I recently had someone from a painting company visit my house to give an estimate.
He gave me three options:
(1) the cheapest paint, six year warranty, $3000
(2) a thicker paint, nine year warranty, $4000
(3) two coats of the paint from (1), fourteen year warranty, $5000
It is quite obvious that if I expected the paint to immediately begin peeling as soon as the warranty expires, (3) is the best deal.
However, I don't know enough about paint to have any idea how long these three different paint jobs are likely to last.
How can I compare these three options to make the best selection, assuming that I use this company?
Update: I just realized that I failed to specify that I'm speaking only about the exterior of the house.
Best Answer
I don't really know what cheapest paint vs. thicker paint means. I am assuming that the cheaper paint is still a good paint if this is a company using it - not just some guy with cheap paint. So I am making an assumption. I am also assuming that the three levels all involve the same Day 1 finished look of the house because really if you are paying them they should be doing a professional job on any of the choices.
So:
So yea I would go the cheapo route. Maybe get a little more information on the paint difference between 1-2 and look up the manufacturer info and reviews for those paints. If there is a difference I would say slap on paint #2 and keep the warranty at 6 years. You have to be honest with yourself. Would you expect anyone to come back and repaint your house anytime after 3-6 months?
I have used TONS of different painting crews. I verify while they are painting the exact type of paint. Most of the time I choose the paint and provide that for them - I think you should ask about this option. Often they might say well we only use this type of paint - and then be like great I will buy that then, as long as said paint is good. I then look over their work as they go along and then inspect paint. On last day I walk around with little bits of blue painters tape and mark any missed spots. They fix those spots and we are done. I don't call them back 3 months later if there is a scuff mark on a wall or if something is peeling. If a week later I notice that they missed something big maybe I call but that is kind of on me - I missed a closet one time (well they did too) and a couple guys came to paint it. That's it though. If some guys come paint your house they don't own your wall issues for the next 15 years.