Exterior Painting Estimate Template
An exterior painting estimate provides prospective customers with the probable expense associated with an exterior painting job. When delivering an estimate, exterior painters should first develop a scope of work, then calculate the anticipated costs to complete that work, and finally, add a reasonable profit margin. Although the figure in an estimate is not binding, creating an accurate estimate will help maintain customers.
Exterior Painting Estimate Contents
Estimates should always reflect the specific needs of a particular project. But there are some sections that clients will usually expect to find when selecting an exterior painter.
General Information
The best way to begin an estimate is with general information that identifies the parties involved along with other basic facts about the project. Beginning with general information and working toward finer detail makes for an intuitive layout. Here are some items of general information that might be good to include:
- Contractor or company performing the work and contact info
- Customer or client and contact info
- Location / address where work is to be performed
- Approximate start and completion dates
Scope of Work
The importance of a clear description of the scope of work cannot be overstated. This helps to avoid miscommunication and subsequent disagreement between contractor and client. And, it is the foundation upon which the cost portion of the estimate is built. The scope of work should be as detailed as necessary to provide an accurate description. Here is an example that might be used for painting the exterior of a commercial building:
- Sand blast exterior walls
- Repair cracks
- 1 coat primer, 15,000 square feet
- Brand and type of primer
- 2 coats paint, 15,000 square feet
- Brand, type, and color of paint
- Paint window frames and doors
- Brand, type, and color of paint
- Cleanup
Line Items With Associated Costs
Once the scope of work has been established, overall cost can be determined by listing each of the items and steps necessary to complete the job and including their individual costs. Here are some things that might apply to a commercial or residential exterior painting estimate:
- Abrasive blasting
- Permits
- Materials for prep
- Siding and stucco repair
- Prep labor
- Paint, quantity and color
- Painting tools
- Equipment rental
- Labor
- Profit margin
- Total cost
Payment Terms
Some jobs will be paid in full, upon completion. Others may require the customer to pay an upfront percentage as a deposit before work begins. Whatever the arrangement, it should be clearly spelled out in the estimate.
Estimating Prep Work
In new construction, there will likely not be any landscaping when the painting gets done. Existing homes, however, may have plants growing against walls and flower beds to avoid while painting. A house may be located on rough terrain and difficult to work around. Prep work is the largest task in most painting projects. Anything that will prolong the preparation phase should be identified early. An accurate estimation of the prep work required on a given job will help ensure profitability.
How to Use the Exterior Painting Estimate Template
To use the exterior painting estimate template, simply download and fill out. Or use our free estimate generator.