Most people advise getting a few quotes before moving forward with any painting contractors.  Sometimes these quotes can be quite similar and sometimes they will vary. One contractor may charge half the price of another. Let’s unpack why this happens and what you’re actually getting for your hard-earned money.

READ: How Many Estimates Should I Get For My Toronto Repaint?

To begin with, not all painting contractors have the same business structure.  Here are some of the different business structures you might come across:

Individual painting contractors that only do cash jobs, perhaps on top of a full-time job or as a sideline to another career.

They do not claim any of their painting income to Revenue Canada, so they are leery about providing any sort of an agreement or contract in writing. If they were to have an agreement the taxman can use that to expose their hidden income.  Because there is no agreement or contract there is likely no warranty on workmanship or paint failure.

They likely don’t carry worker’s comp because stated income is needed for WSIB coverage.  That means if they or one of their workers is injured on your property you can be held liable.

As well, they have no liability insurance.  This means if any damage is done to your property, they can’t make an insurance claim, so you are on the hook for repairs.

Because these painters don’t have any WSIB, liability insurance and are basically working for a little extra cash they can offer low low prices and still make some profit.  However, you are exposing yourself and your property to great risk if you go this route.

Painting contractors that sub out all their work.

These contractors basically go around and sell painting jobs and then subcontract them out to a different painting contractor (a subcontractor) who produces the work.

On the plus side, they usually will provide a written estimate and offer some type of a warranty.

However, I’ve got a couple of words of caution.  A subcontractor is not covered under the main contractor’s WSIB or liability insurance, they need their own.  Therefore, if you go this route, you need to ensure that the subcontractor has their own WSIB coverage and liability insurance.  In some cases, the main contractor will sub work out to the cash job painter and you’re no further ahead than if you hired the cash job painter in the first place.

Painting contractors that have in-house employees.

These painting contractors take the time to hire their own employees.  As such, they usually invest in training the employee, so that he or she can be a productive and effective member of the team.  Employees also follow certain standards of production and customer service, resulting in a more consistent experience for the client.

Employees are also covered by the painting contractor’s WSIB and liability insurance, so there’s no risk exposure for the homeowner when workers are on the property.

Remember, your home is most likely your biggest asset, you should protect it properly.

CAM Painters hires in-house employees and we invest in their training. Whether it’s painting, job-site management or customer service we make sure they are properly prepared.  The odd time we have to use an outside subcontractor for a project that’s outside our skill set we ensure that they have their own WSIB coverage and liability insurance. This gives you peace of mind and lets you feel comfortable while we take care of the rest.

Why not book a quote?  We’d be happy to Transform your home with lasting beauty!