House Painter Forum

Professional Painters => Professional Painters and associated Trades Forum => Topic started by: painter bob on February 15, 2007, 10:24:16 PM

Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: painter bob on February 15, 2007, 10:24:16 PM
Moderator's note; I've found this thread invaluable just this morning and believe it should stay at the top of the page along with these other important threads...I appreciate all who contributed to it, and you all should feel free to continue.

Eric...the PAINTSMITH

Bob's original question;

I have been in this business just over a year and need advise on bidding jobs.  I have bidded jobs by the job and hourly.  What is the right way to bid a room.  For example I have a job I am now bidding that is 13x17 walls and ceiling no woodwork.  Any advice on the best way to bid?
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: ProWallGuy on February 15, 2007, 11:01:37 PM
Proper way to bid is by using yor own historical production rates, along with your predetermined hourly rate, plus overhead and profit. These are all fairly tough to get a handle on, and even harder to try to explain it on a forum. I suggest getting a couple books and reading up on the subject. One would be "Markup & Profit" by Michael Stone. Also, the PDCA has several good books on running a paint company. Check out "The Business of Painting", and their "Estimating Guides", Vol 1. & 2.

Plus, search this forum, lots of good info in here.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on February 16, 2007, 09:03:20 AM
PWG gives some good advice. If you're going to run a business it's best to know every facet, including the mundane (and often confusing) office work...The books aren't exactly bibles to be taken lierally, but guidelines to adjust your business to...There are excellent business templates in the books, including some estimating gems.

Every job is different to one degree or another. One of my peeves has always been those contractors who take their figures solely from a floorplan or blueprint. Some of them never learn.

Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: DavidHenshaw on February 16, 2007, 02:27:00 PM
In detail, this is what I do.

I make sure the customer is there to show me the job and tell me what they want done. This is where I eliminate all possible misunderstandings about what they want to accomplish. Leave nothing to your own descretion and get the customer to make a decision about all aspects of the job. Of course as you do this you are making whatever notes are necessary.

I use a yellow legal pad on a clipboard. I draw a little sketch of the room and then take measurements. Your room was 13 x 17  so I mark these on the sketch with a note of the height of the ceiling. I then get the total lineal feet. 13 + 13 + 17 + 17. I multiply the result by the height of the ceiling. This is the gross square footage of the room, 480 sq feet.  Now I subtract the sq footage of windows and doors. Usually 21 sq ft for each door and about 12 sq ft for each window, but this can vary. Anyway get the total sq ft of these items and subtract them from the gross sq ft you got above. Lets say we end up with a net of 435 square feet for wall area.

If the ceiling is to be painted I then add the ceiling sq footage, in our example 227 sq ft.  I now add the ceiling and walls and get 662 sq feet. I then multiply the total sq ft by 70 cents per square feet, which gives me $463. This is my base charge which I adjust up or down based on the job particulars.

Items which generate a credit:
      Room is empty of furniture or has very easily moved items
      Repeat customer, easy to deal with, no question on payment
      No repairs necessary
      No need to prime
      Very slight color change, one coat will do, etc, etc.

Items which raise the estimate.
      Pretty much the opposite of the above items


Your base rate will depend on your geographic area and the individual neighborhood your working in. If you're in a custom built home with five bedrooms and seven baths its going to be different than a neighborhood where the homes sell for 100,000 or less.

Lastly, in my opinion its important to do this and do it in the customers presence. If you ask intelligent questions and make thoughtfull suggestions the customer will be more likely trust you to do the job right and pay what your asking for. I always tell the customer the steps I'll be doing from start to finish and that I'll be using premium paint from BM or SW and that it sells for $40 or whatever per gallon and the job will require about so many gallons. I always tell the customer that the end result will be beautiful and after all "this is your home." Yea we gotta do a little selling.

If you do all this, you'll have the numbers to support your quote.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: TallyPainter on February 16, 2007, 02:29:10 PM
I used to spend hours trying to come up with the perfect formula for making money and still getting the jobs.  Since I live in the mid-west I also tried to adjust my rates for a bad winter.  Things were still not coming out right.

