J Scott estimates don't apply to painters in California?

[James Peters]

I am in the midst of a remodel for a property in Long Beach, CA. It is a SFH, one story, 1480 sq ft., 3bd, 2 ba, with a detached garage.

Working with a GC for most of the work on the bathrooms, kitchen, and replacing some of the windows and he had a very reasonable charge and schedule.

Now the painters in the area are another story.  I have 4 bids from painters for the interior and exterior of the house and am getting quotes in the 8k to almost 10k range.    

That seems pretty insane to me!  

J Scott in his book, states that a $1-2 per square foot range is reasonable.  That would make the estimate somewhere around $6k.  Being in California, I figured maybe $7500, but not close to 10k.

That being said, does anyone have a good painter that they are using for their rentals in the Southern Los Angeles County or Northern Orange County area?

Thanks!