Tips on How to Reduce Your Painting Costs

Major Tips

• For info on the Home Improvement Tax Credit: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html <<<Expired
• Have your painting completed by July 1,2010 before the HST takes effect in BC. The HST adds 8% to the bill. See http://www.gov.bc.ca/hst
• Compare prices by getting several quotations from painters from Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford.
• Become a painter and do some of the painting yourself. I can provide some training and equipment during the paint job.

To Reduce Interior Painting Costs

• Move furniture and delicates out of the way. Totally empty rooms are cheapest.
• Remove and put back electrical cover plates.
• Cover new rugs with rug protector plastic
• Remove and reinstall door knobs.
• Avoid drastic colour changes and/or many colours.
• Choose trim and wall colours with the least amount of contrast.
• Skip on painting closets.
• Clean up after painting. (Dry-fall paint and dust from patches.)
• Specify the quality level in all areas.
• Check to see if it's cheaper to replace than to paint it. (ex. French doors)
• Use General Paint, Cloverdale Paint or ICI paints instead of special paint from BM.
• Only have painting done in areas that people see the most.
• Perhaps skip on items that require precise brushing and masking. Ex. Stair spindles.
• Prep surfaces for painting such as vacuuming, cleaning, scraping, sanding, hole filling or wall paper removal.
• Wash wall paper glue off the walls.
• Paint during the off season. Painters in Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford may drop prices during December, January or February.
• Schedule your painting away from holidays, weekends, special events and hot weather.
• Hide the lamborghini and speed boat during quote time.
• Hire a close painter. Sometimes painters far from Surrey, Langley or Abbotsford may cost more.
• Try cleaning the surface in case it doesn't need painting.
• Ask painters for a requote at a later time.
• Before the quote say 'I can refer you to my many friends, relatives and aquaintances.'
• Get an estimate for 1/2 the job and then later on get an estimate for the rest for a chance at a repeat customer discount.
• Move to a place with a better paint job. However, that's not always an option.
• Use your left-over paint or mistints from a paint store or see my fabulous free paint below.

FREE spare paint when used. Ask to view before quote.  GP colours selected by clients.

To Reduce Exterior Painting Costs

• Prep surface such as cleaning, scraping, sanding and hole filling.
• Remove all vines off walls and cut back bushes.
• Remove any organic growths such as mold, algae or moss.
• Remove door weather seals.
• Remove wasp nests.
• If possible, move all obstacles at least 10ft from exterior walls.
• Repaint with nearly the same colour.
• Pick up doggie poop in the yard. It gets on my sprayer hose.
• If possible, remove Christmas lights and anchors.
• Remove and re-install door knobs and handles.
• Avoid requiring painting during hot weather.
• Check the painters address. Painters away from Surrey BC, Langley BC and Abbotsford may cost more.
• Use less expensive paints instead of high end BM products.
• Request painters to estimate again at a later time.
• Hide the ferrari and helicopter during quote time.
• Get an estimate for 1/2 the job and then later on get an estimate for the rest for a chance to get a repeat customer discount.
• Before the quote say 'I can refer you to my many friends, relatives and aquaintances.'

To Reduce New Construction Costs

• Have a final painting plan/blue print copy for me ready at quote time.
• Arrange sufficient lighting, ventilation and regulated temperature (~20C )
• Arrange a dedicated parking spot.
• Ensure there's water, hydro and a washroom nearby.
• If possible, make floor free of obstacles during painting.
• If possible, schedule interior painting during the Winter.
• Avoid setting tight deadlines.
• Provide on site scaffolding or lifts.
• Avoid scheduling painting after 6pm.
• Allow cross-matches to the nearest paint supplier. It's easiest for painters to find paint in Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford.
• Before the estimate, say 'I have many projects for you if the price is right.'