How to compare two painting quotes

To compare two painting quotes, do not look only at the final figure. Look at what each one includes, how it prepares the walls, how many coats it applies and what conditions it sets. The cheapest quote is not always the most economical, if it leaves out work that the other includes.

Put the two side by side

Make a simple table, on paper or on your phone, with a column for each painter. On each row, write one point to compare. That way, the differences are easy to see.

Rooms and surfaces included.
Ceilings, doors, skirting boards and windows.
Preparation: sanding, filling cracks, primer.
Number of coats.
Who buys the paint and what type of paint.
Protection of the home and final clean-up.
VAT included or not.
Start date and duration.
Method of payment.

Look for what is missing

When a quote is much lower, ask where the difference lies. It may be a single coat, no preparation, or lower-quality paint. It may also be that the other painter has included extra work that is not needed.

If you have doubts, phone the cheaper painter and ask, without accusing. Something like: 'The other quote includes preparing the cracks, does yours too?' The answer says a lot.

Look at how clear the document is

A clear quote has a description, figures and conditions. A confusing quote, with few words, leaves a lot open to interpretation. If you do not understand what is written, ask for it to be explained.

Also notice how the painter deals with you. Did they answer your questions? Did they see the home before giving a price? Did they explain what they are going to do? These signs count as much as the numbers.

Questions of trust

Ask whether they have previous work to show, in photos or in person.
Ask whether they have work accident insurance for the people who will be working in your home.
Confirm that they issue an invoice.
Ask for contact details of customers, if possible.
Be wary of full payment in advance.

The final decision

With the table done, choose the quote that explains the work best and suits what you need. If two are similar, the one that communicates better is usually the right choice. If you are still unsure, ask your preferred painter to adjust the quote to what the other included.

A practical example

Imagine that painter A asks for a lower price and painter B a higher one. When you compare them, you see that A applies one coat, does not repair cracks and does not clean up at the end. B applies two coats, deals with the cracks and leaves everything clean.

In this case, the two are not selling the same job. If you ask A to add everything B includes, the price gets closer. Only then is the comparison fair.

Tip: Do not use one painter's quote to pressure another with lies. You can ask them to review the price, but explain what you want included and let them answer honestly.