How pricing works
What decides the price
Five things move a painting price more than the rest.
Rooms and square footage of wall and ceiling
Repairs and prep each surface needs
Number of coats, and how far the color changes
Ceiling height and how we reach it
How many doors, casings and built-ins
What the estimate includes, and what it doesn't
It lists every room, surface, color, sheen and coat, the prep and the cleanup. It leaves out repairs we can't see yet and any color you add later.
What happens at the visit
An estimator measures, checks the walls and writes down what you say about the rooms. A color consult is a separate hour; its fee is stated when you book.
When you get the number
In writing, a few days after the visit, before any work is booked. It's a total for the job as listed, not an hourly rate.
If the job changes
A new color, an extra room or a repair we find is priced on its own and agreed in writing before we do it.
Materials and who buys them
We buy the paint. The estimate names the colors and sheens, and you can ask for the product data sheets.
Comparing quotes
What a color estimate lists
Hold it next to any other quote. These are the lines to look for.
| Line | A vague estimate | A Foothill estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | A vague estimatePaint, one price | A Foothill estimateBetter: Each color by name, and the room it goes in |
| Sheen | A vague estimateNot stated | A Foothill estimateBetter: Named for walls, trim and ceilings |
| Prep | A vague estimateMinor prep included | A Foothill estimateBetter: Repairs listed room by room |
| Coats | A vague estimateNot stated | A Foothill estimateBetter: Stated for every surface |
| Trim and doors | A vague estimateTrim included, maybe | A Foothill estimateBetter: Doors, casings and shelves counted |
| Schedule | A vague estimateA start date | A Foothill estimateBetter: Days on site and a final walk-through |
| Payment | A vague estimateA deposit | A Foothill estimateBetter: A schedule, written out |
| Left out | A vague estimateSilent | A Foothill estimateBetter: Named, so nothing is a surprise |
Get the number in writing
Start with the consult, then the estimate.