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Make Sure To Get The Quote - Hiring
A Painter
When you are planning a large project, ask three painters
for written quotes. A quote is a fixed price that won't vary
unless you agree to pay for extra costs that were unforeseen
at the time of quoting. The quote should include:
-
The painter's contact
details
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Your contact details
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A clear description of
all the areas to be painted, including all surfaces and
any surface preparation to be undertaken.
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The products and colors
that will be used, including the brand name of the
paint.
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An estimation of how long
the job will take to complete.
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The cost and whether it
includes or excludes GST.
Once agreed to, the quote
should be signed and dated by both yourself and the painter.
Never select a painter on price alone - the cheapest
quote will seldom be the best value in the long run. If
there is a wide variation in the quotes you receive, ask
each painter to itemize the main expenses so that you can
compare how the money is being spent. This will also give
you an idea of the extra work that some painters are
preparing to do that you may not have thought about.
First impressions count!
Assess the initial service you get from each painter and
how efficient and effective it seems - this will be a guide
to the service you receive once you hire the painter. The
most important thing to remember when hiring contractors,
typically you will get what you pay for - negotiating a low
rate may be a false economy if the painter cuts corners to
get the job done quickly.
For a small job, an estimate of costs may be sufficient.
This is more elastic than a quote and usually more
attractive as the contractor doesn't have to budget for the
absolute worst case scenario. Ensure you make it clear to
the contractor that you must be consulted and agree in
writing before any extra costs are incurred. The final
charge should be within 10 - 15% of the original estimate.
With all quotes and estimates check that all extra charges,
such as travel allowances, and GST have been included.
If you get a job done and no price was agreed, the Consumer
Guarantees Act offers you some protection, stating that the
price charged must be 'reasonable' - i.e. the price must be
similar to that that would be charged by other competent
painters undertaking the same job. You are not obliged to
pay more than is 'reasonable'.
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Conclusion
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