Should I choose paint colours before or after I get my estimate?

Get your estimate first, then choose your colours. This is one of the most common questions we hear from Edmonton homeowners, and the answer is simple: colour selection does not affect your painting estimate, so there is no reason to stress about it beforehand.

Why Colour Does Not Change the Price

A professional painting estimate is based on the scope of work: square footage, number of rooms, wall condition, ceiling height, trim work, prep requirements, and the paint system (product line and sheen). Whether you choose Benjamin Moore White Dove or Sherwin-Williams Naval, the labour and material cost stays the same for standard colours. The only exception is if you request a specialty product like a metallic finish or a deep-base accent that requires additional coats, and we will flag that during the consultation.

Many homeowners delay getting an estimate because they feel they need to have every colour picked out first. This is unnecessary and often causes weeks of delay. Get the estimate, understand the investment, and then take your time with colour selection while we schedule the project.

Free Colour Consultation with Every Project

iPaint includes a free colour consultation with every painting project. Once you have approved your estimate and booked a start date, we will schedule a consultation at your home. We bring full fan decks from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and other premium brands so you can see colours in your actual lighting conditions.

This matters more than most people realize. A colour that looks perfect under the fluorescent lights at a paint store can look completely different in your living room. Edmonton homes get dramatically different natural light depending on the season. A north-facing room in January receives very different light than the same room in June. Seeing samples in your own space eliminates costly colour regret.

Tips for Choosing Colours

• Start with inspiration photos. Save images from Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram that show the feel you want. This gives us a starting point for recommendations.
• Consider your fixed elements. Flooring, countertops, and furniture are not changing. Your paint colours need to complement what is already in the room.
• Test samples on the wall. We recommend painting two-foot swatches in at least two locations per room and living with them for 24 to 48 hours before committing.
• Do not pick colours from a screen. Digital colour representations are never accurate. Always use physical samples.

Ready to get started? Request your free estimate today. Colours can come later.