After banging my head against the wall for too long, I figured out what the problems were.
 
 First my hourly rate was solid, but I kept second guessing it, in other words I found  too many excuses to lower it for this and that reason, IF YOU GET ALL THE JOBS YOU BID, YOUR TOO LOW.   Find a rate for residential, and maybe a slightly different one for commercial and stick too it.  I have had many people say no at first then call back a week or so later.  Also, if your doing a job too low your tied up for the good one that comes along.  

The second problem was I was using my hourly rate to do estimates, but I needed to set a minimum.  I was doing too many small jobs.  Everything starts at a four hour minimum.  Most people understand, and if its really small, I”ll offer to do something else, a closet for example.  Let’s face it, if you paint a three hour bedroom, your probably not going to get another job started that day.  

Since your original question was advise on getting the bid.  Always use a written proposal out lining the job, how you plan to protect non painted areas, what type of paint you plan too use etc.  I’ve gotten many jobs were I was higher, but had a written proposal and references.    

Also, even if your bidding interior jobs, offer them a list of homes to drive by that you’ve painted in the last few years.  Start working on a picture book of before and after photo’s.  

Also, as Eric said, keep track of your own production rates, I even make notes as too the size of job, how many windows, surface type, even what type of mood I was in the day I did the job.  Don’t forget to account for set up and clean up time.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on February 16, 2007, 05:13:07 PM
Also, as Eric said, keep track of your own production rates

Sorry Darrell, that was ProWallGuy, not me...But I'll take the credit if you're stubborn about it!! ;D 8)
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Artisan J on February 17, 2007, 11:41:56 AM
so, David Henshaw, in summary of your pricing method and end price for a ceiling and walls you would end up charging about 80 cents to 1 dollar per sq.ft with profit, overhead, and materials added to the 70 cents a sq. ft?

Is that price 70 cents a sq. ft just for walls and ceilings and you charge less for the wall sq. footage price if your not doing the ceiling? Thanks for the post by the way. It really helps me to understand exactly what I have been doing right and wrong in my estimating system!

Post more info. if you can about pricing int. jobs or ext. jobs sq.ft pricing because it really helps. I think so many in this industry don't share that stuff because they feel like they won't get any work!

How did you get to that 70 cents a sq. ft. price by the way? any specific method? like labor hours times price per hour divided by sq.footage or something like that?

Thanks again!  ;D :o ;)
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: D. Berry on February 17, 2007, 12:18:11 PM
My question is the same as Artisan J, David.  Obviously the .70 a sq. ft. is an arbitrary figure not set in stone, but how did you arrive at it?   I've never seen anyone give a set figure other than on new construction.  Your information was good. 
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: DavidHenshaw on February 17, 2007, 04:50:20 PM
Like most things in life estimating is not science. Seventy cents just seems to be a good figure for residential repaints. The seventy cents assumes two coats on the walls as standard practice. Having said that, seventy cents a square foot is not what I charge to paint walls or ceilings. It is just a benchmark that helps me get a handle on the size of the job. Specifically, in my earlier post I came up with a base figure of $463. Depending on the adjustments of that particular job I would be quoting anywhere from $350 to $550. I recently quoted a ceiling for $450 that would have been $275 except for the height on one side going to 21 feet. New construction is a totally different ballgame for all the obvious reasons.

As a final check on my numbers I try to estimate how much I'm going to spend on paint, supplies, fuel and the rest. Then how long is it going to take me to complete the job and what is my expected profit. And finally is the expected profit going to be worth the trouble.

In estimating/quoting being thorough is everything. You will never get paid a penny for items that you forget or omit. That's the reason I emphasize going over the job carefully with the customer present. The customer doesn't know what will be required to make the job come out first rate. Here's where you have to explain what the options are for different repairs and/or other problems so they will understand why it's going to cost this much.

I don't think there is such a thing as a "correct" quote for any job. But I do think it's helpful and professional to go through the steps I mentioned before. It will make you look professional in the eyes of the customer. I think it also makes them more inclined to accept your calculated price as being reasonable or fair.

Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Roadog on February 17, 2007, 05:43:52 PM
I dont bother deducting windows and doors. Except for figuring how much paint I need. I figure most the work, (after prep) is cutting in the windows and doors. As for 70 cents a sq ft......its about a $1.30 too low for my neck of the woods!
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: rmichael on February 17, 2007, 06:21:11 PM
Using the common drywaller equation 3.5 X floor space.. a 70 cent actual sf breaks down to about $2.45 sf heated floor space. IMO a fair bid for the 13X17 common prep and 2 coats walls plus ceiling would be about $900. That is about $4.08 sf floor space, and yes, you may not get the job...  ;)
 
As David points out there are a lot of factors that should be included when figuring a bid, and 
IMO, it is a common mistake to think that repaints should price out less than new construction.

rmichael
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: painter bob on February 17, 2007, 10:10:46 PM
Hello everyone,

This information has been really helpful.

Thanks to all for your replies.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Artisan J on February 18, 2007, 01:13:01 AM
i think that your opinion earlier on in this post of 4 $ a sq. ft for that job is VERY expensive!!!,atleast for my area! i can't even imagine giving a bid for that price at all, but hey, if you can sale that job for that than great! 1 coat=40 cents a sq., 2 coats=75 cents a sq. and final selling price is about 55-65 cents a sq.ft. That is walls only and INCLUDES materials. Fair or unfair? any opinions... :-\
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: brushworks on February 18, 2007, 08:31:23 AM
This is what worked for me, and still does with windows and doors.

One rule to follow:

Never sell the way you buy.

Never assume a clients budget or what they are willing to pay for professional services. A painter, if he qualifies, is a professional service provider. He or she is entitled to a fair price for a valuable service.

A knowledgeable, qualified painter is worth every bit of $2.75 sf and, if the job requires more to produce a professional finish, he or she is entitled to more.

Our clients expected to pay at least $2.75 sf for a general repaint, little prep, like color, two coats. However, when we repaired, sanded entire walls, primed and two coats, we charged up to $4.75 sf. They knew this and signed for it after the presentation. We always got $4.75 sf when using full spectrum paints because it required extensive prep, primer and two coats of full spectrum paints.

The price is justified by your professional results! A client will not regret paying higher prices when they see your good works!

Perception is a reality most of the time. Offer a good, better, best repaint and watch your profits grow. There's something about clients pride that urges them to go at least better, not good. There is also the client who chooses the best over the rest.. :)

Note: I know some fellows who would rather do a quick, cheap repaint so that they can get to another job. Let me ask you. Would you rather do one job at $4.25 sf or run to three for .75 a sf.?

As a professional painter and businessman/woman, it's your responsibility to offer your client the best service and product and let them decide if they wish to drop the price by deducting steps or product quality.

I also realize that some geographical locations may dictate a lower price. In that case, seek out the clients who can afford to pay your prices. Every location has the folks who have all the gold. Find them!

I don't advertize my prefinished wood windows in the Cleveland city proper. I advertise them in Shaker Heights, Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Chagrin Falls, etc. Old money, huge houses with tons of windows!

Sell! You're a professional and you deserve to be paid a fair price!

Michael
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 18, 2007, 10:41:35 AM
Right on Michael I believe some of these guys are under valuing their skills.

(Thanks for including us ladies that are pro. painters.)

Lynjo
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Jared on February 18, 2007, 10:57:17 AM
Quote
Note: I know some fellows who would rather do a quick, cheap repaint so that they can get to another job. Let me ask you. Would you rather do one job at $4.25 sf or run to three for .75 a sf.?

I believe this is the most apt statement made in this whole thread.  (Not to devalue any other info, it's all good...  but this is the "hidden gem" among the rest of the good info here, IMO.)
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: rmichael on February 18, 2007, 11:35:19 AM
I do understand Michael's recommendation of "staged" pricing and I agree that it can be a tool for selling a paint job. However, I have never approached a job with anything less than high quality results in mind, and I price it accordingly.
Your reputation for quality depends entirely on the end result. Once that reputation is established you can market the higher cost of quality as a value to your customers. I see no need to compete with one's self during the sit down.

rmichael
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: brushworks on February 18, 2007, 11:43:05 AM
Michael

Staged pricing is a fact of life. But, it's not on the table unless Mr. Jones asks for it. So yes, you are 100% correct. Always the best...unless.. ;)

And, a price reduction is always at the sacrifice of the client, not the painter.

