A good painting quote is critical to the success of the job. As a legal document, it outlines what both the client and painter can expect. We often get asked what constitutes a “good” painting quote. A good quote is an accumulation of numerous factors.
Did you get a quote back?
The first indication of a good quote is simply receiving one. In the building and home renovation industries, painters and builders are notorious for not even showing up to give a quote. Occasionally, a painter will show up to quote but does not submit one. Unfortunately, the best painter in the world may not be very good at sales or organisation. What it comes down to is professionalism. Painting companies that show up on time and return the quote within 48 hours are most likely to be reliable and trustworthy.
Does it display professionalism?
Look to see if the quote is typed. This may sound like it is not in favour or smaller painting companies, but an official quote is an indication of an established and professional company. Remember, nowadays, everyone owns a computer. It takes five minutes to type up a quote so that it can be clearly understood and recorded long-term. A typed quote should be a compulsory to allow someone to complete your painting project.
Are they a registered painter?
Make sure the company you are engaging is licensed. On every quote, there should be a QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) number. A QBCC license number shows that the painting company has registered with a licensing authority that can oversee workmanship in the event that there is a dispute. Make sure the painting company shows you their QBCC license at the time of quoting.
Are they established?
Make sure there is a physical address and landline phone number. This demonstrates that the person quoting is credible and established. It shows that they are local and have been in business for a period of time. Additionally, contact information will allow you to reach them during the project.
A good painting quote should have at least these four parts:
Scope
1. It should include a scope section to outline what areas and aspects are quoted. For example, if the quote is for interior painting, it should list all the rooms and individuals walls that will be painted. It should also list surface material that will be painted, such as plaster wall, textured ceiling, and timber skirting. Any special requests such as usage of particular paint brand is noted in this section. It can also include special services such as colour consultation.
Specification
2. The quote should include a specification section. This section outlines how the areas and surfaces in the scope are going to be prepared and painted. It should be a detailed step-by-step procedure of how the painter will paint that area and what paint product they intend to use. For example, the surfaces will be cleaned and sanded, and any mould will be removed. Any additional tasks such as Permits, Road Closure are listed here.
Price
3. A quote should include a price section. Often a painting company will provide a single price for all items listed in the scope. We suggest asking for an itemised price that is broken down by areas of priority. For example, if you have a double story house, ask to separate the top and bottom floors, so you have two prices. If you are painting the entire house, ask for an inside and outside price. This gives you greater flexibility and control of the project.To clarify, we give two examples. If you choose to go ahead with an interior and exterior painting project in your home, it’s unlikely that they will be done at the same time. Having prices separated will give you an outlined budget, allowing you to initiate the project on your schedule.
It is possible to itemise a quote for jobs as small as one bedroom. If you desire, ask to separate the ceiling, walls and windows into separate prices. Itemisation can help you negotiate a better price. Established companies will rarely negotiate on price, however, they can budge if smaller items are bundled together. Negotiations can only occur if the quoted was initially itemised into small individual jobs. If applicable, any special offers, special inclusions and terms of payment are mentioned here. We already have a paint job pricing guide to get an idea of pricings.
Work authorisation/ terms and conditions
4. Finally, a quote should include a section on work authorisation or a terms and conditions section. This will include
- Preferred start and end date
- Quote reference and price
- Total quote amount accepted
- Acknowledgement of any special services
- Signatures and date signed
Additional questions to ask when organising a quote:
- If there are cracks, how will they cover them?
- If there is mould, will they remove it?
- Are they flexible with time? If you have a certain schedule that needs to be maintained, inquire if they have enough painters and resources to complete the job within your timeframe.
- If the paint job is inside, ask who will move the furniture?
- Will they clean up dust or debris when the job is completed?
- Will they provide touch-up paint tins when finished?
- Inquire if they have payment plans available and what the payment structure will be?
- If they are putting up scaffolding, how they will protect your plants or landscaping?
- If the project is larger in scope, question if they have taken into account travel and time allowances for things such as getting permissions from the council and road closures.
Paint jobs are a wonderful way to restore beauty to a home or building. Painting is a large job requiring commitment, clear communication, and established expectations from both parties. An itemised quote, and a company willing to carefully answer all of your questions, is a critical first-step towards a seamless and painless paint job.
