Tips when Comparing Quotes

As the task of comparing quotations from different painters and contractors can sometimes be daunting, here are some guidelines to assist with your evaluations:

Presentation:

Generally speaking, the level of detail presented in the contractor's quotation will be indicative of their attention to detail when executing the work. Make sure the quotation clearly outlines what areas are being painted, the preparation process and the finish coat systems being proposed. Ensure a fixed price is provided to do the work. In saying this, also respect those painters who identify any potential issues which may arise after they have commenced the work (such as coverage for chosen colour) which may impact this cost.

Preparation:

Unless the surface is properly prepared, the coating system will underperform and ultimately fail. This is a critical element in the painting process, so look for lots of detail - the preparation being proposed should take you step-by-step through this process. Consider the extent of the preparation work and its suitability for the affected surfaces and intended coatings.

Coating System:

Line up the quotes received to ensure you are comparing apples with apples - i.e. painting quotes should specify the number of coats and type of paint to be applied, and whether this will provide the coverage and finish you are expecting.

Materials:

Look for well known brand names and specific products being specified, but also be wary of any relationships which may impede the painter from making an objective judgment in using the most appropriate product for your painting job.

Price:

As with most other goods and services, cheaper painting prices may also represent short cuts, substandard craftsmanship and inferior materials.

Compliance/Insurance:

Under no circumstances consider a painter who does not have public liability insurance or is not licensed with the Department of Fair Trading.

By law, customer and contractor must enter into a written contract with contractors being required to also provide warranty insurance for work over $12,000 - your job will have OH&S obligations and may also have EPA implications which need to be discussed with the painter and/or respective state government department. Non-compliance will jeopardise your rectification rights.

Guarantees:

Courtney & Wise offers the statutory warranty of two (2) years in accordance with the Office of Fair Trading - Home Building Act of 1989. .

Some of our competitors are offering up to seven (7) guarantees against faulty workmanship. Please be aware that any guarantee offered beyond the statutory requirement (of 2 years) offers no recourse through the NSW Consumer, Trade & Tenancy Tribunal (the tribunal where such disputes are heard), rendering the guarantee only as good as the contractor offering it. Please be aware that despite providing a written guarantee which extends beyond the two (2) year limit, the contractor could still fall back on the limits within the Act to support their argument.

Furthermore, weathering and environmental factors come increasingly into play as time progresses, making the ability to isolate faulty workmanship as the single cause of painting failure difficult to prove.

Over half a century of business operations is testimony to the quality of Courtney & Wise workmanship and also to the level of aftercare offered beyond the statutory guarantee period to our clients.

Written vs Verbal:

Painting is no different from any other trade or profession, if it's not in writing, then it's just a... maybe?