Is $1600 high for a painting quote?

[1gobluedem]

I just got a quote from someone to paint my living room, dining room, and hall. This is not a huge house; it's a duplex. I don't know about square footage but the living room can hold a sofa, two armchairs, a small occasional chair, entertainment center and two end tables. Dining room has a tall bookcase, short bookcase, a sideboard and a table that seats six. Rugs in both are 5 x 7 and pretty much fill the available floor space.

I want the walls painted one color and the trim and ceilings another. I've never hired painters before so I don't know if this is high or not.

I live in Ann Arbor, MI, if that helps.

[SPKrazy]

1. sounds a little high

but you'd have to check with someone in your market and get another quote to know.

:shrug:

[1gobluedem]

2. I plan to, thanks

I must be out of it; I had assumed it would be around $700....:yoiks:

[Omphaloskepsis]

3. Painting is an art.. Like taping drywall.

I could do it for $800 and it would look like shit.

I would call around and get a bunch of quotes. See if anyone will show you samples of previous work.

Call the BBB.

BBB of Detroit & Eastern Michigan
Website: http://www.easternmichiganbbb.org
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
30555 Southfield Road, Ste. 200
Southfield MI 48076-7751

Construction is tricky... It pays to do your homework. I have seen so many people get burned by going with the cheapest bid.

[Lex]

4. Get three quotes and you'll know

what seems about right, price-wise.

[1gobluedem]

5. I do plan to get a couple more quotes

I guess I just don't even know where to start. I've never hired painters before.

[Lex]

8. I asked a neighbor for some names of painters

because she had some painting done previously and had gotten some quotes.

:shrug:

[pitohui]

6. no idea because interior painting is easy

i do my own interior painting, honestly, in my experience, you will do a better job than contractors because you actually use the special tape to block off the trim etcetera and they don't bother, they figure they got a steady hand and can do it by eye

but this is louisiana not a wealthy area like ann arbor so maybe even contractors spend the time to do the job right up there :shrug:

[1gobluedem]

7. Not for me unfortunately...

I have a balance disorder (I only have one inner ear) and I can't climb ladders. I tried painting the teeny-tiny bathroom in my old place and it looked awful.

My SO offered to do it but he'll take months and I can't stand to live in a mess. So, I need to hire someone.