March 13, 2020 by Eric Hershberger
Hiring an exterior painting contractor is, for the most part, similar to hiring an interior remodeler or roofing contractor. There are, of course, some details that you shouldn’t overlook when hiring one, including the following:
It goes without saying that you should ask for a quotation from a prospective house painter, as you would with other types or remodeling or renovation projects. While the terms “quotation” and “estimate” are used interchangeably, there are differences between the two that are worth knowing.
A quotation, sometimes referred to as a project bid or proposal, is a detailed document that includes a complete breakdown of the project cost. When signed, this becomes your contract. An estimate, on the other hand, is exactly that: an estimate of what the project will cost. The actual project cost will be different, and the contractor will not be obliged to honor what’s on the estimate.
Unless you already have a trusted painting contractor, you will need to set aside time to review estimates and quotations as well as conduct interviews. Terms and conditions will vary depending on factors, such as paint type and manufacturer, but you should not overlook the following details:
Detailed job description – This includes the project’s timeline, an estimated completion date and the in-between goalposts. These details include the painting method – some may use spray, others brush or rollers – number of coats and a complete bill of materials, which should include product numbers in addition to paint brand.
Estimated daily work hours – Experienced house painters should be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate of how much they will be able to cover in a day. If you are looking into finishing the project before an immovable deadline like holiday visits, your contractor should inform you if overtime will be required.
Change procedure – Like other house remodeling projects, changes to the project may happen if unexpected repairs or similar circumstances arise. The costs involved with such changes are not included in the quotation, which means you need to have an approval procedure for them. Your change procedure should clearly state who signs off on such changes as well as a clear description of its effects on the project timeline.
Looking for the best house painting and tile contractors in South Florida? Call Fine Design Builders at (786) 399-0302, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.