<p>I think I mentioned I got an estimate from a painter we’ve used a lot, to paint three bathrooms – $2,000. DH got a second estimate, just to be sure – goodness, it came in at $1,140! The exact tasks they’re going to do appear to be the same. I’ve sent out an all points bulletin to my neighborhood to see if anyone has ever used the second painter, since DH picked them out of the yellow pages. </p>
<p>Since this is only for cosmetic reasons, to make the house look good for selling, how important is a good reference anyway?? I don’t care about the longevity of this paint job.</p>
<p>I think the concern is that he does a neat job. Sloppy work (paint where it shouldn’t be, poor coverage) might make buyers wonder if other work in the house is of marginal quality. I’d try to get at least one reference.</p>
<p>I agree and would add having used many painters over the years, more expensive doesn’t mean a better paint job. The price of paint jobs tends to vary tremendously. Sometimes it seems like they pull the prices off the top of their heads. I would try to get a reference. If not, make sure you sure you inspect their work as they go along and make it clear you expect a neat job. How big are the bathrooms? $2,000 seems like a lot. Are they doing the trim work also?</p>
<p>Yes, they are doing all of the trim work, the ceilings, washing with bleach first to eliminate the mildew. In one of the bathrooms, they’re painting a louvre door, which is time-consuming, plus the front of a double-sink vanity, plus window trim. I’ve used the $2,000 guy and trust him completely. I have never heard of the $1,140 guy.</p>
<p>Is this going to all be brushwork? Some things, like the vanity doors, might have a better result if they were removed and sprayed. You might also ask what brand of paint the cheaper guy is using; that could cause some difference in the price. (It could also alert him to the fact that you are paying attention to details.)</p>
<p>Heck, I could do three bathrooms (normal sized ones) in 2 days, 3 days tops, and I’m slow.</p>
<p>A pro should be able to do it in 2 days at most, figuring $200 for paint (and that’s a lot of paint), puts the $2000 guy’s labor rate at well over $100/hour.</p>
<p>That seems ridiculously high. It’s just painting.</p>
<p>Call the $2000 guy, tell him you got another estimate for $1200, and ask him to justify the difference. Maybe he’ll just agree to do it for $1200.</p>
<p>Granite. I have a granite counter in my kitchen that I have been using–heavily–for 15 years. (And it predates us by probably another 10 years.) I have never sealed it. I make blueberry jam, cook dried black beans, use turmeric, spill wine, cut on it, I used to table chocolate on it, roll pie crusts, put blisteringly how pans right down on it…all of the counter abuse you can imagine, and it shows none of it. Oh, and I have been known to clean it witha brillo pad. :)</p>
<p>I believe that stainless steel and soapstone will also take a lot of abuse, although both scratch more easily than granite.</p>
<p>I looked it up, last time I used a painter, I had an apartment painted. I supplied the paint, and the cost for the painter wound up being around $200/room, and that included 10 windows.</p>
<p>Even at that price, which worked out to $25-30/hour, I would normally do the painting myself, but I was pressed for time.</p>
<p>Be aware that while dark granites may not need sealing, most lighter granites (with a rare exception) will require at least annual sealing. Some are very porous (like the one I have) and need to be done more often. Not a big deal but a bit of a pain.</p>
<p>Looked at the less expensive bid again. It did not mention the three baseboard heaters, which are rusted, need scraping, and then painting. Will ask DH if that was discussed. The baseboard heaters must be painted; if not, the bathrooms will still look horrible.</p>
<p>I just put in another long day scraping wallpaper. Sigh. Now we have really messed up wallboard in one room, just like countingdown. But I was so pleased to see the improvement in the one room that our handyman already painted, and my brother installed the new front door I designed ages ago to go with our midcentury modern house. Now my husband wants to move back to the old house and resell the one we just bought - not because the old one looks so good, but because he thinks I’ll be unhappy and constantly trying to improve the small new house. Another sigh… I guess I shouldn’t have mentioned the cool range I want to buy. :)</p>
<p>Re: counters – the builders of the Cambridge condo we’re buying are using “engineered” quartz called Cambria. (There are other brands, as well.) Here’s what the website says about it:</p>
<ul>
<li>Strength & Durability- Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces are stronger than granite. Cambria is a surface that is truly everlasting.
<ul>
<li>Maintenance Free - No sealing, polishing or reconditioning is needed. Simply wash with warm water. It’s that simple. Plus, unlike granite, Cambria will resist stains from common food items such as wine, coffee and tea.</li>
<li>Food Safe - Unlike granite, Cambria has been certified by NSF International as safe for use as a food preparation surface. Cambria is nonporous; therefore, food and moisture cannot penetrate the surface the main source of growth for harmful bacteria.</li>
<li>All Natural - Cambria is created from pure natural quartz, an extremely hard stone. In fact, quartz is the hardest non-precious stone that can be found in the earth’s surface.</li>
<li>Everlasting Value - With its beauty and performance advantages over granite, a Cambria kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity will add value to your home.</li>
<li>Guaranteed - As the only producer of quartz surfaces in the United States, Cambria is covered by a Lifetime Limited Warranty.</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>Since we got in early on, they let us pick which pattern we wanted. We chose this one, with cherry cabinets:
[Cambria</a> - Collection - New Colors - Canterbury - Superior Stone Surfaces](<a href=“Home - Cambria® Quartz Surfaces”>Home - Cambria® Quartz Surfaces)</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the realtor for our house here in CT called last night saying she wanted to do a showing at 11:00 this (Sunday) morning! It’s an out of town buyer, which is the best kind. Our house isn’t a mess, by any means, but you can imagine how H & I spent last night – running around like crazy people. The bed in the guest room didn’t have the box spring & mattress since we let D take them for her grad school apartment. We improvised a “mattress” so I could put on the quilt & pillows.</p>
<p>That Cambria sounds great. I also hope the showing goes well.</p>
<p>I am writing down lots of the info you are all giving out. I really wanted to get started on some things this summer, but now it looks like everything will have to wait. Son is getting married in Spain at the end of July, and really wants me to be there to help him as soon as possible. Seems I will be there from early June to early August. </p>
<p>Let me say, that I don’t get off cheaply as the MOG under Spanish customs!</p>
<p>My realtor has always been the same way and she’s the #1 realtor in our area. She said that you tend to get a lot of nosy neighbors and people who aren’t all that serious about buying a house, they’re ‘just looking.’ She said that serious buyers already have a realtor and prefer showings. Though, when we were selling our first home we did it For Sale by Owner and held an open house. Someone came through and saw the house and bought it. Though this buyer did have a realtor and we had to pay her a commission. So I guess that proves the point that serious buyers always have a realtor.</p>