What is an AWO, and how can it benefit your house painting project?

During your next repaint, you may run into an opportunity for an “AWO.” What is it, and how could it work to your advantage?

AWO stands for Additional Work Order. It refers to a new project that is added to the work included in your initial estimate.

What are we NOT talking about? We’re definitely not talking about “surprises” from your painter, or an estimate that suddenly doesn’t include what you thought it did. That’s not how we work at Jondec Painting, and not how any reputable, honest painting company should work. 

We’re talking about something you forgot to mention initially that needs to be added to the job later. Or maybe you weren’t sure if you’d feel comfortable with your painters or the painting process, but now you do, so you see if there’s any way a little bit more can be added to the job scope. Maybe you really want to add a guest room to the interior repaint, or you suddenly wish you’d talked about touching up the scuffed trim along the stairway. 

A crew leader also might notice something that should be taken care of while they’re there. For example, a missing piece of trim to replace, or some wood rot along your eaves that should be addressed before it spreads. 

An AWO isn’t an upsell - it’s an opportunity for efficiency

Here are a few key benefits, and we’ve also mixed in a couple of tips to keep in mind:

1. You get the best value from having the most work done possible at one time. In other words, inviting your painters back for 3 separately scheduled painting projects is less efficient and more costly than investing in one larger project. That makes an AWO a wise move if you like your painting company and they have the bandwidth to expand your project.
2. Clear and detailed estimates are all-important. If the details regarding what’s included (and what isn’t) aren’t spelled out, there can be a lot of confusion and frustration for all parties involved. If your painting company does offer an AWO, or you ask for one, make sure you receive a separate proposal that outlines exactly what that additional work involves and costs. 
3. Keep in mind that this is not an opportunity for scope-creep. Your painters are busy and have other commitments to honor, so please don’t consider this a way to just add things on while your painter is there anyway. A good painting company will do everything they can to help, but being as upfront and transparent about your needs and goals as possible is important. In turn, if they propose an AWO they should be ready to honor and follow through on whatever new work you agree to. 
4. A well-planned AWO is a chance for increased value and efficiency. When you change the oil in your car, your mechanic checks all the fluids, right? Or when you rotate your tires you might check the brakes at the same time while the wheels are already off? It’s a similar idea. 

How often do painters offer AWOs?

It depends quite a bit on their availability. Wintertime, when the schedule is typically lighter, greatly increases your chance of being able to add onto your initial job scope. Your painter will do everything they can to help during the busier times of year too, but there will naturally be some limits on what they can offer without scheduling a separate project.

Our best advice is to think (in advance) of everything on your painting wishlist. Your painting estimator will help anticipate potential AWOs as well, proposing different ideas and suggestions as needed. Overall, communication and clear documentation are essential.

Have more questions? Contact us at Jondec Painting! We’d love to help with your next project, offering a no mess, no stress experience.