A useful quote starts with the actual walls, their condition and the work needed to prepare them. Square footage helps describe the project; it cannot establish a reliable price by itself.
Start with the building
Two properties with similar wall areas can require very different work. One might have clear access and a sound existing finish. Another might need repairs, careful masking around equipment or work above a lower roof. Describe those differences before comparing totals.
VIPEQ's distributor directs customers to local installers for project pricing and says costs vary with the work. It does not provide a universal installed rate. The most useful starting point is a short brief with photographs, approximate quantities and the result you want.
What belongs in the scope?
| Item | What to describe |
|---|---|
| Wall area | The walls included, approximate dimensions and openings |
| Existing finish | Material, previous coatings and visible condition |
| Preparation | What must be cleaned, removed or prepared before coating |
| Repairs | Damage or water-entry concerns needing a separate decision |
| Access | Storeys, narrow passages, slopes and obstacles |
| Protection | Windows, doors, planting, neighbouring surfaces and equipment |
| Finish and timing | Colour, texture, work window and location |
Keep unknowns visible. An area labelled “needs measuring” is more useful than a precise-looking guess. If you know the property has leaked, say where and when; a photograph of the finished face cannot establish what is behind it.
Compare the same proposed work
The Canadian Home Builders' Association recommends comparing quotes based on the same services, materials and specifications. For a coating project, use that principle to ask each proposal to identify the walls included, the proposed product and the preparation allowed for.
Ask how unforeseen repairs will be discussed, which surfaces are excluded and what the final inspection will cover. Request any applicable product and workmanship warranty terms in writing, including the conditions and exclusions. A product's advertised warranty is not automatically the warranty for your project.
Make the first conversation useful
Send an overall photograph of each wall, detail photographs of concerns, your city or community and an approximate work window. Mention if the building stays occupied or if several buildings need to be considered together. You can share a budget priority, such as completing one elevation first, without inventing a price for the remaining work.
Use the project planner to organise the quantities, then request an estimate. Your brief helps Frank identify the next questions. The written proposal should resolve the actual scope and price before work begins.
Sources & further reading
Bring it back to your building.
Share the location, surface and what you want to change. Frank can help you work through the next steps.
Build your project enquiry