How to Make a Painting Estimate

Write out your painting estimate professionally.

Getting a look at the job is crucial to drafting an accurate painting estimate. Take the time to go to a customer's location and view the job in person. This can eliminate miscalculations on your part as you figure how much time and material it will take you to complete a job. Carefully consider all of the contingencies related to finishing the job on time.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Go to the customer's house or other location to be painted. Do not give prices over the phone because there will likely be problem areas that you will need to see in person to properly bid. Bring paper and pen with you to take notes. Bring a calculator with you to help you quickly figure items like the number of gallons of paint you will need, the surface area to cover or to add up the total square footage to be covered.

2. Look closely at the amount of surface preparation required for each surface to be painted. Look for holes, water damage, mold, dirt, cracks, peeling paint, glossy surfaces that should be sanded, furnishings and other items that will need to be covered and other items that will require prep work.

3. Ask the customer questions about the job. Find out about colors, textures and sheens the customer wants, the brand and quality of paint to be used and other specifics of the paint to be applied.

4. Write the estimate of the amount of time you are going to spend on the job. This includes preparation, painting and cleanup. Multiply your hourly rate by the estimated number of hours. Calculate the costs of your material, including paint, plastic, tape, caulk, equipment rental and other supplies and costs. Add the material and equipment costs to your hourly rate. If your business has additional overhead or expenses, add these costs into the price as well. Overhead costs can include gas to and from jobs, phone or advertising expenses. Give costs for different options of work to be done if the customer is not sure exactly what he wants done.

Tips & Warnings

• Let experience be your guide when trying to figure out how much paint to use instead of just a formula. Each paint has its own spread rate, but the wall to be covered may require more paint. For example, a heavily textured wall will likely require more paint than one that is not. The type and sheen of paint currently on the wall can also affect a paint's spread rate. Color choices and type of paint to be used are important to tell you how many coats are necessary. The spread rate for each coat may also be different.

References

• House Painting Info: How Do I Bid a Paint Job