Michael
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Artisan J on February 18, 2007, 12:24:30 PM
I think that it is important to recognize the HOW of sq.footage bidding.!

There are two types;

1. Actual Sq. Foot measurements and therefore actual sq.foot prices. This means a room that is 10x15x8(lengthxwidthxheight)=(10+15)X2X8=400 sq.feet. This is the ACTUAL square feet of the surfaces you are estimating to prep and paint. This price usually is somewhere between 75 cents to 85 cents a sq. foot, including materials.

2. Heated Floor Sq.foot measurements are the length x's the width of the room. That is 150 sq.ft in our room example above. This price is usually around 2.50 to 4.50 a sq. foot depending on materials prices, amount of difficulty of prep and accessibility to the surfaces and other misc. details of the job!

Price differs... who in their right mind would paint a 400 sq. ft room @ 75-85 cents for HEATED floor sq footage? That equals 112.50$, instead of the actual sq.foot price of 300-375$?

I think we need to keep in mind the differences here!
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: MPPainting on February 18, 2007, 05:35:54 PM
I just wanted to add my "two cents".  I was at a job fair the other day and I found out that most of the large home builders in my area only want to pay about $1.35-$1.45 a sq ft and you have to provide the paint! 
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 18, 2007, 06:00:42 PM
That is exactly why we very seldom work for building contractors. They are trying to make a huge profit on our work, they charge their client at least double for the painting & don't lift a finger or provide any supplies. All they provide is a big headache pushing you to finish in a hurry. Maybe one day painting contractors will wise up to the GC's. They have no loyalty, they will take the lowest bidder everytime.  ;D

Lynjo
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: DavidHenshaw on February 19, 2007, 07:16:27 PM
There is a world of difference in painting new construction and doing residential repaints.

A building contractor doesn't care what the results look like within reason. They assume the buyer will repaint anyway. On the other hand an owner (residential repaint) cares a lot about the end results. After all, the repaint is part and parcel with home decorating.

A painter doing residential repaints should be paid quite a bit more because they are providing so many services that the new construction painter is never concerned with. ie,

      Dealing with people in the home
      Protecting furniture and floors, etc
      Consulting on color selection
      Making necessary repairs
     
Once you start dealing with the above and all the other problems not mentioned it's easy to quote the higher price with confidence. Like other post have said, good work gets a reputation and good customers don't mind paying for it.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 19, 2007, 09:17:08 PM
A lot of our clients that have remodeling work done tell the contractor up front they want us to do the painting. They have finally realized it is really cheaper to pay us themselves instead of going through the contractor. They tell them not to include the painting in their remodeling. That is a win win situation for everyone except the GC.

Lynjo
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: BrushJockey on February 19, 2007, 10:23:42 PM
Thats how it goes for me too, Lyn.   Although when you make the GC carpenters look good, it can't be all bad for him!  Some get that part.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Lynjowoman on February 19, 2007, 11:04:54 PM
Yea, but try convincing them of that. Very few will admit that we make their work look better.   ;D 

Lynjo
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: readboutjc on July 31, 2007, 01:43:43 PM
i understand what lynjo means about contractors.  i also am new to the painting business.  have done
it on the side off and on many times in the past.  a contractor just gave me a job of painting some
paneled walls. it took five coats of primer just to keep from bleeding through.  i probably made about
$7 per hour and busted my butt.  however, the customer added a ceiling to paint which i made about
$35 per hour.  now, she wants me to change out her kitchen counter tops and put in a new hardwood
floor.  jobs that were suppose to go to the contractor.  i did an excellent job painting for her and am
making up for my loss in customer satisfaction and additional work.  as a result, this customer will not
use the original contractor again.  i just keep my mouth shut and she adds more work.

