There is no such thing as a good deal on a bad paint job.
We say this not to scare you — but because we’ve seen the same story play out hundreds of times in the Tampa Bay market. A homeowner gets three quotes. The lowest one is significantly cheaper. They go with it. Six months later, the paint is chipping, the edges are uneven, and they’re calling a professional to fix it. Now they’ve paid twice.
What Low Bids Usually Mean
A painting quote significantly lower than the competition is almost never a steal. It’s a reduction in scope. Here’s what typically gets cut:
Prep work. Proper prep — pressure washing, sanding, caulking, priming — is time-consuming. Cheap painters save the most time here. Skip the prep and the paint doesn’t bond. You’ll see it within months.
Materials. Premium paints like Sherwin-Williams Duration and Emerald cost more than builder-grade products. A cheap bid almost always means cheap paint — which fades faster and fails sooner in Florida’s climate.
Coats. Most quality paint jobs require two coats. Some contractors bid one coat and bury it in the fine print.
Insurance. Licensed, insured painters carry general liability and workers’ comp. Uninsured contractors don’t pay for this — which is one reason they can bid lower. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you may be liable.
What to Ask Before You Sign
A professional estimate should include: itemized scope of work, prep steps, paint brand and product, number of coats, timeline, cleanup, payment schedule, and warranty. Ask for all of this in writing.
Ask specifically: Are you licensed and insured in Florida? Do you carry workers’ compensation? What prep is included? What paint products will you use? What’s your warranty? A reputable company answers every one of these without hesitation.
The Real Cost of Cutting Corners
A paint job that fails in 12 months isn’t a bargain — it’s a full repaint cost plus the cost of the original job. Fixing a bad paint job almost always costs more than a quality job would have cost to begin with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if a painting quote is too low?
Compare it against two or three other bids. If one is significantly lower, ask specifically what’s included — materials, coats, and insurance. The answer will tell you what you need to know.
Q: What should a painting warranty cover?
A quality warranty covers peeling, flaking, and adhesion failure for a defined period. Ask about the warranty when you get your estimate from Polson Painting.
Q: Is Polson Painting insured in Florida?
Yes. Polson Painting carries full general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
Q: What’s the difference between a local company and a franchise painter?
Local, family-owned companies like Polson Painting have a direct stake in the reputation we’ve built in this community over 31+ years. Every job is personal. Franchise quality varies widely by individual franchisee.
Get It Right the First Time
Polson Painting has been protecting Tampa Bay homes for over three decades years. Licensed, insured, family-owned, and backed by a quality guarantee. We don’t cut corners — because in this industry, corners always show.
Get your free estimate from Tampa Bay’s most trusted painters. 📞 (813) 244-5270 | polsonpainting.com — Free estimates: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
