Why Are Kitchen Cabinet Painting Quotes So Different Between Kalamazoo Contractors?
Savvy homeowners know that several quotes on a big project will reveal the best deal for their budget. However, your Kalamazoo MI kitchen cabinet painting quotes end up with wildly different values.
In reality, differing quotes are commonplace in the industry. Cheap paint and inexperienced contractors add up to a low price, but it reflects on the project’s final quality.
At Moon Custom Painting, our team of dedicated home painters will provide you with a detailed estimate including high-quality paint and accurate labor costs. In addition, we also discuss design, color matching and so much more.
Break down why your cabinet painting quotes are so different right now. Ultimately, an experienced contractor’s estimate includes a lot of details.
1. Supply Factors
Particular paint types, such as semi-gloss enamel, may be in short supply. Residential painters must choose the right paint for the application, so limited supply can translate into a high-price quote. Although you can suggest another paint type, most reputable cabinet painters want to use the perfect mixture for that durable and sleek appearance.
Next, take a close look at your quote. Ideally, it should lay out both the supplies and labor needed for the job. If the contractor only listed labor, your overall quote will be incredibly low. In these cases, the cabinet painting company expects you to supply the paint.
In reality, you’ll pay more for this quote because you’re working with retail prices for the paint. As an alternative, ask for a new estimate with paint purchased by the residential painters. Their cost will always be lower than retail because of their industry contacts.
Lastly, supply costs always differ because of the paint brand. For example, some companies use cheap or generic paint. As a result, their quotes will be low. Companies selecting high-end brands, such as Benjamin Moore, will have higher costs yet yield better results.
2. Unskilled Contractors
As you meet with cabinet painters in Kalamazoo MI, they should offer a written or emailed estimate on your project. If these cabinet painting companies are highly skilled, they’ll list every detail about the job, including:
• Number of paint gallons
• Paint description
• Labor hours
• Additional supplies
In contrast, unskilled contractors may write an estimate with just a total at the bottom of the page. Indeed, they may not be able to explain their prices when you ask about the quote in person. In these situations, use your gut instinct. The lack of detail should be a red flag, so select alternative cabinet painters.
Additionally, be wary of hiring any cabinet painting company that asks for a large deposit or doesn’t include a warranty. Naturally, a small deposit is necessary to start the job, but paying 50% or more upfront is suspect. Furthermore, high-quality cabinet painters will always stand by their work with a warranty. For example, some contractors offer up to two or three years of warranty protection on your paint job. A separate page complete with warranty details usually accompanies the quote.
In the end, you can protect your investment by researching various companies before hiring them. Reputable painters will have stellar online reviews and many referrals, for instance. Steer clear of any companies with a pattern of unhappy customers.
3. Labor Charges
For skilled cabinet painters, the amount of man-hours to complete a job may be shorter than an unskilled company. Compare the man-hours estimated on each quote for the best comparison. For example, one company quotes 95 man-hours, whereas another team estimates 120 man-hours.
Regardless of the number of cabinet painters sent to your Kalamazoo MI property, the labor cost should remain the same. Most companies send more than one person for a cabinet painting job so that they can complete the work promptly.
Naturally, some labor cannot be rushed, such as allowing the paint to dry between coats. In response, cabinet painters can perform other tasks so that they can finish in several days compared to an entire week.
Unfortunately, some painters don’t list the number of hours on their estimates. For clarity, ask the cabinet painting company about the labor details. Trustworthy companies can provide enough details to set your mind at rest.
In the end, many factors influence your final quote. Ideally, visit our offices for a casual discussion about your upcoming project and a look at our example cabinets.
Contact Moon Custom Painting today for your free estimate and color consultation. With your cabinet painting project mapped out with our staff, we can schedule your kitchen for its future transformation.