[DeanV]

Do most of you offer a warranty and if so, what kind, details of it. etc?

Has anyone been able to document an additional amount they can consistently sell a job with a warranty compared to without?

Does anyone tie the warranty to prompt payment at job completion? It is usually not an issue for me (only with one GC). I currently send an invoice for the full amount upon job completion. I suppose I should do partial payments or percentage up front, but choose to keep it simple for now for both me and the customer.

I currently do not have any warranty/guarantee and am considering adding one. It seems that a lot of painters just use the warranty on the paint can as their warranty. That does not do a lot of good for the HO.

 

[Brian]

We offer 2 years on exteriors.

Our interior "warranty" is a case by case basis. I've had people dent the corner bead and then complain that the paint fell off. I've had customers expect me to touch up the fingerprints on their walls 6 months after we painted. I'm not going to cover those things. If there is a legitimate issue, we'll take care of it, but I don't recall anything on an interior.

I'm not sure it's a big selling point. But I think I should stand behind my work. Two years on an exterior is reasonable for both parties.

Brian Phillips

 

[DeanV]

What about horizontal surfaces such as railings, window sills, etc.

 

[Housepainter]

My by line is Workmanship you will be proud to show off!

Before I leave a job I give the customer the opportunity to do a list of anything they see wrong. I usually do this the day before completing a job.
Thankfully, no one has had any major issues, that take more than a few minutes. When I collect the check I let them know if something shows up to let me know, and we will determine what needs to be done to take care of it. Again it is about standing behind your workmanship and your professional reputation in your work community. I also make sure the customer is aware of any problems, like dry rot, termite issues, etc. If they decide not to replace a board or something being painted I make sure I list that on the customer report for the future.

 

[DeanV]

That is basically the approach I have taken too, so far if the issue comes up. I just tell them that if they have an issue in the future, just call me and I will look it over with them and if it is our fault we will fix it for free and if it is something beyond our control we will help them find a solution.

I am just thinking that it might be a good time to start getting some things more formalized and in writing. I do written estimate (through Quickbooks), but do not do a formal contract or anything like that yet. I am thinking it is time to start formalizing the process more. The main reason I have avoided the signed contracts is I have been stopping by a potential job to look it over with the HO and then emailing the estimate. Then I either hear back from them and schedule or not. I do not make a second trip as part of the sales process. When I worked by myself, it saved a lot of time and let me get a lot more work done. As I get bigger, I am thinking it is time to start changing the process a bit. Adding a written warranty in with a signed contract seems like a good step to take.

 

[Housepainter]

I keep my bid-quotes fairly simple also. I will usually write out anything that is to be excluded or included beyond the normal scope.

 

[bikerboy]

I am just thinking that it might be a good time to start getting some things more formalized and in writing. I do written estimate (through Quickbooks), but do not do a formal contract or anything like that yet. I am thinking it is time to start formalizing the process more. The main reason I have avoided the signed contracts is I have been stopping by a potential job to look it over with the HO and then emailing the estimate. Then I either hear back from them and schedule or not. I do not make a second trip as part of the sales process. When I worked by myself, it saved a lot of time and let me get a lot more work done. As I get bigger, I am thinking it is time to start changing the process a bit. Adding a written warranty in with a signed contract seems like a good step to take.

We email our stuff too. My warranty and contract terms are in a word document. If the customer likes the estimate, just cut and paste the terms to the estimate and email it.

Am upfront on letting them no the difference between the two. Something along the lines of "You should have the estimate in the next 24-48 hours. If you are happy with it, we will email the agreement form and a start date that fits your schedule."

 

[bikerboy]

Forgot to add that for exteriors we tell the customer it is gauranteed for 2 years and we will come out and inspect it yearly for them, free of charge. ( Pro-actively looking for more work) "Do you want us to make an appointment or just come out?" They love the fact that YOU are going to keep up on it for them, and you get the opportunity to find/sell more work. (You already have your foot in the door!)

 

[MAK-Deco]

Just a thought for those who use word docs you should save them as pdf files so they can not be easily changed / altered etc...

 

[vermontpainter]

I am just thinking that it might be a good time to start getting some things more formalized and in writing. I do written estimate (through Quickbooks), but do not do a formal contract or anything like that yet. I am thinking it is time to start formalizing the process more. The main reason I have avoided the signed contracts is I have been stopping by a potential job to look it over with the HO and then emailing the estimate. Then I either hear back from them and schedule or not. quote]

Dean

I think its a good idea. I too do the initial estimate from QB and email it, whether for residential or new construction. Then, when the estimate is approved, I put it into contract form and follow the AIA format, which I have added to over the years, mostly to be more comprehensive about scope of work exclusions and warranty details. On residential it gives you the ability to require signed contract and deposit in order to guarantee the customer a spot on the schedule.

 

[PressurePros]

Whenever I think of warranties I think of Chris Farley's speech in Tommy Boy. With that being said I offer a two year guarantee on horizontal deck surfaces and have not ever had a single callback.

 

[fungku]

Just a thought for those who use word docs you should save them as pdf files so they can not be easily changed / altered etc...

I use CutePDFwriter. It is free, simple, and works great

You can get it here: http://www.cutepdf.com/

I make up my invoices in MS Excel and then make them a PDF file so the customer can't see my formulas or modify anything. I either email the invoice or just print it and send it. but it is nice to have an "unchangeable" version either way.

 

[The Painter Guy]

Warranty

For exteriors I include a copy of a 3 year guarantee with every proposal. At completion of job if customer wants I will sign and date it upon final payment. One thing I highlight in the wording is that if paint were to peel from previous coatings it may be our responsibility but if older coatings are peeling to bare surface it could mean water damage or previous contractors work.