It’s not uncommon for homeowners to seek a quick phone quote for a paint job by simply providing the number of rooms or square footage.

The assumption is often that calling several painters and comparing prices will help secure the best deal. After all, painting can be a major investment, and who doesn’t want to save money?

In today’s world, shopping for products online has become second nature. If you’re looking for a “Sony XYZ” TV, you can easily search for prices from different retailers and choose the one offering the lowest price.

However, shopping for services like painting isn’t as straightforward as shopping for products.

Here’s why:

1. No Two Homes Are the Same

Even if you compare two houses with the same number of bedrooms, their painting requirements can differ significantly. A few factors that can affect the cost of a paint job include:

• Room sizes and shapes: A larger or oddly shaped room may require more time and effort.
• Windows and doors: The number and type of windows and doors can increase or decrease the amount of labor.
• Colors: Some color schemes require more layers or time to apply.
• Surface preparation: Scraping, cleaning, and priming surfaces can drastically impact the amount of work needed.
• Furniture protection: Ensuring that furniture, floors, and fixtures are properly protected adds to the labor cost.

Any one of these factors can translate into tens, or even hundreds, of hours of additional work.

2. Price vs. Value

Many people assume that the lowest price means the best deal, but this can be misleading. While price is important, what truly matters is value. The best price does not necessarily equate to the best job. A higher quote might represent more thorough preparation, better-quality paint, or more detailed work that will last longer and look better.

To get the best deal, focus on the value of the service rather than just the price. A cheap paint job may end up costing more in the long run if it has to be redone due to poor preparation or low-quality materials.

3. Comparing Apples to Apples

When comparing painting proposals, it’s essential to ensure you’re comparing similar scopes of work. A bid that doesn’t include adequate surface preparation or a prime coat might seem like a bargain at first glance. However, it could lead to costly repairs or repainting down the line.

Make sure each contractor is bidding on the same set of specifications—surface preparation, number of coats, quality of paint, etc. This ensures that you’re comparing similar services, and not just price tags.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Deal

To truly get the best deal on a paint job, you need to compare value, not just price. This means considering all the variables involved and ensuring that the proposals you receive are for the same level of service and quality.

By focusing on the scope of work and the value offered, you’ll avoid ending up with a “proverbial lemon” and instead land the best deal for your painting project.