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Understanding Painting Quotes: Why They Vary So Much

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

When homeowners shop around for painters, one of the first surprises is how different the quotes can be. One company says $1,500. Another says $4,000. And somehow, both claim to offer “professional work.”


So what’s actually going on?


As a local Ontario painting company working in Guelph, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, Fergus, Puslinch, Rockwood, Acton, Brantford, Burlington, and Hamilton, EZ Paint puts transparency first. This guide breaks down how quotes really work — and how to compare them the right way.


What Painters Look At When Pricing Your Project


A. Size of the Space


This one’s obvious but often misunderstood. It’s not just the square footage — it’s:


  • Wall height

  • Number of rooms

  • Amount of trim

  • Whether ceilings are included

  • Number of doors and frames


Two homes with the same footprint can have very different paint needs.


B. Surface Condition (The Hidden Cost Factor)


If your walls need:


  • Patchwork

  • Hole filling

  • Sanding

  • Priming over dark or glossy paint

  • Smoke or stain blocking


…your price goes up because the crew has to spend more time preparing. Prep is over 50% of a quality paint job — and where cheaper quotes often cut corners.


C. Paint Quality


There is a huge difference between $30 paint and $90 premium paint. Premium paint:


  • Covers better

  • Requires fewer coats

  • Lasts longer

  • Washes easier


Cheaper painters often use cheaper paint to save money (and hide it in the quote). At EZ Paint, we always tell you exactly what paint is being used – no surprises.


D. Access + Complexity


High staircases, vaulted ceilings, tight corners, or homes with lots of trim add more labour. More labour = higher cost.


E. Timeline


If you need it done:


  • Before listing a home

  • Before moving in

  • Before an event

  • As a rush job


…crews may need to reorganize schedules or bring extra painters, affecting the quote.


Why Quotes Can Differ So Much


A. The Level of Prep Is Not the Same


One painter may spend 4 hours prepping your walls. Another may spend 30 minutes. Prep determines whether the paint job lasts 2 years or 10.


B. Labour Skill Levels Vary


Painters are not all the same. A highly trained, insured, safety-certified team will not cost the same as a two-person hobby crew.


C. Warranty & Guarantees


Established companies often stand behind their work. Cheap quotes usually come with:


  • No warranty

  • Cash payment only

  • No liability insurance

  • No WSIB


EZ Paint provides:


D. Materials & Paint Brand Differences


One team may use:


  • High-end Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams


Another may use:


  • Paint from the shelf of a hardware store with poor coverage


A cheaper quote may mean you need extra repaints sooner, costing more long-term.


E. Business Structure


Why is one quote extremely low? Because:


  • They may not be insured

  • They may not pay WSIB

  • They may not invest in quality supplies

  • They may be subcontracting at low rates


Good companies must factor real operating costs to protect both the homeowner and the crew.


What a Good Painting Quote Should Include


A proper, professional quote should clearly list:


✔ Scope of work (rooms, surfaces, prep, number of coats)

✔ Paint brand + specific product line

✔ Timeline

✔ Cleanup

✔ Payment terms

✔ Optional add-ons (trim, ceilings, accent walls, etc.)


If a quote is vague, it’s usually vague *on purpose*.


Red Flags to Watch Out For


🚩 The painter can start “tomorrow”

Skilled, reputable painters are in demand.


🚩 No written quote

This is the #1 cause of disputes.


🚩 They won’t specify paint brands

Because they don’t want you to know.


🚩 Large price differences with no explanations

Ask what prep they include — this reveals everything.


How to Compare Painting Quotes the Right Way


When you’re looking at multiple quotes:


Don’t compare the price. Compare the details.


Ask questions like:


  • “What prep is included?”

  • “What paint brand and product line are you using?”

  • “How many coats?”

  • “Is primer included if needed?”

  • “What’s your warranty?”


A $3,500 quote that includes prep, primer, premium paint, and a warranty is usually a better value than a $2,500 quote with shortcuts.


Why EZ Paint’s Quotes Are Different (and Trusted)


At EZ Paint, we build quotes based on:


  • Transparent pricing

  • Real prep work

  • Premium materials

  • Professional crews

  • A focus on long-lasting results


We don’t race to the bottom. We focus on doing it right the first time. Plus, we offer:


  • Flexible scheduling

  • Upfront contracts

  • Clear communication

  • Local, community-oriented service


If you’re selling your home, check out our Paint Now, Pay Later program (payment only after the home sells). If you’re a contractor, ask us about VIP Contractors. If you're part of a local non-profit, explore our Community Brush initiative.


Want a Fast, Accurate Quote for Your Home?


Getting a quote from us is simple:


  1. Fill out our form.

  2. Tell us what rooms you want painted.

  3. We measure your space and provide a detailed, honest quote — no pressure, no upsells.


You can start here: 👉 **Free, No Obligation Quote**

 
 
 

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