How to estimate a paint job

Learning how to write a painting estimate may seem daunting, but you can get the hang of it eventually. The process includes measuring the area that needs painting, estimating business costs, and setting your markup. 

This guide will walk you through all you need to know to write a reasonable paint job estimate for any painting project. 

Factors to consider in your painting estimate 

1. Cost of painting materials 

It’s best to visit the site before giving a painting estimate. During the site visit, make it a point to ask your client:

• Which areas need to be painted? Will it just be the walls or also the ceiling, trim, and doors? 
• Do you have any paint type and colour preferences?
• Will you provide the painting materials? 
• What type of finish do you prefer? 

You’ll also need to check how much prep work you’ll do before painting the area. A new house will need more paint and caulk vs. simply repainting existing work. 

Asking the above questions will help you estimate the painting costs and set a reasonable profit margin.

2. Area measurements 

Get a tape measure or a laser measurement device, then measure the paint area. For example, here’s how you would estimate your paint costs according to the area size. 

Paint can cost as little as $14 per litre, depending on the brand and type of paint. Then, estimate how much paint you’ll need to cover the area. A litre of paint typically covers 12 square metres, although this can vary depending on the type of paint you’re using. 

3. Painting labour costs 

Whether you’re working alone or hiring a team to help you, you’ll need to calculate the labour cost. Painters may charge per square foot, by the hour, or per day. 

Expect to pay more for labour if the painting job will take some extra work and materials, such as: 

• Extensive prep work (e.g., peeling woodwork that needs to be fixed, paint stripping, and unfastening  fixtures)
• Difficult access to some areas of the house (e.g., high ceilings indoors and trees obstructing exterior walls)
• Multiple coats of paint (e.g., when repainting a dark-coloured wall) 
• Painting a new house that will require more prep time 

4. Markup 

Finally, calculate how much markup or profit margin you want to get. Make sure your markup covers overhead costs, insurance, transportation, and other business costs. You’ll want to keep this margin low enough to be competitive yet high enough to do justice to your efforts! 

For example, if materials and labour currently cost you $800 and you want a 25% markup, you’ll need to charge an extra $200. 

• $800 - Materials and labour
• $200 - Markup (25% of $800 cost)
• $1,000 - Total project cost (materials + labour + markup) 

You can also consider rounding up your figures at the end. This markup gives you an allowance for extra materials you may need along the way or protective equipment a project may suddenly require. 

Now, you can move on to the next step: Finding painting jobs and sending quotes.  

What to do next with your painting estimate? Take on some painting jobs! 

Once you know how to estimate painting jobs, you can more confidently quote a fair price for your labour, no matter how complex the request. Sign up on Airtasker now to find painting jobs near you. Many fulfilling and well-paying painting jobs are out there for you. Quote a good price (for you and your client) and win work in no time!