Painting Estimate Template

How to Estimate a Paint Job

Different painters charge differently. Some charge per square foot and some charge per hour. If you’re just getting started, it may help to try both methods before deciding which works best for you. You may try charging per hour, for example, and find that you work quickly so you’re earning less than a painter who charges by the square foot despite delivering a similar quality of work.

Paint Job Estimate Calculators

This online calculator can help with estimating the cost of an interior paint job. This one can help you estimate the cost of an exterior job. If you use online calculators, make sure that first, you have such details as square footage, number of doors and windows, and whether the ceilings and moldings need painting. (If the ceilings need painting, make sure to find out whether they’re vaulted or a standard height. High ceilings can increase the cost by 9% per foot.)

Average Cost of Interior Paint Job

The average price of an interior paint job is $1,900. The size of a space determines the price of a paint job. Generally, interior paint jobs cost between $2 and $6 per square foot.

Average Cost of Exterior Paint Job

The average cost of an exterior paint job is $3,000. The average cost per square foot is between $1.50 and $4.

Factors to Consider When Estimating a Paint Job

In addition to noting the number of doors and windows, as well as whether ceilings and moldings will need painting, there are some other factors to consider when estimating a paint job. If you’ll need to move heavy furniture away from the walls, tack on a fee. If the walls are textured — for example, if they have “popcorn” or uneven surfaces — then they will require more paint and therefore it’s reasonable to increase the estimated cost. If the walls are dark, they’ll require more coats of paint and thus more time. Consider also whether the house is difficult to access.

Why Site Visits are Important

Like movers, painters tend to do a site visit before estimating the cost of a project. This is because painters need to know the exact measurements and dimensions of the space they’re painting, as well as the condition of the walls.

Cost of Paint

The cost of paint generally ranges from $15 to $80 per gallon, but painting contractors often get a discount at their local store. It’s in a store’s best interest to lower the cost for contractors because they will return often. If you haven’t already, make sure to ask about a contractor’s discount at your local hardware store. In order to determine the cost of paint needed for a specific job, ask the customer what type of paint they want you to use. It helps to bring a color palette if they haven’t already decided on this. Next, determine the square footage of the space being painted. Multiply the cost per gallon by the square footage to determine the cost of paint.

What to Include in a Painting Estimate

• Painter’s contact information
• Date
• Square footage being painted
• Project description (e.g. whether job is interior or exterior, whether ceilings and moldings are included)
• Estimated labor cost
• Cost of paint
• Cost of other materials (tape, primer, caulking, etc.)
• Markup to cover overhead (e.g. travel, insurance)