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We have all had a project that we thought would take two days but soon found out it may really be two weeks.
How do we break the news to the customer?
Remember dropping your car off at the mechanics and soon find out by the dreaded phone call that what you thought was an oil change now was an engine overhaul?
Well painting sometimes is no different.
This is a story of a home we recently painted in North Andover, MA. From the initial visit and walk thru
with the homeowner a few areas were pointed out where paint flaking and chipping was evident.
We also noted three boards that would have to be replaced and we contacted the carpenter.
After the power washing process more flaking and chipping were evident and when the house was dry we started scraping and sanding. Which what we thought would be a couple of days of prep for this house had quickly changed.
On the fourth day with four members of a crew still sanding and prepping we obviously knew we were over budget but this house had to be prepped correctly prior to any finish coats of paint to be applied.
Now was time for the dreaded discussion with the homeowner. Additional work, time and material cost more money in anything in life that we do. We explained to the homeowner who was updated daily in the progress as well as with new technology we keep them in the loop with pictures and emails being sent daily.
A figure was discussed and a limit to what it would cost at this point as the prep was almost completed.
We find in most cases keeping communications open prior, during and after the project is essential to having no surprises along the way. In this case what we thought were three boards that needed replacing for the carpenter ended up him being on the job site for two days replacing wood trim as well as performing preventive maintenance for the future longevity of the project.
In a worse case scenario when rot or extreme prep was found (found after bushes were cut back after the estimate) The homeowner and Ramsden Painting decided to perform all the necessary work was to complete two sides of the house fully with the extensive wood replacement and wait till next year to finish the project when funding could be obtained.
If you are looking to work with a professional who cares of the outcome of your painting project we would be happy to meet with you. Please call us t 1-800-PAINTING or visit our website to book your own estimate.
