01/09/2021
TIME TO INVEST IN PAINT
We are doing a series of instalments discussing the three biggest concerns when investing in painting your home and choosing the right contractor for you.
The first and possibly the most important is COST.
We recommend always getting three quotes. Three quotes allow you to determine if one of the prices is considerably cheaper or considerably more expensive. It gives you an idea of the average price and allows you to immediately discern any anomalies.
The prices should always be within 10% to 15% of each other. If they are not a mistake has been made.
You then want to determine what makes each price different.
If one price is considerably cheaper than the others find out why? Is the amount of work the same? What is the quality of the products being used? Is one of the contractors simply offering preferrable rates?
It is not uncommon for contractors to under quote on the amount of work to simply secure the contract, as this makes the price seem more favourable to the untrained eye. Once you have invested with a specific contractor there is a 90% chance that you will complete the contract with that contractor. You will basically be stuck walking the road with them, even if it is going to cost you more, as it is usually still cheaper to complete than select someone completely new.
Contractors should always specify the exact scope of work being quoted for. This is for the safety of both yourself and the contractor. You know from the outset exactly what you are getting and if there are extras these can be approved during the project without any confusion.
Contractors may also make their quotes purposely difficult to understand. Do not be intimidated to ask for clarity and for the specifications of the products quoted. As an example, a contractor offering a Dulux or Plascon product will be more than one offering a grey market brand.
Ask for references, speak to previous clients and finally trust your instincts, use a contractor that you like and find easy to communicate with!
