How we quote
How your home's price is built
We don't post figures on this site because every house is different. This is what decides the number and when you get it.
Size and height
How much wall and ceiling there is, and how high.
Condition of the walls
A smooth wall takes less work than one with loose paint.
Patching and repairs
How many holes and cracks there are, and how big.
Colors and coats
Going from a dark color to a light one takes more coats.
Furniture and access
A full room or a hard ladder takes more time.
Products and finish
The paint and finish you choose are written down.
The visit
What happens when Minerva visits
The visit takes about an hour. You don't have to decide that day.
Measures walls and ceilings
Looks at the paint and notes the repairs
Shows you color swatches
Tells you when the written quote arrives
In writing
A clear quote and a vague one
Ask that any quote, ours or another painter's, says this.
| Vague quote | Clear quote | |
|---|---|---|
| Areas | Vague quoteOne total for the whole house | Clear quoteBetter: Each room on its own line |
| Prep | Vague quoteDoesn't say what's included | Clear quoteBetter: Patching, sanding and primer listed |
| Paint | Vague quoteOnly says it will be painted | Clear quoteBetter: Product, finish and coats per room |
| Changes | Vague quoteCharged at the end | Clear quoteBetter: Agreed in writing before they're done |
| Payment | Vague quoteAsk for money without explaining | Clear quoteBetter: Deposit and final payment, in writing |
Frequently asked questions
What isn't in the quote?
Repairs found later, like rotten wood or moisture behind a wall, and colors added midway through the job. If something changes, we tell you in writing before we go on.
How do I pay?
The payment terms are in the written quote: the deposit, if there is one, and the payment at the final walk-through. We go over it on the visit, with no fine print.
What does the warranty cover?
It covers our painting work, such as paint that lifts because of poor prep. The terms, limits and exclusions are in your written warranty, which comes with the quote.
Who buys the paint, and what brand do you use?
We buy it, and we use good-quality paint. If you want the exact product, ask for the product data sheet and we send it before we start.
How many coats, and what finish?
Two coats on almost everything, with primer first where the wall has stains, repairs or a very different old color. The finish depends on the room: flat for ceilings, satin for walls and semi-gloss for doors and trim. It's written in the quote.