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.

🎯 How We Price Painting Jobs: Accurate Estimates from Trusted Salt Lake City Painters

If you've ever collected multiple painting bids and wondered why they vary so much, you're not alone. At Element Coatings, we believe a painting estimate should be clear, accurate, and rooted in real-world numbers—not just guesswork or square footage alone.

Whether you're painting a home, business, or large facility, we take the time to calculate your quote based on actual job costing, production knowledge, and material coverage. It’s how we stay competitive while delivering high-quality results.

Here’s what sets our pricing apart:

🧠 1. We Don’t Guess—We Use Real Production Knowledge

Every crew works at a different pace, and every surface takes a different amount of time. We’ve spent years fine-tuning our understanding of how long it takes to complete different types of painting work—whether it’s spraying stucco, cutting in ceiling lines, or painting metal railings.

By using real production knowledge from actual job data, we avoid overestimating or underbidding. That means our customers get honest, reliable pricing that reflects the real effort involved.

🎨 2. We Understand Paint Coverage Rates

Paint isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some coatings go farther than others, and textured surfaces can soak up more product. Because we work with professional-grade products from Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Romabio, and others, we know how they behave—and how much we’ll really need.

That allows us to:

• Avoid ordering too much (which keeps your cost down)

• Prevent unexpected change orders for more material

• Ensure the right coverage for durability and appearance

This kind of product knowledge helps us provide more accurate painting quotes that don’t leave you paying for waste or surprises.

🧾 3. We Build Every Estimate from the Ground Up

Instead of tossing out a flat rate based on square footage, we look at:

• Surface types (drywall, stucco, wood, metal)

• Job access (ladders, lifts, masking needs)

• Prep requirements (caulking, sanding, cleaning)

• Coating systems (interior paint vs. industrial coatings)

By breaking the job down this way, we can deliver more consistent pricing—and you can feel confident knowing what you’re paying for and why.

💬 4. Better Pricing Comes from Better Planning

Because we approach every job with real data, we can stay both competitive and fair. We don’t need to pad our bids “just in case,” and we don’t underquote just to win a project and figure it out later.

We believe in earning your trust with clear, professional painting estimates—not bait-and-switch pricing.

✅ What That Means for You

When you hire Element Coatings, you’re not just getting a painting crew—you’re getting a partner who:

• Understands the costs behind every step of the job

• Delivers accurate quotes with no hidden fees

• Uses professional coatings applied the right way

• Respects your time, budget, and property

Whether it’s a full exterior repaint, an industrial facility, or a custom interior project, we’ll help you get it done the right way—from the first brush stroke to the last.

Looking for an accurate painting estimate in Salt Lake City?
Let’s talk. Send us your project details, photos, or plans—we’ll get back to you with a clear, fair quote that’s based on real experience.

📧 patrick@elementcoatingsllc.com
📍 Based in Herriman, proudly serving Salt Lake County and surrounding areas

Interior Painting Done Right: What the Best Interior Painting Companies Know That You Don’t

You spend hours in your living spaces every day—why not make them a masterpiece? With over 14 years of experience as one of the best interior painting contractors, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t so you don’t have to. From meticulous prep work to the final touch, we’ve mastered the techniques and tools to deliver stunning results. Today, we’re sharing the secrets that set top-tier interior painting contractors apart.

Why Hire the Best Interior Painting Contractors?

Painting isn’t just about adding color to your walls—it’s about enhancing the way you live in your space. Over the years, we’ve fixed countless DIY paint jobs where homeowners started with enthusiasm but quickly realized how much goes into doing it right.

DIY Pitfalls

• Uneven finishes: Roller marks, streaks, and patchy coverage are common issues.

• Messy cleanup: Paint spills and drips can permanently damage furniture and floors.

• Time-consuming: A “weekend project” often stretches into weeks, adding stress and frustration.

The Professional Advantage

Hiring one of the best interior painting contractors ensures you get:

• Expertise: We know what techniques work for different surfaces and spaces.

• Specialized tools: From dust-controlling Festool sanders to sprayers for large or detailed jobs, our equipment ensures precision and efficiency.

• Quality assurance: Every project is completed with attention to detail, leaving your space better than we found it.

The Prep Work Secrets from the Best Interior Painting Contractors

Prep work is the foundation of a flawless paint job. As one of the best interior painting contractors, we’ve learned that investing time in preparation ensures durability and perfection.

Surface Preparation

We clean, sand, and prime every surface to create the ideal canvas for paint. For example, a poorly prepped wall can lead to peeling paint, even with the best products. Proper prep ensures your walls look good today and for years to come.

