Kelowna Painting Quotes Explained

What a written painting quote should contain

A good quote is a written scope of work, not just a number at the bottom of a page. It should name each room or each side of the house, the surfaces being painted, the prep that is included, the products going on and how many coats. If a quote is one line long, you cannot tell what you are buying.

Alto Pro Painters is licensed, insured and WCB-covered, and we give free written quotes for homes in Kelowna and across the Okanagan. Ask any painter you are considering for the same basics, because paperwork tells you a lot about how the job will be run.

Size, surfaces and the amount of prep

Square footage matters, but it is only the start. A small bathroom with a lot of trim and a tight vanity can take longer than a big, plain bedroom. Ceiling height, the number of windows and doors, and how much wall is broken up by built-ins all change the hours.

Prep is usually the biggest hidden driver. Nail pops, cracks, dented corners, old caulk and glossy surfaces all need attention before paint goes on. A house that has been lived in for years usually needs more than a newer one. Our painting cost factors guide goes through this in more detail.

Paint, primer and finish choices

Two quotes can both say two coats and still be very different. Paint comes in several quality levels, and the product line affects coverage, durability and how well it washes. A quote should name the brand and line, or at least the grade, so you are comparing like with like.

Primer is another line to look for. Bare drywall, patched areas, stains and big colour changes often need it. Sheen matters too, since a washable finish for a hallway is a different product from a flat ceiling paint. Our guide to choosing a paint finish helps you decide.

Access, height and the shape of the house

Access changes the work. A two-storey exterior with a steep lot, a deck in the way or tight side yards needs ladders, extension poles or lifts and more set-up time. Many Kelowna homes sit on hills with sloped yards, and that affects how we stage equipment safely.

Inside, tall stairwells, vaulted ceilings and rooms full of furniture slow things down. If you can clear a room before we arrive, tell us. If you cannot, we will move and cover items, and the quote should say who does what.

Strata rules, timing and the season

Condos and townhouses often come with strata rules. You may need written approval for colours, or limits on work hours and noise, and common areas may have booking rules for elevators. Tell the painter up front so it can go into the plan.

Timing matters outdoors. Hot dry summers and cold winters mean exterior paint has a working window, and good weeks book up. Interior work is less tied to weather. Asking about the schedule on the quote helps you know when the crew starts and how long the job should take.

How to compare two quotes line by line

Put the quotes side by side and check the same items on each. A short checklist keeps the comparison fair.

Are the same rooms, walls, ceilings, trim and doors included?
Is prep described, including patching, sanding and caulking?
Are the paint brand, line and number of coats named?
Does it say who supplies paint, and who moves furniture?
Are clean-up and protection of floors and landscaping covered?
Are the payment terms and start date clear?

Questions to ask before you say yes

If two quotes differ by a lot, find out why before choosing the lower one. Often one quote leaves out prep, uses one coat, or skips ceilings and trim. Ask each painter to explain any gap in plain words.

You can also read how our process runs on the how it works page, or browse the FAQ. When you are ready, we are happy to walk through your home and give you a free written quote.

Frequently asked questions

Why do two painting quotes for the same house look so different?

Usually the scopes differ. One may include patching, primer, trim and two coats while the other skips some of that. Compare what is listed on each page, not just the total at the bottom.

Should I get more than one quote?

Yes, two or three is reasonable. Make sure each painter is quoting the same rooms, prep and products, and check that they are licensed, insured and WCB-covered before you decide.

Do you charge for quotes?

No. Alto Pro Painters gives free written quotes. We look at the surfaces, ask about your timing and colours, then put the full scope in writing so you can compare it with others.

More painting guides

Have a question first? Read the FAQ, learn about Alto Pro Painters or contact us.

Further reading: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Primer on Wikipedia.