Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It included paint and he also had to go get it all himself too, plus supplies.

The paint alone probably cost $200. Good paint is expensive these days.

Construction materials costs including paint are down since 2022. They are one of the few sectors that has actually seen a bit of deflation.

Anonymous wrote:It included paint and he also had to go get it all himself too, plus supplies.

The paint alone probably cost $200. Good paint is expensive these days.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's his fee excluding materials. That works out to $167 an hour. I'm mad I agreed to the estimate, I assumed the work would be more time consuming. It involved painting some exterior walls (not tall) and one bedroom. I assumed he'd be sanding and repairing holes but we didn't discuss that in advance so I guess that's my fault. I don't mind paying fair wages, but I just hate this feeling of being taken advantage of.

So, would you rather be quoted an hourly rate?

In that case, are you going to post that it's taking too long and they've dragged out the job to pad the bill?

I'm sorry but all those saying that $2000 is fair wage for two days of very simple painting work are delusional.

Anonymous wrote:That's his fee excluding materials. That works out to $167 an hour. I'm mad I agreed to the estimate, I assumed the work would be more time consuming. It involved painting some exterior walls (not tall) and one bedroom. I assumed he'd be sanding and repairing holes but we didn't discuss that in advance so I guess that's my fault. I don't mind paying fair wages, but I just hate this feeling of being taken advantage of.

So, would you rather be quoted an hourly rate?

In that case, are you going to post that it's taking too long and they've dragged out the job to pad the bill?

There are several day laborer centers in the area where you can go in, fill out the paperwork, and they match you with people who have those skills.

We’ve had great experiences with painters and landscaping. The guys work hard and are happy for the opportunity to work. We generally pay $15-$20 per hr and tip on top of that. Good luck.

It sounds normal to me, which is why I paint walls myself! Honestly any sort of labor like this is expensive to outsource.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Professional painters also want to sell you the paint, too.

Are they certified, licensed, and insured?

Never hire a contractor that isn’t all of the above.

Certified licensed and insured? Certified in what? Making shit up on the internet?

*never* hire a painter who isn’t certified, licensed, insured? Wtf? I would imagine the number of times people check the insurance status of any painter can be counted on one hand - let alone whatever certification you value.

Are you serious? These things are really important.

There is absolutely no way I am having people up on tall ladders on my property if they are not insured in my jurisdiction. This is really important in an area like DC because we have several jurisdictions. Certifications that might apply (if your house is older) are lead-safe or other hazardous material remediation. I wanted a popcorn ceiling gone and was shocked how many painters wanted to sand it. You might not know why that is appalling, which is fine, but knowledgeable painters with certifications in hazardous materials do. So I picked one.

We always ask for copies of certificates for painters and contractors. Reputable qualified people do not bat an eye and often send them proactively or have them on their website.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do my own painting.

It is easy, except if ypu have very tall ceilings.

I only hired a painter because it would have been physically challenging to paint the walls on my stairwell and living room with ery tall ceilings.

I was paying for the equipment the painter used.

Nope. I only pay for the skill of the person doing the work. Unless I’m buying a major piece of equipment like a water heater or HVAC.

I meant when you pay a painter, you are also factoring in not just labor, but they equipment like scaffolding and ladders, they must pay for. I wasn't actually paying for the equipment.

Anonymous wrote:I do my own painting.

It is easy, except if ypu have very tall ceilings.

I only hired a painter because it would have been physically challenging to paint the walls on my stairwell and living room with ery tall ceilings.

I was paying for the equipment the painter used.

Nope. I only pay for the skill of the person doing the work. Unless I’m buying a major piece of equipment like a water heater or HVAC.

Most of the certifications are for the painter’s safety and protection.

This painter sounds like a scam. The kind that disappear halfway through a project when their ignorance and lack of experience catch up with them.

I do my own painting.

It is easy, except if ypu have very tall ceilings.

I only hired a painter because it would have been physically challenging to paint the walls on my stairwell and living room with ery tall ceilings.

I was paying for the equipment the painter used.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Professional painters also want to sell you the paint, too.

Are they certified, licensed, and insured?

Never hire a contractor that isn’t all of the above.

Certified licensed and insured? Certified in what? Making shit up on the internet?

*never* hire a painter who isn’t certified, licensed, insured? Wtf? I would imagine the number of times people check the insurance status of any painter can be counted on one hand - let alone whatever certification you value.

All professional contractors should be bonded and insured. Professional painters can get certified in various skills to demonstrate to clients that they know what they are doing.

Did you just pick up some stuff at Lowe’s after high school graduation and start charging whatever you want? You’ll get away with this with inexperienced clients but people will complain.

If you really want to earn a living as a painter, it’s going to take more effort than you are putting in here. Most small businesses fail because of predictable problems.

Anonymous wrote:a professional painter should ALWAYS prep/sand the wall. That's ridiculous

This is true.

The prepping/sanding/priming is the most difficult part to of the job.

Who is passing themselves off as painters without doing this? You’ll save us all a lot of trouble if you share.

Anonymous wrote:It included paint and he also had to go get it all himself too, plus supplies.

Paint is very expensive, good stuff could be $100 per gallon or more. Plus.the painter is running a business, paying taxes, insurance, travel time, gas, etc. And dont forget they also are working to make some profit they can save just like the rest of us.

The price has gone up for painting. And for all labor inside the home by skilled workers. Truly, it has. Be glad he was fast. He got out of your hair faster. As long as he did good work, and you can afford it, just be happy and move on with your day. You probably make more than he does.

If you don't like his prices, don't hire him again.

But you can have two of these three:
Good work
Fast work
Cheap work.

You can't have all three. Pick which two you'd prefer.