How to estimate a paint job in 4 steps

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. 

Knowing how to estimate a paint job properly can help you avoid undercharging for your hard work. Moreover, it will help you quote reasonable rates that clients would be willing to pay, given the amount of work required. 

How to write an estimate for a paint job 

Step 1: Visit the site and identify the project requirements. 

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.

Step 2: Measure the area. 

Get a tape measure or a laser measurement device, then measure the paint area. Then, estimate how much paint you’ll need. A can of paint costs £20-£100, and one litre of paint can cover around 10m². This handy wall painting calculator can help you work out how much paint you’ll need for your project. Simply enter the dimensions of the walls and the areas to exclude, such as skirting boards and windows. 

Step 3: Estimate the 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. Learn more from our painter salary guide. 

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 

Step 4: Add your 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. 

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.  

Earn money painting now on Airtasker.  

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!