Honestly, I would have assumed that the side walls would be taped or otherwise protected, so that no touch-up there was required! And now my eyes would be popping out.

But yes, this was an astonishingly low bid, so there had to be a catch.

I'm in Wisconsin, if that helps give context.

At this point, I think I would negotiate with her to complete the job..most professional painters have a pretty steady hand and don't need to tape or will be using an edger which takes no time at all - a shame she didn't do that when she was already on the ladder. Then tack it up to a lesson learned when something is too cheap. I would also mention to the real estate agent, so that her reputation is not affected by recommending someone that doesn't complete the job properly and/or is not up front as to what the quote includes.

I'm in an entirely different country, but I think to pay someone to do anything should not include in the deal that they have freedom to mess up something else. If it were a slightly messy job, that would be one thing at a budget price, if that's what that is in the US. If it's splashing paint on walls that then have to be repainted, that is entirely something else. I agree, there is such a thing as masking tape.

Thanks for the input - it's really helpful!