Think a 2-Hour Painting Estimate Sounds Excessive? Here’s Why It’s Not.

We understand the hesitation — if you’ve never had a bad experience with a contractor, the idea of spending up to two hours on a painting consultation might sound unnecessary.

You’re probably thinking: “Can’t you just walk through quickly and email me a quote later?” That’s the standard approach in the industry. But here’s the problem:

Most painting companies only spend 15 to 30 minutes meeting with you. The estimator walks through, takes a few notes, and sends a quote later — often without confirming any of the important details with you.

And that’s exactly how so many painting projects go sideways.

The Trouble with the Fast Estimate

That quick, surface-level visit might feel efficient — until you quickly realize that you’re left with so many questions.

  • “Wait, was that included?”
  • “What prep work are they doing?”
  • “Are they fixing that damaged trim?”
  • “Why is this extra now?”

Sometimes that 15-minute approach works. Sometimes it doesn’t — and you’re stuck with assumptions that turn into costly surprises.

We hear these stories constantly, and almost every one of them starts the same way, with a 15-minute walk-through and a vague, emailed quote.

Here’s How We Do It Differently – Our Process

Our consultation process isn’t about filling two hours. It’s about getting things right up front — so there’s no confusion, no misalignment, and no stress down the road. This is why we allow up to two hours for your meeting with all decision-makers present. 

1. Walkthrough: Room by Room or Exterior Perimeter

We walk the entire project with you, looking at every surface, listening to your goals, and pointing out any areas that may need extra attention.

2. Talk Through Your Goals & Options

We ask the right questions and help you explore options — offering pros and cons without overwhelming you. We tailor the plan around your vision and what will make you happy.

3. Record a Scope of Work Video

Once we agree on the plan, we record a Scope of Work video. This video is linked in your contract and reviewed by our team. This isn’t just a fancy add-on; it’s a vital part of the process that ensures nothing is missed or misunderstood.

4. Measure & Generate a Fixed Price

We measure everything we’ll paint and enter it into our estimating software. That gives you a locked-in, no-surprises price — based on real data, not guesswork.

5. Review the Proposal with You, Onsite

We build your proposal while we’re with you and walk through every detail together. This prevents you from making endless follow-up calls and back-and-forth emails trying to clarify what was included.

6. Next Steps — Yes or No

If everything feels right, we sign and schedule your project. If it’s not the right fit, we genuinely appreciate a clear no. We’re not into pressure or chasing — just clear answers and mutual respect.

Why it Matters (Even If You Haven’t Been Burned Yet)

If you’ve never had a project go wrong, that’s great! You’re one of the few lucky ones. The fastest way to end up in a bad situation with a contractor is by skipping the planning and assuming everyone’s on the same page.

Clear communication, proper documentation, and detailed planning aren’t “extra” — they’re how you protect your time, money, and peace of mind.

The reason we have a two-hour window of time is to honor and respect your time. Think of all the wasted hours you’ve spent chasing down contractors, renegotiating estimates, discussing change orders, and all the other unpleasant tasks that other projects required. Imagine if you had skipped all of that nonsense and figured everything out right from the beginning. That’s why our process leads to better results. 

We take the time to walk your project thoroughly, ask the right questions, record a Scope of Work video, and review everything, all during that two-hour meeting. Hopefully you understand by now that it’s not overkill; this meeting is actually saving you time in the long run.

Planning Isn’t Extra. It’s Essential.

We don’t take your time lightly. We’re not here to drag things out or deliver a sales pitch. We’re here to listen, plan, and give you a proposal that holds up — from day one to the final walkthrough.

If you want a painting experience that’s professional, predictable, and drama-free — this is where it starts.

Ready to experience what a real plan — not just a quote — looks like?

Let's get it right the first time. Schedule your consultation today and experience firsthand what a real plan looks like.
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Brian Kemnitz

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