Extra costs during a paint job and how to avoid them

On a paint job, the most common extra costs come from wall repairs, damp problems and work involving furniture. The best way to avoid them is to show the home to the painter before asking for the quote, and to put in writing what is included and what is not.

Wall repairs

Cracks, rawlplug holes and loose paint are only easy to see once the wall is clean. Sometimes the painter only discovers them when they start sanding.

To avoid surprises, ask the painter to come and see the home and note down the repairs. Ask which are included and how the others would be charged.

Damp and mould

Damp is the hardest extra to foresee. Dark stains, a musty smell, bubbling paint or walls that feel cold to the touch are warning signs. Painting over it does not solve the problem, because it comes back.

In homes near the sea, on hillsides or on lower floors, it is worth being alert. Before painting, you need to find the source: water ingress, condensation or a burst pipe. The cause has to be dealt with first, and that may be a cost separate from the painting.

Furniture and access

A furnished home is more work. Moving, covering and putting back furniture may be charged for. The same goes for full cupboards, pictures, curtains and lamps.

Access also counts. A building with no lift, nowhere to park or tight working hours can increase the time and the cost.

How to avoid extras

  1. Show the painter the whole home, including the corners you would rather hide.
  2. Say straight away if there is damp, even if it has already dried.
  3. Empty the rooms or agree who will move the furniture.
  4. Ask for a written quote with the work included and excluded.
  5. Agree how unforeseen problems will be handled: advance notice and a price agreed before going ahead.
  6. Set aside a margin for the unexpected, without spending it if it is not needed.

Changes halfway through the job

Changing the colour, adding a room or painting doors that were not in the plan also creates costs. Before asking, find out how much the change costs and ask for it to be put in writing.

Take photos before you start

Before the job, photograph the walls, ceilings and furniture. If there is an argument about what was already damaged, or about what was asked for, the photos help to clear it up.

During the job, look over the work with the painter at the end of each day. If something does not please you, say so straight away. It is easier to correct early than at the end, when everything is already painted.

Tip: Ask the painter to warn you before doing any work outside the quote, and to tell you the price. That way you decide calmly, with no rush and no surprises on the invoice.

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