By Matt DeHaan
At DeHaan Painting, we’ve seen firsthand how avoiding common pitfalls when evaluating painting estimates can save homeowners time, unnecessary stress and expenses.
Let’s take a closer look at these mistakes and how they can impact your project—along with examples of what could go wrong if they’re overlooked.
1. Not Considering Budget
Budgeting is the foundation of any successful project. As a homeowner myself, it can be tempting to get multiple “bids” and pick the least expensive. It is my opinion that this comes from not trusting the things you don’t know and as a result, thinking that all contractors do the same thing and the lowest price is the tiebreak.
Homeowners who skip this step often find themselves overspending or needing to cut corners halfway through the estimating process. For example, starting a whole-house repaint without setting a clear budget might leave you unable to finish certain rooms or trim work. I would suggest coming up with a working budget and getting ballpark estimates before inviting contractors out to your house.
For example, we were able to help the owner of this 3,100 SqF home. We started with an initial budget of $8,000 to $10,000 to fix some issues they experienced, stain their handrails, paint all of their walls, and some impacted trim. If they wanted to paint all of the trim it could be as much as $10,000-$15,000. Those budgets allowed this couple to prioritize “must haves” and “nice to haves”.
Helpful Tip: Share your budget with your painting contractor from the start OR get a ballpark before deciding on the scope. This allows them to propose a realistic plan and suggest where adjustments can be made to stay within your limits.
2. Overlooking the Number of Coats Being Applied
Some estimates may seem like a bargain but only account for one coat of paint. Without proper coverage, your walls might show old colors,imperfections, or be less durable. Imagine paying for a room to be painted only to see patchy areas or streaks a few months after the job is done.
Helpful Tip: Always confirm how many coats are included. A good contractor will typically recommend two coats for a professional and lasting finish.
3. Neglecting Surface Preparation
Skipping preparation is one of the fastest ways to lower cost AND end up with peeling paint, uneven surfaces, cracks, and inevitably…spending more money to have it done right. For instance, painting over dirt, using caulk instead of wood filler, painting over rotten wood, or not priming raw substrates might save time and money initially but could result in a job that needs to be redone within months instead of years.
Helpful Tip: Ensure your estimate includes details about preparation, like cleaning, priming, and repairing damaged areas. These steps are critical for a durable and polished look.
In this example photo, the cracked caulking must be cut out. The fastest way to do this would be to simply caulk over the caulking instead of removal. This will lead to durability issues
3. Neglecting Surface Preparation
Skipping preparation is one of the fastest ways to lower cost AND end up with peeling paint, uneven surfaces, cracks, and inevitably…spending more money to have it done right. For instance, painting over dirt, using caulk instead of wood filler, painting over rotten wood, or not priming raw substrates might save time and money initially but could result in a job that needs to be redone within months instead of years.
Helpful Tip: Ensure your estimate includes details about preparation, like cleaning, priming, and repairing damaged areas. These steps are critical for a durable and polished look.
In this example photo, the cracked caulking must be cut out. The fastest way to do this would be to simply caulk over the caulking instead of removal. This will lead to durability issues
4. Ignoring Workers’ Compensation and Insurance
Hiring uninsured painters can backfire if accidents happen on your property. For example, if a worker falls off a ladder and the company doesn’t have workers’ compensation, you could be held liable for medical expenses.
Helpful Tip: Ask for proof of insurance. A reputable contractor will gladly provide this information for your peace of mind. Remember, General Liability insurance is for damage to your home. Workers’ compensation is for potential injuries that may occur on your property. Both insurances are equally important.
Example of a fully insured company with General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Auto Liability
5. Disregarding Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in painting success. Painting during freezing temperatures, high humidity, or extreme heat can cause paint to not adhere properly, leading to bubbling or cracking. For instance, painting on a humid day could result in extended drying times and sagging paint. Worst case scenario, it may look okay at first, but have adhesion issues as time goes on.
Helpful Tip: Work with a contractor who understands optimal painting conditions and schedules work accordingly.
5. Disregarding Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in painting success. Painting during freezing temperatures, high humidity, or extreme heat can cause paint to not adhere properly, leading to bubbling or cracking. For instance, painting on a humid day could result in extended drying times and sagging paint. Worst case scenario, it may look okay at first, but have adhesion issues as time goes on.
Helpful Tip: Work with a contractor who understands optimal painting conditions and schedules work accordingly.
6. Failing to Prioritize “Must-Haves” vs. “Nice-to-Haves”
It’s easy to get excited about extras, like an accent wall or decorative trim, but these additions can inflate your budget. Imagine starting with a long list of upgrades only to run out of funds for essential areas, like the main living spaces.
Helpful Tip: Discuss priorities with your contractor to ensure your “must-haves” are completed first. If there’s room in your budget, you can then explore the “nice-to-haves.”
7. Choosing Based on Price Alone
The lowest bid can be tempting, but it often means corners are being cut. For instance, cheaper contractors may use subpar materials or skip critical steps, leaving you with a job that doesn’t last.
Helpful Tip: Look beyond price. A reliable contractor provides a balance of affordability, quality materials, and skilled labor.
8. Not Asking for a Detailed Estimate
A vague estimate can lead to misunderstandings and unexpected costs. For example, if cleanup or minor repairs aren’t mentioned in the estimate, you might end up paying extra or dealing with incomplete work.
Helpful Tip: Request a detailed estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and any other relevant costs. This ensures you know exactly what to expect.
8. Not Asking for a Detailed Estimate
A vague estimate can lead to misunderstandings and unexpected costs. For example, if cleanup or minor repairs aren’t mentioned in the estimate, you might end up paying extra or dealing with incomplete work.
Helpful Tip: Request a detailed estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and any other relevant costs. This ensures you know exactly what to expect.
9. Overlooking Maintenance Needs
Skipping maintenance during painting projects can lead to bigger problems down the road. For instance, ignoring caulking or sealing gaps might allow moisture to seep in, causing paint to peel and surfaces to deteriorate.
Helpful Tip: Choose a contractor who addresses maintenance issues as part of the painting process. A little extra effort upfront can save you significant repair costs later.
10. Not Considering a Warranty
A warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. Without it, you might be left paying out of pocket to fix issues that arise soon after the job is completed. For example, peeling paint or fading within a year could leave you frustrated if there’s no warranty to fall back on.
Helpful Tip: Work with contractors who offer a warranty, like DeHaan Painting’s two-year warranty, which guarantees a high standard of quality and durability. A warranty ensures your contractor stands behind their work, giving you confidence in the final result.
10. Not Considering a Warranty
A warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. Without it, you might be left paying out of pocket to fix issues that arise soon after the job is completed. For example, peeling paint or fading within a year could leave you frustrated if there’s no warranty to fall back on.
Helpful Tip: Work with contractors who offer a warranty, like DeHaan Painting’s two-year warranty, which guarantees a high standard of quality and durability. A warranty ensures your contractor stands behind their work, giving you confidence in the final result.
Need Something Painted?
At DeHaan Painting, we’re here to help you avoid these common mistakes and guide you toward a smooth, successful painting experience. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your project not only looks fantastic but stands the test of time. Ready to get started? Contact us at DeHaan Painting today!
Helping Thousands of Families in Plaza Midwood, Noda, Chantilly, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Myers Park, South Park, Barclay Downs and Surrounding Areas.
DeHaan Painting
“Charlotte’s Premier Painter”
Dock, Deck, Fence Staining – Interior House Painting – Exterior House Painting – Kitchen Cabinet Painting – Limewash Applications – Commercial Painting – Christmas Light Installer
Phone: (980) 224-3191
Email: info@dehaanpaints.com
