NLL Guides
Requesting a painting quote: how to read and compare quotes
Dorde Lalic founder and ownerLinkedInUpdated
Project photo from NLL Måleri's existing image archive.
Compare painting quotes by checking the same surfaces, preparation, materials, extras and schedule before comparing the totals. Ask for labour and materials to be itemised so you can see what each price covers. A low figure is of little use if essential work is missing.
How do you request a quote from a painter in Skåne?
Describe what needs painting, where the property is, which surfaces are involved and when you would like the work done. Send the same description to the companies you are comparing so they can quote on the same basis.
Give the wall, ceiling or exterior wall area if you know it. Otherwise, state that the measurements are estimates. Add photos and distinguish between what you want to keep and what you want to change. The property's floor area alone does not establish the area to be painted.
For NLL's confirmed range, see the overview of painting services. For an interior project, start with interior painting and describe any filling and smoothing separately.
What should a complete painting quote include?
A complete painting quote should describe the surfaces, preparation, materials, painting, access, price, schedule and how changes will be handled. The table is a checklist to complete for each quote, rather than a statement of what every company includes.
| Checkpoint | What you should be able to compare |
|---|---|
| Surfaces | Which walls, ceilings, exterior walls or details are included |
| Preparation | Which cleaning, repairs, filling and paint removal are covered |
| Materials | Products or paint systems, colour and how materials are priced |
| Painting | Treatment and number of coats for the agreed approach |
| Access and protection | Scaffolding, protective coverings, moving furnishings and putting things back |
| Price | Labour, materials, VAT and any extras |
| Schedule | Start date, planned handover and conditions |
| Changes | How additional work will be described and approved |
The Swedish Consumer Agency recommends comparing quotes and getting the price, scope and schedule in writing. Use the list to ask specific follow-up questions where information is missing.
How do you compare prices and extras?
First compare the same scope and pricing basis. A fixed price for defined work and an estimate based on hours are different types of quote. Read about fixed prices and hourly rates for painters if you need to distinguish between them.
What if one quote is much cheaper?
Highlight differences in preparation, materials and the surfaces included. Then ask the contractor to explain the price difference. Do not assume that omitted work is included free of charge or that the most expensive option is automatically the best.
For example, ask: “Does this include skim coating the whole wall or just filling holes?” and “Is scaffolding charged separately?” These questions make the comparison more useful than simply asking for a lower price.
Can the quote include the ROT tax deduction?
Yes, an estimated ROT tax deduction can be shown in the quote, but your eligibility must be checked. Ask to see the price before the deduction and the labour cost used in the calculation. Materials should be listed separately; a price after ROT in a quote is not itself a decision from the Swedish Tax Agency.
Check the current conditions with Skatteverket. Compare quotes before the deduction if they use different assumptions about your available allowance.
Which questions need answers before work starts?
Agree on the work, the preparations you are responsible for and how you will review the result. Ask for the contact person, payment terms and any warranty terms in writing. Do not assume a particular warranty period based solely on the company's marketing.
- Which surfaces and tasks are expressly excluded?
- Who arranges access, keys and space for materials?
- How will changes and extras be documented?
- How will handover work, and whom should you contact with questions?
How to describe your project to NLL Måleri
Gather the location, contact details, measurements or estimates, photos and preferred dates. Describe uncertain points as questions, such as whether old wallpaper can stay or whether cladding needs replacing.
Use NLL's quote request form to send the details for an assessment of scope and price. An estimate from the price calculator is a budgeting aid; it does not replace the final quote for your project.