i don't know much about estimating, but in order for this work to be worth my while, i need $20 per hour.

i figure $1 a sq ft., 2 coats of paint, includes trim work, not the ceilings, and the customers pays for
materials.  so a 10 x 10 sq ft room would be $100 plus the cost of materials.  materials being paint,
rollers, and paint tray liners. not brushes.  i add a little extra for any obstacles or additional patching needed unless it is minor stuff like nail holes.  the ceiling would be 1/2 that, or $50 plus materials.

or, i charge $2.50 a linear foot.  same difference.

i am not as fast as i would like to be, but i am very meticulous about the outcome.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: tallpaul on July 31, 2007, 03:46:05 PM

Only one comment from me...readaboutjc, you need to give yourself a raise!
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: readboutjc on July 31, 2007, 04:46:26 PM
i would have, except the final cost would have been close to $2000.  it was an elderly lady who has
been caring for her handicapped son for 44 years.  all he can do is eat and walk.  her husband passed
away 5 years ago and nothing has been done to her house for 7 years.  it was one of those jobs that
looked easy at first, but every step of the job led to another problem.  i charged her $850 to paint her
living room, kitchen cabinet doors, wallpaper a small bathroom, wallpaper a half wall in her dining area,
and some miscellaneous work.  it just turned out to be very time consuming, and i am picky.

i felt compassion for her situation.  turned out to my betterment though.  as i said, she had
me paint a ceiling and do a couple odds and ends which i got $250 for and i will be changing her
counter tops and putting in a hardwood floor.  guess i'll work my raise in on those jobs.

another benefit is that she and her daughter give piano lessons at her house, and although i haven't
any commitments yet, 3 people mentioned using me to paint at their homes.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: BrushJockey on July 31, 2007, 04:59:03 PM
I call that philanthropainting, and for me there is a time and a place for it. 

Good work dredging up an old thread though, some have been asking about these kinds of q's lately.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: Stever on July 31, 2007, 08:10:05 PM
I wont touch new construction.

As for those who sell themselves short, I was one of them for a long time, then I did some testing to find out what i should be charging. Test your market. Who cares what others are charging, they don't matter. Slowly increase your bid (whether you use an hourly base or sq.ft base) with each quote you give till you get the feeling that price is starting to get in the way of getting the jobs. Thats where your price point lies.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: tallpaul on July 31, 2007, 08:36:48 PM
Right on Michael I believe some of these guys are under valuing their skills.

(Thanks for including us ladies that are pro. painters.)

Lynjo


I absolutely agree with this statement!!

readaboutjc, I wasn't referring to that particular job. I understand helping people out. I recently did a job for an ederly lady and ended up making less than I have ever made per hour since I have been on my own. I've also done a number a jobs for little or no money. I was commenting about painting a 10 x 10 room 2 coats, walls and trim for $100. You sound like you are well experienced and I'm sure you do a great job. I would assume you are an honest & trustworthy man. I don't know where you live but you should be able to get way more than that.
I know we all do things differently and no one's way of estimating will work for everyone else. I just believe that if you have a lot of experience in a specialized trade you should be charging accordingly. I have recently started realizing that with my 16+ years experience (plus a business degree) that I am worth as much as people are willing to pay. And that figure has been going up dramatically in the past few years. And with those prices I have still been getting jobs, in fact July was my best month EVER!!!!!! Don't sell your self short!
I'm also glad you drummed up this old post b/c I think I am going to start figuring up what my prices are per sq/ft and maybe streamlining my estimates a little.
Title: Re: bidding interior paint jobs
Post by: readboutjc on August 01, 2007, 09:24:52 AM
thanks for the input.  i believe i will raise my prices.  right now my customers are mostly very
wealthy and they're friends.  my wife and i owned a coffee shop at one time and i am trying to
reestablish connections with my old regular customers.  the intent is to create a network of
clientele that will keep my busy and won't haggle over money.  i figure if someone questions
how much i charge, then they will question everything.  i am not sure what locals charge for
the work they do here in the roxboro/durham north carolina area.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: MacPaint on February 16, 2008, 10:17:59 AM
I just bid a new construction, commercial job for $.75 per sq. plus stock.

