Exterior Painter - Did NOT include painting the windows in bid?!!

[Katrina Cabral]

I got three bids for exterior painters. The one that I went with was the most expense, (22% more expensive than one and 62% more expensive than the lowest bid). His estimate was the most thorough of the three and knowing that the house needed a lot of work - I didn't want any surprises. Half way into the project, he texted me a photo of the wood window muntins noting that each window needs caulking/glazing around each of the wood muntins. This is an additional $45/window for 16 windows or $720 extra.(!) Seems outrageous on many levels. I have no problem paying a man for an honest days work but something seems really off . . . he is half done with the exterior repairs. Has not started painting yet. Has not started on the muntins yet. 

I want to contact him and say "Never in my experience hiring an exterior painter have I ever encountered such an oversight in the estimate." And ask what's going on. I want to hold him to his estimate. . . $45 a window seems like steep wages for outside Atlanta. Does this sound like a scam? Can he put a lien on my place?

Thoughts? What would you do?

[Jim K.]

@Katrina Cabral

Of course it seems odd to you. It's money coming out of your pocket.