where a skipped step from the quote stage finally shows up.
A contractor who takes the time to walk the property, assess the actual condition of the surfaces, and explain what the project needs before naming a price is generally doing the diligence that leads to an accurate scope. See how Veenstra Painting's estimate process works as one example of what that looks like in practice.
Is the cheapest quote always the wrong choice? Not necessarily, but it warrants specific questions about what prep and product are included before assuming it's the same scope as a higher quote.
Should I get more than one quote? Getting multiple quotes and comparing what each one specifically includes, not just the price, is generally the most reliable way to make an informed decision.
Veenstra Painting provides free in-home estimates for homeowners in Pella, Pleasantville, and the surrounding area. See more frequently asked questions.