Painting estimate template

Painting estimate FAQ

What goes on a painting estimate?

Surface area (square footage of walls, ceilings, trim), prep work (scraping, sanding, caulking, drywall repair, primer), paint product + sheen + brand, number of coats, color count, trim/baseboard/door treatment, ceilings (if included), and warranty. Surface prep is typically 30-60% of total labor and the line item that distinguishes a quality painter from a discount painter.

How do painters price by square footage?

Interior: $2-$6/sq ft of floor area for walls only, $3-$8/sq ft if ceilings included, with per-foot premiums for trim and doors. Exterior: $1.50-$4/sq ft of siding for one-coat, $2.50-$7/sq ft for two coats with full prep. Per-room flat rates ($150-$700/room depending on size and prep) are common on smaller residential jobs. Whatever method you use, document the calculation on the estimate so the homeowner sees the math.

Should I quote primer separately?

Yes, primer is its own labor + materials cost. Note when primer is required: bare wood, repaired drywall, dramatic color change (dark over light), oil-painted surfaces being painted with latex. Some homeowners try to skip primer to save money; clearly stating which surfaces require it (and why) prevents arguments mid-job. List as a separate line item with the brand and tinted-or-not.

How many coats should the estimate include?

Two coats is industry-standard for residential interior; one coat is acceptable on touch-up or refresh of same color (and even then, two coats look better in most light). Three coats may be needed for dark-to-light color changes or red/yellow color shifts. State coat count explicitly: "Two coats Sherwin-Williams Emerald, eggshell finish." One-coat estimates that look cheaper than competitors usually mean cheaper paint or skipped prep.

Should I list the paint brand and product?

Yes, every time. Paint quality varies dramatically: Sherwin-Williams Emerald, Benjamin Moore Aura, and similar premium products cost more than cheap contractor paint and last longer. Specifying the product justifies your price against competitors who quote with cheap paint. Some homeowners have brand preferences; surfacing the option lets them upgrade or substitute.

How do I handle color matching and color count?

Most quotes assume up to 2-3 colors per project (walls + trim + accent); additional colors charged per gallon and per labor adjustment. State color limit in the description: "Includes 2 wall colors + trim white + ceiling white. Additional accent colors at $X each." Color matching from existing paint or non-standard chips often costs an extra $20-$50 per gallon at the paint store; pass through to the homeowner.

Should I include drywall repair?

Quote separately. Minor patching (nail holes, small dings) is included in standard prep. Major drywall repair (cracks, holes >1 inch, water damage) is its own line item billed by hours or by patch. State explicitly: "Quote includes nail-hole patching only; major drywall repair quoted separately at $X/hr." Without this distinction, painters get blamed for not fixing drywall problems they didn't agree to fix.

What's standard for painting warranty?

Interior: 2-3 years on workmanship; manufacturer's warranty on paint product (typically lifetime limited from premium brands). Exterior: 5-7 years from quality painters using premium paint, 1-2 years from budget painters. Specify what voids it (substrate failure, mechanical damage, fading from extreme sun exposure on south-facing walls). Add it to the terms on every estimate.