How to ask for a painting quote and what to tell the painter

To get a good quote, tell the painter what you want painted, what condition the home is in and when you need the work done. The clearer the information, the more accurate the price. A vague request, such as 'I just want to paint the house', gets vague answers.

Prepare the information before you call

Before contacting anyone, make a short list. It takes ten minutes and saves a lot of back and forth.

Location of the home and floor. Say whether there is a lift.
Number of bedrooms and approximate area, if you know it.
Rooms to paint: walls, ceilings, doors, skirting boards, windows.
Whether the home is empty, furnished or lived in.
The colour you want, or whether you want to keep the current one.
The date you would like to start and whether you have a deadline.

Photos and measurements are worth a lot

Send photos of each room, with an overall view and a close-up of the problems. Show cracks, stains, mould, peeling paint and dark areas. If you have the measurements, even better. If not, give the floor area of the home shown in your contract or deeds.

Many painters prefer to see the home in person before giving a final price. This is normal and a good sign. A fixed price given over the phone, without seeing anything, may change later.

What to say about the condition of the walls

Be honest about the problems. If there is a damp patch in the corner of the bedroom, say so. If the current paint was applied over another coat without preparation, say that too. The painter needs to know this to work out the right amount of work.

If you are near the sea or in the Serra de Sintra area and there is a musty smell or walls that feel cold to the touch, mention it. There may be a damp problem that has to be fixed before painting.

Questions to ask the painter

What is included in the price? Preparation, paint, protection and clearing up?
How many coats will you apply?
Is the paint included, or do I buy it?
How long should the job take?
How is payment made? Is there a deposit?
Is the quote in writing, and does it have an expiry date?
How are repairs that come up during the job handled?

Ask for more than one quote

Ask for two or three quotes and give everyone the same information. That way you can compare them. If you tell each painter something different, the figures stop being comparable.

Be wary of anyone who does not ask questions. A good professional wants to understand the job before giving a price.

After you receive the quote

Read everything carefully and compare it with what you asked for. If something does not add up, say so straight away. It is normal to adjust a quote after a conversation.

When you accept, confirm the start date, the price and the method of payment in writing. Keep the messages and documents. If there is any disagreement later, they help to settle the matter simply.

Tip: Always ask for the quote in writing, with a list of what is included. If you change your mind halfway through, ask for the change to be recorded too.