Pricing your project: a transparent and informed numbers-driven approach
Our numbers-driven approach to pricing helps to keep everyone on solid ground! Careful quoting based on accurate information removes any “fudging” and provides both you as the client and us as the provider the confidence that we are fair.
How does it work? We price off plans and also on site, to ensure we have all the details. We’re sharing our pricing approach with you so it’s all out on the table!
Step one: gathering accurate information
First, we study your house plans to identify the various substrates and what is within the scope of our work. Critically, this helps us to:
understand the scale of the project so we identify the resources (labour, paint, materials and equipment) required; and,
assess whether we need to investigate any new substrates and how we treat them.
Wall Treats specialises in painting and repainting high-end bespoke architecturally designed homes. That means that we receive many sets of plans from New Zealand’s most acclaimed architects, and we’re experienced in working to plans. Design-savvy clients typically want:
The newest and the brightest.
Organic yet durable substrates that may cost more upfront but require minimal maintenance to always look fresh.
Sustainable materials that minimise their carbon footprint.
Staying updated and informed is crucial
Staying up-to-date with new substrates is important! It allows us to provide the best results possible, and also to price accurately. In 2024, we were asked to price to paint the interior and exterior of a large scale renovation in Parnell. Except for the original villa façade, all substrates were being replaced with new ones. Most of the extension was to be cladded in the cutting-edge Abodo rainscreen product. Prima facie, most of the exterior of the extension should be “tagged out.” However, we correctly identified that:
the Abodo rainscreen had to be installed over Hardies fibre cement boards and over 200 timber battens; and,
these substrates had to be painted black before affixing the Abodo rainscreen so as not to detract from the beautiful timber cladding.
We were able to gather this information because we had studied the plans in detail and proactively discussed the plans and the requirements with the project manager and builder. Including the Hardies cement boards and 200+ timber battens within the scope of our work resulted in our fee increasing by approximately $20,000. This was made transparent to the client from the outset.
Imagine if a quote with a lesser figure had been accepted, but the contractor was not aware of the full scope of the work. Uninformed pricing is a recipe for disaster in the form of awkward situations or subpar results. Consider:
The requirement to paint the Hardies cement boards and timber battens was detailed in the plans. A variation to carry out the work would not be accepted.
Broaching the idea of a variation with the client would negatively impact the client’s overall experience and cast doubt over:
what else has been missed; and,
what may be substituted to cover the cost of the “miss” or “misses”?
Someone has to bear the cost of carrying out the work that had not been provisioned for. How would one resolve that matter with the selected contractor?
Step two: calculation
With all the relevant information gathered, we print the plans to scale and assess the accuracy of the measurements listed on them. This step is essential to ensure that we have the correct data for our calculations. We measure every substrate included within the scope of our work to scale so we are able to derive an accurate square meterage to:
apply industry standard labour productivity rates; and,
derive the quantity of paint and materials precisely.
With painting, there are no short cuts if one wants a high quality outcome. The painting outcome is the result of a series of steps that must occur in sequential order with skill. To achieve paint coatings that appear even and consistent in colour and sheen means working within the theoretical coverage rate of each paint product. Thinning down the product and/ or only applying one coat will show in the end result.
Step three: labour rates
Working on high end bespoke architecturally designed homes means we need to operate with skill and experience. In Formula One terms, we are racing for Red Bull, not the Racing Bulls. Max Verstappen, the current top driver for Red Bull, will no doubt be remunerated higher than Yuki Tsunoda because of Max’s competence and Red Bull’s ability to rely on him to perform at peak level consistently.
You get what you pay for when it comes to painting: attention to detail, reliability, integrity and communication are all part of the price.
Transparency is key
To protect yourself from nasty surprises, get curious about how the fee has been derived the next time you receive a quote that’s too good to be true. “Too good to be true” almost always ends in disappointment and regret! Our quotes are almost never the cheapest option, but they are comprehensive and informed, taking into account the unique substrates and requirements of your home. We can point to the numbers on which they are based!
Ready to bring your vision to life with a team that truly gets it? Contact Ashley today for expert project management and exceptional results. Contact us!
