Estimate for Paint & General Repair.

[James W.]

Hi gys -

I find that getting a correct and trustworthy estimate for "paint and general repair" - is much more difficult than "standard rehab" items.

Standard Items like flooring, kitchen counter-tops, cabinets & appliances, windows & doors, HVAC - can be done by major home improvement companies - so there's this great satisfaction of paying the right cost.

however with paint and general repair - contractors are quoting me anything they want - and numbers are like 200% different.

how do I determine the actual cost of "paint and general repair"?

also - is there a standard list i can go through to make sure the unit is 100% done by the time contractor leaves?

I came up with the following in "General Repair".

Further below is "Standard Repair" - that I find easier to get done from standard improvement companies.

Home Inspection - Perhaps should be done first.

- Roof & General Water Leak problem, Mould, Radon, Insulation


General Repair - To be done by local Contractors

- Painting - Trims, Ceilings, Doors & Frames, Windows
- Sheet Rock, Dry Wall, Wall damages, Door Frame damages
- Caulking in Kitchen, Bathrooms
- Plumbing - Water Leaks in walls/ ceiling, Water runs freely, cold/ hot
valves, pipes under vanities and kitchen, invisible pipes
- Stair Railings, Decks
- Electrical - Fixtures, wires, insulation
- Professional Clean up in the end


Standard Items - can be done by home improvement franchises-
New Appliances
Flooring - Wood, Carpet, Tiles
Kitchen - Countertops, Cabinets
Bathrooms - Seats, Tubs, Vanities
HVAC - Water Boiler, Air conditioning

[Jack Edgar jr]

it's sounds like your trying to create some type of system to stream line cost estimating in a one box fits all way. First,  May I suggest you pick up a copy of J Scotts book on Estimating Rehab Costs. 2nd, there are several ways to do projects including: the right way, their way, your way, and everything in between. Experience of interviewing contractors and having them work with you to come up with a plan for project will help. Over time you will have a good reference point to start estimating costs on your own. As an alternative, perhaps find a mentor help accelerate the process.