Common area painting touches every owner. A good comparison starts with the same scope for every bidder.

Key Takeaways

• Give every bidder the same written scope.
• Compare schedule and phasing, not only price.
• Ask about communication with owners.
• Keep a record of what each bid excludes.

Give every bidder the same scope

Define areas, surfaces, colors and preparation in a single scope document. Distribute it to every bidder.

• Areas and surfaces included
• Colors and finishes
• Preparation expected

Compare on more than price

Compare schedules, phasing, access and cleanup. Two bids with the same price can differ a lot in how the work is run.

• Schedule and phasing
• Access and owner notice
• Cleanup and sign-off

Questions worth asking

Ask what is excluded and how changes are handled. Missing items often show up later as extras.

• What is excluded
• How changes are handled
• Who is the point of contact

Boards often compare bids that look similar but cover different work. The best protection is a scope written before bidding that every contractor prices.

Ask about communication as well. Owners will have questions, and a contractor who provides clear schedules and contacts makes the board's job easier.

Pro Painter USA

Pro Painter USA walks HOA common areas with board members or managers and writes scopes for comparison. Before you call, note the areas involved, your target dates and anything that must stay open or untouched.

A written scope shared with all bidders makes the board's decision easier to explain. Request a unit-turn walkthrough with Pro Painter USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the lowest bid win?

Price matters, but only if the bids cover the same scope. Check what each includes.

Should bidders attend a meeting?

A walkthrough helps. Many boards also invite finalists to a meeting.

Should the board meet bidders?

Meeting finalists often helps.

How many bids should we request?

Enough to see the range, usually three or more.