Not All Bids Are Created Equal: How to Spot a Quality Contractor

Not All Bids Are Created Equal: What to Know Before Choosing a Painting Contractor

When you're gathering quotes for a painting project—whether it's for your home, commercial building, or industrial site—it's natural to focus on the bottom line. But when it comes to painting estimates, the lowest bid isn't always the best deal.

At Element Coatings, we’re not here to put down other painters—we know there are many talented contractors out there. But in May 2025 alone, we were called in to rescue four projects where another painter either walked off the job, delivered poor-quality work, or left customers hanging without clear communication. It’s frustrating for clients and contractors alike, and we want to help more people avoid that situation—whether they hire us or not.

What Does a Painting Estimate Really Tell You?

A painting estimate should include more than just a price. When comparing bids, it’s important to look at:

• Surface preparation (Are they pressure washing, scraping, sanding, masking?)

• Number of coats

• Product types and brands

• Warranty or guarantees

• Timeline

• Insurance and licensing

• Who’s actually doing the work—employees or subcontractors?

If you get an estimate that’s dramatically lower than the others, it might mean:

• They’re skipping essential prep work (which can lead to peeling, chipping, or rust)

• They’re using cheap or unlisted products

• They may not be licensed, insured, or accountable

• The timeline is unclear or unrealistic

But a Low Bid Isn’t Always a Red Flag

In some cases, a low estimate could come from a highly efficient contractor who:

• Knows exactly how to tackle the project

• Has low overhead

• Uses trusted systems and quality materials at scale

• Isn’t trying to upsell or pad the bill

Some painting companies (ours included) offer competitive pricing when schedules allow or for simple, straightforward projects. The key is making sure you understand what you're getting—and what you're not.

Why We've Had to Fix Other Contractors’ Work

In May 2025, Element Coatings stepped in on four separate projects across Salt Lake County:

• One residential repaint where wrong fillers were used and patches weren’t sanded properly as well as cleaning up previously painters overspray throughout project.

• A commercial office where job was started then painter wasn’t communicative got their deposit and disapeered.

• An exterior lime wash project where they used the wrong product and didn’t listen to customers needs we had to strip and redo the white washing project.

• A new construction interior painting project where the previous painter wasn’t doing proper prep work and had left partially filled holes and under sanded areas while painting over them. We were called to start the project over.

Each of these cases meant the property owner had to pay twice—once for the bad work, and again to fix it. We understand how frustrating and expensive that can be, and we want to help people avoid that experience.

How to Compare Painting Quotes Wisely

Whether you're comparing bids for house painting, commercial interiors, or industrial coatings, here are a few tips:

• Ask for itemized quotes that show materials, labor, prep, and number of coats

• Confirm product types (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Bondplex vs. standard acrylic)

• Check for licensing and insurance

• Read reviews and ask for references

• Request a clear timeline and warranty in writing

Bottom Line: Choose the Contractor, Not Just the Cost

We want customers to feel confident in who they hire—not just what they pay. Whether you go with us or someone else, make sure you’re comparing more than just numbers. Ask questions. Get clarity. Protect your investment.

And if you ever find yourself in a tough spot with a painting project gone wrong, we’re here to help.

6 Things Overlooked When Planning an Exterior Paint Job in Utah

A fresh coat of paint can transform your home’s curb appeal—but if it’s not done right, it can start peeling, bubbling, or fading faster than you think. At Element Coatings, we’ve worked on everything from historic homes in Salt Lake City to modern stucco and Hardie board exteriors across the Wasatch Front. We also handle decks, fences, and other exterior features that need special attention—whether they call for paint, solid stain, or a penetrating sealer.

And we’ve seen firsthand how often homeowners are led astray by cheap bids, skipped steps, and the wrong products for the job.

Here are 6 things people often overlook when planning an exterior paint job in Utah—and how we make sure you don’t.

1. Using the Same Paint on Every Surface

Your home isn’t made of one material—and it shouldn’t be painted like it is. Stucco, Hardie board, wood siding, and metal gutters or trim all require specific primers, paints, or solid stains to ensure adhesion and durability.

Some painters cut corners by using the same paint everywhere to save on time and materials. But that can lead to early failure—especially on gutters, fascia, or soffits where bonding issues are common.

At Element Coatings, we customize your system based on what your home is made of—so it lasts longer and looks better.

2. Overlooking Proper Prep

The paint job you see is only as strong as what’s beneath it. Skipping or rushing pressure washing, sanding, scraping, and caulking is one of the most common causes of early peeling and bubbling.

We never cut corners on prep work—because the prep phase is where most paint jobs fail.

3. Not Considering Utah’s Harsh Climate

Utah’s high elevation, strong sun, and freeze-thaw cycles put extra stress on exterior coatings. We carefully select from high-performing systems using Sherwin-Williams and PPG products, designed to resist UV breakdown, retain color, and prevent moisture intrusion.

Every home is different—so we help you choose the right paints and primers for your exposure and surfaces.

4. Skipping Gutters, Trim, and the Fine Details

Some painters focus only on the big surfaces, leaving gutters, eaves, soffits, fascia, and railings as an afterthought. But those details can make or break the look and performance of the entire job.

We don’t overlook those parts—and we use the right paint for them, even if it’s different from your siding paint.

5. Choosing a Painter Based on Price Alone

There’s always someone cheaper—but when it comes to exterior painting, cutting corners can cost thousands later. We’ve been called in too many times to fix paint jobs that failed in under a year due to poor prep or wrong product choices.

We back our work with a 5-Year Warranty against peeling and bubbling, and use materials designed for long-term performance—not just to pass inspection.

6. Missing Out on Help with Color or Project Planning

Picking the right color can be stressful—and it matters. Undertones shift outdoors, and what looks great on a swatch can feel completely different in full sun or shade.

We offer free color consultations and even virtual or phone estimates to help you move forward faster and more confidently.

Let’s Get Started on Your Exterior Project
Serving Salt Lake City, Utah County, and surrounding areas, Element Coatings is here to help you get it done right the first time. Transparent pricing. Thoughtful prep. Products that last.

Call or message today for a free consultation.

📞 801-793-5897
📩 Patrick@elementcoatingsllc.com