What to Expect When Getting a Painting Estimate

You’ve decided your home needs a colorful, stylish change. Great! Whether you’d like interior or exterior painting work, getting an estimate on the project should be one of the first things on your to-do list. But, how do you know that the painting quote you receive from a company is fair and complete? Discover what a reputable painting company looks at when calculating an estimate on painting the exterior or interior of a home.

Taking Measurements

Taking measurements is one of the first things that a reputable painting company will do. If you want interior painting work done, the contractor will measure walls, ceilings, doors, trim, windows and stairs. The size of the room will dictate how much paint will be used and how long the project will take.

If you want an exterior painting quote, the contractor will take measurements of the surface to be painted including trim and window shutters. Once again, the dimensions of your home factor into the cost of the paint, labor and how long the project will take to complete.

Looking at Surfaces

Maybe you’re interested in having two upstairs bedrooms painted. One of them has a textured ceiling featuring a swirl design while the other bedroom has a flat, non-textured ceiling. A professional painter will take note of the textures of walls and ceilings while touring your home.

A residential painting contractor will also make note of the current color and paint coating of interior rooms or the exterior of your home depending on what you want done.

Evaluation of Prep Work

A contractor takes a close look at the condition of the walls you want painted. Cracks, holes and dents need to be repaired before a fresh coat of paint is put onto a wall. Any necessary sanding, caulking or patching work will be factored into the final estimate you receive for the project.

For your home’s exterior, the contractor makes note of the cleanliness of the walls. If the home needs to be power washed before the painting project begins, that will play a part in the estimate.

Selecting Paint

You may already have an idea of the color you want for the interior room or rooms you want painted. Maybe you love the idea of turning the beige walls of your downstairs bathroom a pastel blue. Or, perhaps you’re tired of the yellow exterior walls of your home. You’re excited to see your home with pale green exterior walls paired with bright white trim. Experienced interior and exterior painters will listen to your ideas and suggest color shades likely to appeal to you.

A professional painting company will ask what sort of paint finish or sheen you’re interested in. If you’re not sure about sheen, color or any other aspect of the project, our dedicated painters at Kaleidoscope Paint are happy to provide you with suggestions and guidance. We want you to be happy with the look of your home.

The Timeline

Most homeowners are extremely interested in finding out the timeline for interior or exterior painting work. A trustworthy company will ask if you’ve any preferences regarding the project. Do you need the exterior of your home painted by a certain day? Or, does your schedule have a little more flexibility? Our painting company in Edmond OK will work with you to get the project done when you need it to be.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Painting Contractor

Provides a Ballpark Estimate

A ballpark estimate may be acceptable for some forms of work, but definitely not for painting projects. A reliable painting company will provide a written estimate that includes specific costs of materials, the details of the project and the completion date. This estimate should be clear and signed by both you and the painting company. In addition, you should have approval of any changes made to the project along the way, so you aren’t presented with surprise costs.

Rushes the Process

A residential painting contractor will take their time touring your home and taking notes to factor into the estimate. If you encounter a contractor who rushes through your home making very few notes and giving everything a quick glance, then you should continue your search for a reliable painting company.

An Unprofessional Estimation Form

A dollar amount written down on the back of a piece of scrap paper is not the type of estimate you want from a painting company. This is a big red flag. Instead, you should have a professionally drawn up estimate of all the features noted during the contractor’s tour of your home including colors, measurements, condition of the walls, etc. The costs of the project should be listed, and a final estimate produced. Be sure to know all of the details about the work before signing the estimate and paying any money.

Uncertainty About the Timeline

It’s important to get a definite timeline for your painting project. What day and time will it start? When will it be complete? These are questions that our company Kaleidoscope Painting will answer for you so there’s no question as to when your project will begin and end.

Shows Up Late

When you have an appointment to do a walk through of your home and provide an estimate, the contractor should arrive on time. If the painting contractor arrives late without calling ahead of time to let you know, that’s a sign that you’re dealing with a company that may not conduct itself in a professional way.

Questions to Ask the Contractor During the Home Tour

Taking a walk through your home with a painting contractor is very important. Of course, it gives the contractor the opportunity to take measurements and examine walls, but it also gives you the chance to ask questions. This is the same with a walk around the exterior of your home.

During the walk-through you can mention issues such as leaks, dry rot or damage that need to be looked at by the painting company before the project gets underway.

Examples of Helpful Questions to Ask the Painting Contractor:

•What does the estimate cover?

•Do you offer a warranty for labor and materials?

•What brands and types of paint do you use?

•What does your painting preparation look like?

•Are permits necessary and who is responsible for the cost?

•Will you put plastic covering on my hallway floors to protect them when conducting interior painting?

•Who does the actual painting work on my home?

•Do you have a team of trusted interior and exterior painters you’ve worked with for a long time?

•Do you specialize in exterior painting, interior painting or both?

•What happens with my project on a day when there’s inclement weather?

•Are preparation and cleaning included in the estimate?

•What customer references can you provide to me?

•If I have a question during the painting process, who do I address it to?

At Kaleidoscope Paint in Edmond OK, we provide you with a detailed interior or exterior painting quote so there are no surprises at the end of the project. Our expert staff can help you make decisions about wall and trim color, finish and more. We are happy to work with you on the painting schedule, so the project is done at the most convenient time for you and your family. Contact our company today and let us give your home a new, fresh appearance.