I can spray the ceilings, (some will not be sprayed as they are drop paneled) and the base will be vinyl cove. The building has no finished floors, furniture or fixtures at all.

I used .40 for the initial priming and .35 for finish, which goes on quicker.

I figure jobs this way, then go back and figure time + materials=total.

Although this somewhat doubles my quoting process time, if the numbers mesh, I normally feel good about the estimate.

In this case, I figured 2 days on ceilings, then 3.5 days on priming and 3.5 days finish. I always add a full day for t/u and clean-up.
10 days (7-hour days) @$30= $2,100.00 plus paints & primers.

This method worked well -- my sq. ft. price was identical.
 :o

BTW: I am currently out of work and have been for a few weeks. My town had a building boom from 2002-2006 and then the bottom fell out. So, the economy is tanked here.
I could travel into DC/Arlington/Alexandria and make great $$, but this job is 15-minutes away.
A few Gs will get me out of the hole I'm in!
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Marion on February 23, 2008, 05:18:56 PM
Mac,

That's bit low.  But considering your local economy, I understand.  Best of luck man!
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: jmda on March 17, 2008, 11:01:49 AM
I love this topic.  New to the site.  I started my company with a friend almost a year ago, and learned a lot about bidding through trial and error.  We lost a few bids by being almost double the competitors price on a couple jobs.  We got a lot better, but would usually walk in or around (if exterior) mentally measure the walls and judge how long to paint and how much paint then come up with a number.

That has changed now that I partnered with someone that has been in business 15 years.  We measure walls (using a laser measurement tool - impresses clients) and then using a dollar figure per coat on square footage and a dollar figure on linear foot of trim.  Openings get a fixed amount.  The numbers are not important because they work in Louisville, KY, but would be way low in say Chicago or maybe high in some other markets.  IMO it is still an art rather than a science - the measurements help, but every job is different.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: VancouverPainter on May 06, 2008, 07:45:30 PM
On simple residential homes I figure out how many hours it will take to do each task and than multiply that by our hourly rate. Than add in materials and sales tax.  This is a very basic formula but the funny thing is I can cross reference my figures against other formula's and end up at nearly the same prices.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on May 10, 2008, 06:27:53 AM
On simple residential homes I figure out how many hours it will take to do each task and than multiply that by our hourly rate. Than add in materials and sales tax.  This is a very basic formula but the funny thing is I can cross reference my figures against other formula's and end up at nearly the same prices.

I use this method for prep phases and setup/teardown labor, but still use a price per square to estimate application.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Frankie on May 21, 2008, 02:54:12 PM
On simple residential homes I figure out how many hours it will take to do each task and than multiply that by our hourly rate. Than add in materials and sales tax.  This is a very basic formula but the funny thing is I can cross reference my figures against other formula's and end up at nearly the same prices.

I use this method for prep phases and setup/teardown labor, but still use a price per square to estimate application.
that's exactly what I do...Painting is incredibly hard to estimate. nothing is cut and dry like so many think .I usually do smaller jobs so it's kind of easy to figure out how long it's going to take me, and how much meterial I am going to need. sometimes I will have allot of the stuff already like caulk/plastic film/ceiling paint/tape & paper/dura-bond/ect. and I will forget to add for that and end up losing some money due to that...
 always make sure you add your inventory to the price. this stuff is costing more and more every day! man have you seen what places are asking for a roll of plastic!....Man!
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Dmax Consulting on October 06, 2008, 08:13:52 PM
You can go work part-time for a paint contractor and they will teach you how to estimate.  Once you learn, take the knowledge and do you own thing.  After you get the idea of how much paint something requires and how much time it will take to paint it, you will get a good idea of how to change stuff as needed.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on October 09, 2008, 05:32:25 AM
You can go work part-time for a paint contractor and they will teach you how to estimate. 

