How much does it cost to paint a house? That is a great question! Unfortunately, there is no one great answer because a lot of things factor in to the final cost of painting. If you are like most people you have no idea about what it takes to get the interior or exterior of your home pained – and EVERY home is different. Think about things like size, condition, special features, height, details like trim, doors, etc. Are you changing colors? Are you going from dark to light? That can require several coats.
You’ve gotten a few estimates and they are very different. You like the guy with the higher estimate, but the money-saving, cheaper guy’s estimate is hard to ignore. Is the higher estimate too high or is the cheap painter just cutting corners? How do you know? You want to pay a fair price, but you don’t want to get ripped off. We get it…we’re right there with you. So, how do you do that…get a fair price for quality work?
If you’re looking at multiple bids you are probably seeing a wide range of pricing for your project. Please, don’t just look at the bottom line. There is a lot more to consider before you make your final decision. If you received an estimate from ColaTown Painting, it may not be the least expensive, but we will show you why we are the best at what we do. Here are the factors that affect a paint estimate and how to make a decision you feel comfortable about.
UNDERSTANDING THE ESTIMATE
A reputable contractor will spend time looking at every aspect of the project. You should ask them questions and they should ask you questions. Estimates should not be based solely on square footage – that is not a reliable method. Your project may require special attention to trim work, ceilings or drywall repair. The exterior may have rotting boards, peeling paint and need caulking around the windows/doors. Extra prep work may be necessary, bushes may need to be trimmed away from your exterior and other considerations. Estimating requires specialized knowledge to make sure the project results in your complete satisfaction. Make sure your contractor addresses all the issues you have questions about.
COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES
You have two or more bids. Does one painter quote for one coat and another for two coats? Does one estimate include repairs and another just for painting? Is the cost of paint included? Are you getting quality paint or contactor grade paint? High-quality paints like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore, known for their durability and superior finish, can be more expensive then “big box” store paints. But, they are well worth it in the long run. Be sure you understand all estimates and what they cover.
COMPLEXITY OF THE PROJECT
Painting an interior or exterior is more than just a matter of applying a fresh coat of paint. It involves a series of steps, each requiring time and skill. The reason you are hiring professionals is because they have the skill, the knowledge, the specialized equipment and the time to do the job and do it right. Their expertise ensures a high-quality finish, but it also adds to labor costs, which are another component of the overall expense.
SO… HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Bottom line – It is called an estimate because each job is different and unique. Maybe your neighbor had their home painted by a great company for $X, but when you call your estimate is higher (or lower). That is going to depend on all of the factors listed above. No two jobs are exactly the same. So you must consider these 5 factors:
- Quality/amount of paint and prep materials
- Amount of prep work
- Labor cost
- Home size
- Design Intricacies
Also, googling the cost of house painting can be very misleading. While it may give you a general idea, there are a lot of factors that may vary around the country and don’t totally take into consideration the above factors. While the cost may not be exactly what you initially expected, the value of a professionally executed paint job is undeniable. From the quality of the materials to the expertise of the painters, each aspect contributes not only to the overall cost, but also to the exceptional results. Painting your home is an investment in quality.
The professional painters at ColaTown Painting are ready to take on your painting project when you are ready! Call Britt – 803-603-6486 – For a free, no-obligation estimate if you expect the best for a fair price! Or E-mail: ellisb@colatownpainting.com – please include contact information in your e-mail.
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