Pro tip: Always start with a clean surface. We remove dirt, grease, and dust using a mild soap solution, followed by a rinse, to ensure proper paint adhesion.

Protecting Floors, Furniture, and Fixtures

Protecting your belongings is a critical part of the process. We use a combination of:

• Plastic sheeting for furniture and delicate surfaces.

• Professional-grade drop cloths for durable, reusable coverage.

• Rosin paper and masking tape for precise edge protection.

• Ram board for heavy-duty floor protection in high-traffic areas.

For tight edges and window panes, liquid masking tape ensures clean, precise lines. Our goal is to keep your home as clean and functional as possible during the project.

Choosing the Right Paint and Tools

The right materials and tools can make or break a project, which is why the best interior painting contractors only use top-quality products.

Selecting the Best Paint

The type of paint you choose directly impacts the final result. Here’s how we recommend finishes:

• Eggshell or satin: Ideal for living spaces and hallways, offering a smooth, versatile look.

• Semi-gloss and gloss: Perfect for trim and doors that see heavy use, and excellent for highlighting special trims and moldings.

Pro tip: Invest in high-quality paint. It may cost more upfront, but it provides better coverage, longevity, and aesthetics.

Tools of the Trade

We use specialized tools to work efficiently while maintaining cleanliness and quality:

• Festool sanders: These tools minimize dust, protect your home, and speed up the process.

• Sprayers: For large projects or areas requiring a smooth, flawless finish, sprayers provide speed and precision.

• High-quality brushes and rollers: Paired with our expertise, they ensure consistent results across different surfaces.

Application Techniques for a Flawless Finish

Achieving professional results takes skill, experience, and an understanding of technique.

Cutting In Like a Pro

Cutting in—painting the edges and corners before rolling—is an art. It takes years to master and even longer to do efficiently. Over time, professionals develop the ability to work with both hands, reducing ladder moves and increasing speed.

Rolling for Consistency

The “W” or “M” technique is a good starting point for beginners. However, experienced painters know how to apply just the right amount of paint—enough to cover without creating excessive texture, like orange peel.

Layering for Perfection

Many paints today are marketed as “paint and primer in one” or promise one-coat coverage. While convenient, these still often require two coats:

• The first coat acts as a “primer coat.”

• The second coat provides the rich, even finish homeowners expect.

For bare wood, drywall, or stained surfaces, using a dedicated bonding or stain-blocking primer is more effective and economical than relying solely on paint-and-primer products.

Specialty Coatings and Wallpaper

Lime Wash Paints and Specialty Finishes

Lime wash paints and specialty coatings add unique texture and depth to walls, creating an artisanal look that standard paints can’t replicate. These require specific application techniques, which we’ve mastered over the years.

Wallpaper Installation and Removal

Removing wallpaper can be challenging and time-consuming. We use professional-grade tools and techniques to strip wallpaper without damaging walls. If you’re looking to add wallpaper, we ensure perfect alignment, smooth application, and clean edges.

Licensed Carpentry for Painting-Adjacent Repairs

Sometimes, a painting project reveals deeper issues, like damaged trim, drywall imperfections, or rotting wood. As licensed carpenters, we handle these repairs seamlessly. Whether it’s replacing baseboards, repairing crown molding, or fixing drywall, we ensure the surface is ready for a flawless paint application.

Aftercare and Maintenance

A high-quality paint job deserves proper care to stay fresh and vibrant.

Final Touches

We inspect every room under natural light, low light, and with bright spotlights to catch any imperfections. Masking tape is removed strategically—sometimes immediately, and other times after drying—with the help of a razor blade to prevent peeling or bleeding.

Maintaining Your Painted Walls

The product and sheen used significantly affect both washability and touch-up ease. High-quality paints with the right finish make cleaning and touch-ups far easier, extending the life of your paint job.

Not All Contractors Are Created Equal

When hiring a contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions:

1. Are you licensed and insured? Protect yourself and your property.

2. Do you offer warranties? A good contractor stands by their work.

3. Can you provide references? Reliable contractors will gladly share past projects.

4. What’s included in your estimate? Ensure the quote covers prep, materials, labor, and cleanup.

Conclusion

Interior painting is more than just adding color—it’s about transforming your home into a space you love. As one of the best interior painting contractors, we’ve refined our craft to ensure every project is completed with precision, care, and professionalism.

Ready to elevate your space? Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Whether it’s a single room, specialty coatings, or wallpaper installation, we’re here to bring your vision to life!