I've worked with and for a number of contractors. No two did their estimating the same. It is a severely confusing and scary process at first, some guys nitpicking every square inch of detail and coming up shorting themselves, some eyeballing the job for fifteen minutes and making out like bandidts. I've also seen the reverse.

But it is rare when a contractor will invite an employee, especially a PT, in to watch his method. Many have no intention of teaching the guy who may well cut his throat on a number of jobs down the line how to wield the knife...

Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: thebrushand on November 07, 2008, 02:34:53 PM
I used to work as a building estimator working from plans (and site visits occasionally). It taught me how to break every job down to its constituent parts in terms of time and materials. It is actually very hard to be that honest!

By that I mean we all want to be faster than we actually are and skip over seemingly unimportant steps like setting up your paint kit, cleaning up etc, and just dream up "a day" or "4 hours" or whatever sounds good. Also, it is a pain to work out how much sandpaper you use, filler, caulk etc per sf or square metre, but if you want to make money, which is afterall the only reason for being a professional painter, you need to list exactly everything involved in a job and put a realistic labour and material rate against it. Better to estimate than guesstimate.

Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Jake on November 07, 2008, 03:51:54 PM
Better to estimate than guesstimate.

You give good advice.

Problem is there's always "this and that" that comes up sometimes (usualy) on a job.

For instance, the job we just finished today ended up costing us way more in materials than we had originaly anticipated in our bid. The clients were changing their minds, wanting to try different things, had us helping them do stuff, etc...

Luckily for us they were super appreciative and realized how much ass we kicked above and beyond for them.

The $500.00 tip they gave us went a long ways towards making up the balance.

They were cool though and so we didn't mind. Although on a lot of jobs before, I've had to tell them (clients) that we were there to paint... Not to do other stuff.

The moral of the story...

Be flex-able.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: canadianpainter on November 27, 2008, 10:24:31 PM
I price jobs as high as I think the customer is willing to pay.  Unfortunately, there's no set formula for figuring that out. lol 

Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: ronkuk on March 11, 2009, 09:14:15 PM
 hi from wisconsin .i need  some help with a bid . i recently looked at a motel/hotel that the owner wants me to recolor the hallways only .the walls are orange peel and in great condition .the walls will need two coats of eggshell, brush and roller . the floors are carpeted with a 4 "base cove on the wall . the doors and door jambs are not getting touched . .the hallways have the typical exit signage, room numbers glued to the walls, [ they cannot be removed ] and wall mounted light fuxtures that can get cut around . i have a helper to assist . the total of the three floors is 24,576 square feet , excluding the doors .the ceiling is suspended tile with a 8ft height.also i would like to know a rough sq .ft. dollar figure for the midwest if anyone can help . i am a small independent two man show , any help will be greatly appreciated. thank you very much for your time and thoughts ....ron            ps . he will furnish the material .
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: jwzumwalt on May 12, 2009, 01:15:25 PM
Seattle Area

Interior
It should always be remembered that local areas may have customs or habits that drastically effect a jobs outcome. I try to bid my first job with a customer at about cost + 25%. The quality speaks for itself. Word of mouth & referrals account for over half my work so the initial impression is necessary for the area I live.

The second job with the same customer is usually cost + 50%. After that I am usually able to use what ever the market will bare; which for me is about cost + 100-125%. Even if another bids matches or slightly beats my bid, the customer will almost always still go with me.

As a rule of thumb,  I use $250 for walls, and $200 for a ceiling; up to about a 15x15 room. Halls and bathrooms are smaller but require more cutting, so the rule still applies (ceiling perhaps $100). If the house is new remodel/construction or empty, a 25% lower adjustment is average. However, new remodel/construction may require one or more primer coats or other factors.

Exterior
As a rule of thumb multiply the living area sq/ft by $1.75. Don't forget to adjust car ports or garages which are not normally part of the square footage given by the realtor. So a ranch 1500sq/ft home would be about $2500.00. If it had a porch or several dormers, etc... It would come in at $3000. As the premium summer months (June -July) come, I find I am still competitive at about  $1.90. A 2300sq/ft two story with garage (few bushes, flat ground, little over spray exposure) would be about $4000.00 :-)

If a job is further than 5 miles from my shop, I add $150 for gas & time. What I consider a "perfect" job is were the material is about 40% the crew gets 25% and I (owner) get 35%. Perhaps 1/4 of my jobs meet ideal criteria.

