Another dilemma

20 years ago

I am a first time homeowner with a fixed income and would like to get my money's worth. Here is my dilemma...

Need advice on painting contractors. I have gotten 3 bidsÂall are licensed and bonded, 2 color paint job.

The lowest one quoted me for both paint and labor but canÂt provide me with references, will be using Kelly Moore paint, says no upfront payment is required to do job and has 25 years of experience.

The mid range one, quoted me with labor cost and I will supply the paint. Says he has discount with ICI paints. Comes with reference, half of payment is required upfront, being doing job for over 10 years.

The highest one, quoted me for both labor and paint (Kelly Moore), comes with references and pictures of houses done. Has 10+ years experience.

Which one should I go with? Price difference between lowest and highest bid is about $300. Thanks guys!

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Comments (6)

normel
20 years ago
My questions:
Why can't the lowest one provide any references?
If the middle one is having you supply the paint, why would he need money up front?
Go with the highest.
hazy237
Original Author
20 years ago
That was one of my questions too to him, gave some excuse. Didn't buy it, asked if I could see any pictures... said he wasn't that organized. Only thing going for him right now is the price.

The middle one, I guess he just needs insurance of getting paid.

Thank you for your input!
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ventupete
20 years ago
I agree that the lowest bidder is out - May be a legitimate reason for no references but the danger is not worth the risk. You don't say how close the middle bidder and high bidder are, but it's clearly less than $300. It's worth it to take the highest bid, especially since you won't have to deal with buying the paint and getting it to your house. Also, if you buy the paint you may get stuck with some extra cans and if there is a shortage, or the color lots aren't the same, etc. it will be your problem as opposed to his!
Michael
20 years ago
When the middle bid says, "you supply paint" means you pay for it, not actually go get it. :)

Half down is not much to expect from a serious buyer. After all, if you trust him enough to hire him, why not give him a down payment?

My very last career paint job was worth $ 4,700. The owner paid me in full and left for two weeks vacation.

Michael
azzalea
20 years ago
Have you checked with the BBB and maybe your town construction official to see what kind of complaints, if any, have been made against these contractors? Have you asked about their insurance? Having or not having it could make a difference in their price.

I'd be inclined--based on just the info here--to go with the highest bid, since he does seem the most professional of the 3.

Do you have any friends who have used any of these fellows, and can give you some input? I'd think that would be one of the best recommendations you could get--a friend who was satisfied with the price and job.
sdello
20 years ago
Iagree with normel, the lowest guy has 25 years experience but can'tprovide a reference. He doesn't want the job.

$300 difference to pint a house doesn't sound like a lot. What is the total number?

Take the high guy. If you buy the paint for themiddle guy the cost will probably be more than the the high bid