Why the estimate happens on site
Because a price given without seeing the work is a guess, and guesses get revised upward on arrival. That single practice is behind most of the pricing complaints in this trade.
What determines the price can only be assessed in person: the real extent of the damage rather than the visible extent, the existing texture type and grain, the wall thickness, the access, and what the finished surface has to match.
What we assess
A short list, and each item changes the number.
- Area and the number of separate locations
- Existing texture type and how heavily it was applied
- Existing wall thickness and plane condition
- Whether moisture is or has been present
- Ceiling height and access
- What the surface needs to match
- What finish level the lighting and paint actually require
- Whether the space will be occupied during the work
What the written scope contains
Enough that you can compare it against another quote on equal terms, and enough that neither of us can be surprised later.
- Rooms and areas covered
- Finish level, stated explicitly by area
- Whether texture matching is included
- Materials and any specialty board specified
- Protection, containment, and cleanup included
- A realistic schedule accounting for compound drying
- Specific exclusions
No pressure, and no expiring discount
We do not use expiring discounts or same day signing pressure. If a contractor tells you the price is only good today, that is a sales technique rather than a pricing reality.
Take the scope, compare it properly, and come back when you have decided.