Can I cancel a painter?

[rabbitanddog]

I have had quotes from 3 different painters recently. I texted painter B yesterday to say I wanted to proceed (because his availability and price suited me best).

He replied today and based on his response, it seems like I have misunderstood. I thought paint was included in the price he quoted me but it now seems it isn't and is additional on top of the quote. I feel embarrassed now as I don't know how I can ask for clarification at this point, and also if I'd realised paint was potentially not included in the price I might have gone for a different painter. Is it too late to change my mind?

Just message him to ask? Say you just want to clarify.

If you said you wanted to go ahead yesterday and haven’t agreed a date yet, I’d just reply and say so sorry you misunderstood the quote and can’t go ahead after all.

If course you can ask!
And if you have misunderstood, then of course you can switch.
If it makes you feel any better, it's at least partly the painter's fault for not making it clear what was included.

I had asked when he'd be available yesterday before I said I wanted to go ahead and he says he's put that date in his diary now

Hi Steve before we agree a date, just to clarify, does your quote include you providing the paint or is paint extra (or am I providing the paint?) thanks

Come on OP put your big girl pants on! So what if the date is in his diary? Presumably he can take it out of his diary again!

Ah I wouldn’t worry about that! Just message him now to cancel. He’s not going to go ahead if you can’t pay him!

Can you afford to buy the paint yourself?

I'm just feeling bad about possibly letting him down! And wasn't sure if I was now in some sort of 'contract' or something.

I can afford to buy the paint, just about, but part of the reason I chose this painter over another one was that he was a bit cheaper. However if they are actually now going to be similar prices, I would prefer to go with the other painter because he was recommended by a friend and can start sooner than painter B

Have the other decorators included paint in their quotes or do you have to buy the paint for them?

You can just tell the man that you didn't realise paint was not included in the quote and you need to go with the cheapest quote, so you can't go ahead with him. The date has only been in his diary for a day, you won't be causing any problems.