Things to Consider When Estimating a Painting Job

Posted by on Aug 19, 2016 in Paint Contractor, Painting | Comments Off on Things to Consider When Estimating a Painting Job

It is critical to come up with the right price for painting a building whether you are bidding or not. If your rates are too low, you will not make any profits, and if your rates are again too high, there is a strong possibility that you’ll miss out on the job. One must know the final price you quote includes the cost of materials, wages scale, and other expenses incurred.

painting stripes

Factors to consider when assessing a painting job:

  1. Appraise the job. Visit the project site and evaluate whether it will be a quick job or a long lasting job. One can achieve this through studying the surface texture of the walls, how high the walls are, see whether there is the presence of indoor built fixtures and whether there are some obstructions such as hose mounts.
  2. Calculating the square footage this helps one to achieve the most accurate assessment of paint amounts required to complete fully the task given, one may get the total square footage using the basic formula which is

Area= length*width

Where by one finds the: length by adding the length of all four walls together and subtracting 20 and 15 square feet per door and window respectively also this step applies for the width.

  1. Calculating the paint needs. This calculation depends on the square footage of the architectural plan and plan of using two coats of paints. According to research, it shows that a gallon of paint will cover approximate 300 to 350 for textured or rough walls, and 350 to 400 square feet on the smooth surface. You also need to include an extra 10% of the total paint used, as wastage.
  2. Factoring the cost of consumables. Consumable costs include all the expenses to be included in the painting job such as the cost of items like masks, booties, paper painters tape, cleaning supplies, and other disposables.
  3. The labor supply this includes both the non-skilled semi-skilled and skilled workforce in that a very experienced artist completes the job quickly and efficiently done then a new painter.
  4. Factoring in the indirect cost incurred. If it is an organization or a business entity, you must have a definite overhead amount you need to account for and include it in labor cost.
  5. Taking into consideration current market rates for the area and client base. Establishing the market rates should involve a professional where who tries to figure out applicable exchange rates by using the following methods: the cost of living analysis index, which is evaluated by assessing the amount of time you need as a professional and finding out what the painters in the area charge by requesting a ballpark quote. Also, remember contractors will bid competitively that’s not higher than the competition unless when other factors are included such as high quality which makes a marked superiority.
  6. Take note that experience counts a lot. An experienced painter is more expensive than someone who is new to the market. These rates vary because the qualified individual familiarized with the job and he knows how to handled challenges when they arise and how to avoid obstacles.