How Much Would a Painter Charge to Paint a House?
A painting estimate takes into consideration many factors, including the size and type of job and the painter's experience level. The estimation is usually based on the number of man hours a painter will work, the amount of materials needed and the cost per unit of both. Does this Spark an idea?
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Experience
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The experience level of a painter will be a determining factor in how much a painter will charge. If the painter has painted many expensive houses, his cost will be higher than a freelance, part-time painter.
Preparation
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Walls that contain a lot of damage (holes, dents and other damaged surfaces) will require more preparation and increase the number of man hours it will take to complete the job.
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Detailed Surfaces
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Detailed trimming and unusually shaped walls will increase the amount of time it will take to paint the surface, as each edge must be painted with a paintbrush (meticulous edging takes more time).
Surface Area
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The square footage of the surface you are painting will determine how much paint you need. One gallon of paint typically covers 400 square feet, equivalent to one 10-by-15 foot room with 8-foot ceilings. Some colors require additional coats.
Cost of Materials
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Paint usually costs between $10 to $50 per gallon, depending on quality. Multiplying the cost of paint by the surface area painted will provide you with an estimate of material costs.
Cost of Time
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A typical 10-by-15 foot room usually takes about 4 hours to paint the trim and apply the first coat. In May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly wages of wage and salary painters were $15.85 (not including self-employed). However, this does not cover costs of operation, so a safer hourly rate estimate is $25 to $30.
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References
- Photo Credit paint image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
