FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
An average room can be painted for between $500 and $1000 depending on degree of preparation and amount of trim. However, pricing is determined by a multitude of factors: distance travelled, tolls, materials to be used, level of difficulty, amount of surface area, accessibility... My pricing is predicated a lot on previous projects with similar attributes. With many years of experience I have a pretty accurate picture of the degree of involvement and what my labor and overhead costs are. I base my bottom line on those costs including insurance and we negotiate from there.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I do my best when I'm contacted to understand exactly what the customer needs. In some cases a few pictures sent to my e-mail help me understand the scope of work involved. I then offer advice and a site visit to determine the conditions and the expectations of the customer. After a visit, I write a formal price proposal in Quickbooks. When it is accepted I ask for a small deposit, usually around ten or fifteen percent, to secure a spot on my schedule. I often encourage my new customers to contact several names on my referral list to assure them of my integrity and my intention to do the best job possible.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I regularly attend local chapter meetings of both Wallcovering Installers Association and the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. Both organizations have educational programs. I also go to Pro Shows sponsored by distributors and manufacturers of the products and tools that I use in my discipline. I just signed up for a prep to finish seminar for sprayed finishes at a local paint store.