We are moving to a new apartment near Rolle. The interior paint is in good condition but two of the rooms would benefit by being painted white to reflect more light. The landlord said he would get a quote and offered he would pay half. He is now asking us for 1500CHF as our share to have 2 rooms painted. One room is large, the other is a smallish bedroom. This means it costs 3000CHF to paint 2 rooms? Does anyone know the typical rate of a painter per hour? That way I can at least see if the amount of work reflects the price. Many thanks.
How do you know how long it takes a painter to paint a room?
How do you know his travel time or his material costs?
Do you know whether two or one coats were needed? (was it a light or dark colour)?
To help you a little - we got several quotes to paint a room and do some plastering ranging from around 400CHF to 2000CHF but that was Zurich area.
Budget 1,000chf per day including materials
Thanks so much for both replies - very helpful. It would be white on top of cream so no, a good quality paint could do it in one coat. I have just had painting done in the US and my painter did a similar large room and mudroom in 2 days. I find it hard to believe it would take a painter 3 days to do these 2 rooms....I am wondering if the landlord is having a laugh...
You could always ask to see the details of the quote
OR
You could just assume the landlord is trying to rip you off.
You can call their bluff and get a second quote. He has already agreed to the concept of 50/50.
There is a FB group in Geneva with some people who do handiwork (in English). Plus there are lots of painters on www.anibis.ch (French).
Part of the issue is that it is a small job so they may be bumping the price because of the annoyance. He may also be having you pay the full pop without telling you. If it is his painter you are sure that even if he is invoiced the full/correct amount, there will be a kickback at the end of the year when the painter knows the full year's business.
My experience is different. Before I moved in the landlord had 2 rooms painted at their cost. That was necessary. Maybe you have to share the cost because this is not really necessary but a "nice to have"?
And the amount does not seem to ridiculous if you hire an "official" painter.
Anyway, you can always ask to get a copy of the invoice
Thank you! Good to consider. I agree -without seeing the quote he could charge us whatever. In addition to that I know there is at least one other room that has to be painted at his/last tenants expense and I do wonder if he is bumping up our half in order to reduce his own bill. Had not even thought about kickbacks! Oh jeez...minefield!
This thread made me think of this...
There is always someone willing to do it cheaper...
I think I'd get a brighter light bulb and live with the cream.
Thanks everyone. On questioning the landlord he agreed to include the other rooms to be painted white as well. For the same price. Yes, it did not need doing as such but the color on the walls was very dull and took light away. So thank you all! Result!
There's another option - paint the rooms yourself.
I know the
group :-/ .. Yes, post in there, ask for some people to quote in writing .. Give it to landlord.. Simples.
** Many groups are available for this type of thing