What to Ask During an In-Home Estimate Appointment

Your painting estimate appointment is your chance to ask any questions about your job. Concerns and logistics are the name of the game. After your appointment, you should feel fully comfortable with the project. But what if you don’t even know what to consider? Here is what to ask during an estimate appointment.

Expect that your estimator will do a complete walk through of the area to be worked on and probably take measurements. They may have questions for you about your expectations. It’s expected that any repairs should be discussed to get a better outcome in the painting.

Questions you may want to ask:

What does the estimate cover?
Can you provide insurance and licensing?
What paint will be used?
What preparation will be done?
What is the time frame for completion?

Normally an estimate should be provided, in writing, at the appointment or shortly after. It should break your costs into labor and materials. A complete itemization of the work to be done should be detailed out completely.

Paint Selection

Check with your estimator to find out how paint will be selected. How are you to choose colors and finishes? What about brand choice? Some painters will only work with particular providers when it comes to paint. The manufacturers they choose are probably because of warranties or outcomes meaning they get the best results with these paint providers.

Preparation

You should know exactly what kind of preparation will be done before the painting work begins and who is responsible for it. Who is clearing out the furniture? Taking fixtures down? Will the crew tape off items or address the repairs?

Crews and Timing

At your appointment, your estimator should be able to give you an idea of who will be coming to your home to work. While they might not rattle off names, they should be able to tell you if your expecting a painter, or a crew. They will also have an idea of how long your project should take.

Insurance and Licensing

Do not proceed with any painter that will not or can not provide their licensing and insurance information. Knowing that the company you choose has this information available should set your mind at ease. It will protect you, your home, and the crew should anything go wrong.

Payment

Discussion of payment sometimes comes up at the estimate appointments. If it doesn’t, ask! You should be very wary of any company that asks for full payment up front. It is common practice that a portion of the payment is requested to hold dates, reserve crews and get supplies before they start work. Final payment should be made after the job is completed satisfactorily.