Introduction
Here's what I see almost every week: Water damage has destroyed a homeowner's beautiful kitchen. For instance, I often witness massive sheets of exterior paint peeling off after a mere three years. Alternatively, a room may appear worse after the painter leaves than it did before.
And almost always—always—it started with this: "I got three quotes. This guy was half the price of the other two, so I went with him."
I've been in business for years now, but I spent 30 years in corporate strategy before I picked up a brush. And in that time, I learned something critical about value that the painting industry doesn't want you to understand.
The biggest lie in the painting industry is this: "You can compare painting quotes like you compare car insurance." Just pick the lowest price."
That lie costs homeowners thousands of dollars every single year.
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| This guy was half the price of the other two, so I went with him.'" |
Why This Lie Exists (And Why It's So Dangerous)
Let me be direct: the painting industry has trained you to think this way.
When a contractor gives you a $2,000 quote and another gives you $4,500 for the "same job," your brain does what neurons do—it looks for the savings. Why pay double?
Here's the problem: You're not actually comparing the same job.
You're comparing what two different contractors believe your job is worth and what quality they're willing to deliver. And a $2,000 quote that turns into a $6,000 disaster is exponentially more expensive than the $4,500 quote that delivers exactly what you needed.
What You're Actually Buying (And What You Don't Know)
When you get a painting quote, you're not just paying for the paint and labour. You're paying for:
You are also paying for the contractor's specific problem-solving experience. That water-damaged wall? An experienced painter knows exactly why it failed, what caused it, and how to fix it so it doesn't happen again. A cheaper painter sees a wall that needs paint and treats it like any other job. You'll repaint it in three years.
The work that goes into preparation is often overlooked. This is where 80% of the quality difference lives. Surface prep—sanding, patching, priming, protecting—determines whether your paint lasts 3 years or 10. A cheap quote means skipped steps. A proper quote means the contractor has already calculated the time (and cost) to do it right.
The quality of materials. Not all paint is created equal. Premium paint has better binders, pigments, and additives that make it last longer and resist fading and moisture. Contractor-grade paint costs 2–3 times as much as big-box paint. If someone's undercutting on price, they're buying the cheap stuff.
The accountability and warranty. If an issue arises with a low-cost job, whom should you contact? That contractor may not even be in business next year. A professional contractor stands behind their work with warranties and has insurance to back it up. That's not free—it's built into the quote.
The systems and standards. I spent years in corporate strategy learning this: Systems scale quality. A professional contractor does not rely solely on intuition. They have processes for everything—from the initial assessment to the job site setup to the cleanup. Those systems cost money to build and maintain. But they're what turn a one-off job into a consistently excellent result.
The Math Nobody Shows You
Let's look at this realistically.
You get three quotes for painting your exterior:
Contractor A: $2,500
Contractor B: $3,800
Contractor C: $5,200
You pick Contractor A to save $2,700 (or $3,200 if you compare it to C).
Here's what happens in years 2-4:
The paint starts peeling in high-moisture areas.
You realize the prep work was inadequate.
Contractor A is either out of business, won't return calls, or blames you for "poor maintenance."
You hire Contractor B to redo it properly: $4,200 (because now there's damage underneath).
Total cost: $2,500 + $4,200 = $6,700
You just paid 28% more than if you'd hired Contractor B the first time.
And that's if it only needs one redo. Some situations need two.
How To Spot The Lie (And Protect Yourself)
If you get a quote that's significantly lower than the others, ask these questions:
1. "Walk me through your prep process for this job." The answer should be detailed and specific. If they're vague, they're skipping steps.
2. "What brand and grade of paint are you specifying?" Premium paint costs more. Budget paint fails faster. Inquire about the reasons behind their choices.
3. "What's your warranty, and what does it cover?" A contractor confident in their work will warranty it. A cheap contractor won't—because they know the risk.
4. "Can you give me three references from similar jobs you've done in the last two years?" Then actually call them. Ask about longevity. Did the paint hold up? Would they hire this contractor again?
5. "What happens if something goes wrong after the job is done?" This reveals whether they're building a relationship or just chasing the next job.
The Real Question You Should Be Asking
Consider asking, "What is the most cost-effective way to complete this job?"
Start asking, "What's the best value I can get for this investment?"
Value isn't price. Value is what you get for what you pay.
A $5,000 paint job that lasts 10 years costs you $500/year. A $2,500 paint job that lasts 3 years costs you $833/year.
The expensive job was actually cheaper.
What I've Learned (And What This Means For You)
Here's what 30 years of strategy taught me: If you solely focus on price, you're engaging in a downward spiral. And the bottom is where undesirable work lives.
When you shop on value—durability, quality, accountability, systems—you're investing in peace of mind. You're investing in a result that lasts. You're investing in a contractor who will be around if something goes wrong.
Yes, it costs more upfront.
But it costs less overall.
And your home—the biggest investment most people make—deserves better than the cheapest option.
The Bottom Line
The painting industry's biggest lie isn't something a contractor tells you. It's something the entire industry has conditioned you to believe: that painting is a commodity. It is a common misconception that all painters are created equal. The only variable that matters is price.
It's not true.
The difference between a $2,500 paint job and a $4,500 paint job isn't greed. It's the distinction between taking shortcuts and ensuring quality work.
It is important to determine which contractor you are actually hiring.
Ready to Get It Right the First Time?
If you're in Georgina or the surrounding areas, I'd be delighted to walk through your specific situation and explain exactly what's involved—and why.
No pressure. No tricks. We provide an honest assessment and transparent pricing.
The most expensive paint job is the one you'll need to redo in three years.
Questions? Let me know in the comments. If this topic struck a chord with you—if you've previously suffered from a cheap job—please share your experience. Others need to know they're not alone in this.
Regards,
Joseph Botelho
Build A Business,
Not Just A Job
I spent 30 years in corporate strategy before picking up a brush.
Now, I'm documenting the systems that scale a Trade Business.
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