Perils of engaging a painter based on price only
Edition 25: 24 March 2011
When is a painting job so cheap that is is too good to be true? When it is exactly that ... too good to be true!
Recently, we've found ourselves in situations where a prospect obtains several quotes and discovers a wide range in fees.
In one recent experience, there was a $15,500 difference between the lowest and the highest quote. The scope of work was three quarters the interior of a three bedroom townhouse. Wallpaper had been stripped off the walls so plastering work was also required.
The lowest quote was $4,500. The highest was in the vicinity of $20,000. The other quotes received were $5,500 and $13,500.
If money was no object, the prospect (lets call him 'Bob') was certain which company he would undoubtedly select.
This company came with a great reputation and was not the most expensive. Further, during the quote visit, they took the time to truely understand Bob's requirements. Bob was certain that he would receive a great paint finish and actually enjoy the experience.
However, in this situation, Bob was concerned about over-capitalising. Consequently, Bob engaged the company with the lowest quote, even through he knew it was too good to be true.
One could argue that if the paint finish received was unacceptable, Bob would simply not pay and engage another company. However, at what cost?
- The new painting company would have to undertake additional preparation work than what was in the initial scope. That would mean a justifiable fee increase.
- Bob would potentially be inconvenienced over a longer period of time. The new painting company may not be able to start immediately. This all adds to the opportunity cost of Bob's time.
- There is also the stress and frustration that Bob may have to endure. It may not be that easy to cease a working relationship with the incumbent painting company. They would not be happy about not receiving any payment!
Share with us your experience when you selected the lowest quote for a service that you needed. We'd love to hear how that went.
To kickstart your feedback, here's some excerpts from PropertyTalk.com.
"A good paint job is all about preparation."
"Usually the low cost cowboys paint over the cobwebs."
"You need to ask then what the quote includes, what type of paint they intend to use, etc."
"The lowest quote is often that for a reason and you tend to get what you pay for. Ask for some reference sites where the firm/ person has worked recently and go and look at the finish achieved."
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"I have had a number of wooden villas of various heights painted by professionals in different cities over the years and only had one good experience out of five or so."
"All the people involved were "Master Painters" and in one case we got the parent body involved so that they could fix up their poor workmanship."
"Our worst experience was when our choice of painter had too much work and without consulting us, subbed the work out to dodgy painters. It was only because we were visiting the site were we able to nip the job in the bud before he did too much damage."
"We do all our own painting now and get the results we'd like to get from the professionals. But it takes time not only to do the job well but also to learn the little skills and tricks of the trade. Not everyone has the time to spare or inclination to do the work."
"Having said all that, I wouldn't want to paint professionally!!"
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"Can state from hundreds of painting jobs both exterior and interior that we have managed both for home owners and investors that you get what you pay for."
"We send different painters to different situations. Example, we have one painter who painted weatherboard state houses for 20 years - he is fast but not the most careful - good for investors in lower socio economic areas."
"We have 3 painting crews who work for us ONLY on homeowners' jobs due to their requirements being a good quality generally."
"Its not the number of quotes you get (always get 2) but the right painter for the project. Get it wrong and you will pay heaps and be very disappointed. We see it every week"
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Next edition
The next edition of Off the Wall will be published on 19 May 2011. Until then, ask us a painting related question. Be in to WIN enough paint to recoat the walls within an average sized room.
About Wall Treats
Wall Treats is the 2009 Master Painter of the Year. We go the extra mile to ensure all our clients receive a blue chip service.
We are registered Master Painters who promise you a stress-free and enjoyable painting experience.
Many of our clients have either introduced us to others or invited us back because of the peace of mind we provide them.
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Regards,
Daniel and Ashley
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