Extortionate managing agent costs to paint the outside of a house, can anyone help?

bigbird70

We have just been told by our managing agents that they have got 4 quotes to paint the property we share with 2 other (flat) owners. I own a 2 bed flat and there are 2 one bed flats on the floor below. The property is on 2 floors and is the size of a normal 2 up/2 down house now converted to 3 small ish flats. I woudl expect the cost to paint the outside to be around 3k. The agents have got 4 different quotes and they range from TWELVE THOUSAND to FORTEEN THOUSAND POUNDS!!!!!!! I am in total shock and dont know what I can do, how can they possibly charge this much to paint the outside of a house. Is there anything I can do to dispute this? any advice would be much appreciated....

thebaldwindowfitter

get your own quotes off 3 companies as they have

littlemissmoney

Are you sure these quotes are just to paint the house?

Premier_2

Do the quotes specify in detail what the work to be carried out involves?
If not, request a copy of the specification from the managing agents against which the suppliers have quoted - you'll need this anyway to get 3 comparable quotes of your own.

chewmylegoff

i got a 4 bed semi in kent painted for £2,250 in 2006.

this quote is nonsense. if the only work they are doing is painting, and there is nothing else happening, then the quote appears to include a £10k backhander to the management company.

sooz

have a look at www.lease-advice.org


As it's major works, & at a cost of over £250 per leaseholder, they should submit these quotes to all leaseholders via a section 20 notice (i think - it's late!). Then you are given a set amount of time to provide your own quotes. Make sure you start asking around for good decorators now. The quote will almost certainly include scaffolding too.

[Deleted User]

I agree with sooz, get going re the advice

Head-Out-Of-Sand

WOW - someone's trying it on here I think!!

I agree with the above - get yourself the details & get three comparable quotes.

Your management agency need to get on MSE!!!

leveller2911

I would strongly recommend you get 3 quotes yourself, ask the managment company for the "Job spec" (specification, detailing the exact work), in doing that you can the get your own quotes on an equal basis...

Its a tried and tested way they shaft people. Do you have any idea of the cost when it was last decorated? ...

m1ntie

Although it sounds expensive, until you have the spec it is difficult to come to any conclusion. As one of the replys said it will almost certainly require scaffolding.

The spec could include burning of old paint, rubbing down applying undercoat, then 2 coats of gloss paint. It may also include preparing and painting of stonework/ rendering and makinhg good where necessary.

When comparing quotes you need to ensure you are comparing like for like.