I believe my prices are about right when I loose about 1 out of 4-5 bids!
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Roadog on May 12, 2009, 03:45:40 PM
Every business is different and every painter has different overhead cost and production rates. If you plan on being in business long, you need to know your production rates and how much you need a sq. ft./hr. to make a living. Plus a profit. So saying that for your hall, most painters on average should be able to cut and roll 250 sq. ft. an hr. (unless your slopping it with an 18 incher) So if you need $50 an hr. to live on and your business expenses then do the multiplication/division. Add materials, and any other niceties you need.
  Without knowing YOUR numbers though, You wont be around long or you will just short change yourself and that isnt good for the trade or you.
Title: Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: JohnAddison on October 05, 2009, 04:12:37 AM
Rollers are Paramount for large areas of interior painting; However, you'll also need small brushes. Buy an angled trim brush.
House Painter Perth. (http://www.keypainting.com.au/perth-house-painters)

 
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: VancouverPainter on October 15, 2010, 07:20:51 PM
Many contractors simply know how long it will take to paint the room and multiply the hours by a numerical factor.   They also will account for the time to estimate, discuss the project, driving time, set up and clean up time, paint store time, etc.. to get a real idea of how many hours this project will take.    It might take you 4 hours to paint a large room, prep, etc.. one man.  But, add in all the other hours to go bid the small job, paint store run, etc.. you might find it is an 8 hour project instead of 4 hours.

You will want to calc your hours by hourly rate.  The hourly rate should compose several factors including wages, payroll insurance and taxes (employer and employee side), insurance, company profit and overhead.   Add it all up and make sure you are comfortable with the bid and submit it. Don't forget to add in the cost of material and supplies.   

This is a very basic approach that works well on repaints.   Than, you can get more sophisticated and do some division to arrive at a square foot price.    Next time you have a very similar paint project you can measure square footage and multiply by your factor.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: tapont71 on November 11, 2010, 06:39:08 PM
I used to bid my jobs based on sq footage but as time progressed and became an efficient painter have realized that it worked better for me to bid per room. I usually just figure out my hourly rate plus materials and misc. items. Now this is only because I know how long it will take me to get the job done. As mentioned in this forum, in order to do that you must know what it takes you to do the job.  I've lost alot of money not bidding right.  But hey, live and learn.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: commonuseriizlizaite on November 20, 2010, 07:32:23 AM
Hello everyone,The information has been really helpful.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: michaelsaam on January 18, 2011, 07:03:51 PM
I have came up with my own formula as well as probably everyone else.  Square Footage is most important.  Every home is different.  Then thing i learned is I have to see every Job to come up with a firm price i dont do prices over the phone.  SOme times i lose business but the price is gonna change when i see you anyways just because i can never visualize the damage or work without a visual inspection.  Plus the client has nothing to lose because i give free estimates.  I do normally get 9 out of every 10 jobs so the guy who said your are wrong if you are gettin all the jobs i disagree hey buddy did 150 repaints the past two years cant complain.  work full time with a 5 man crew.  My business name is Mikes Painting in Fayetteville, NC.. How orginal.  I do square footage, materials, labor and just figure out what i want as a profit and that is my price really about a whole 15 min ordeal unless we are doing other kinds of construction.  www.mikespaintingonline.com (http://www.mikespaintingonline.com)
Title: Q
Post by: Pro-Line Custom Coatings on February 02, 2011, 04:24:13 PM
Hey Everyone...Noob here. ;D
Anyway, been reading through the forums here and have found lots of great information, so thanks to everyone who has contributed thus far.  I am getting ready to present my first quote, and am using Benjamin Moores quote software to help guide me a little....any experience with this software?  I input everything...Labor, Expenses, Overhead, etc...and the quote seemed a little high, but any input would be appreciated.  Here is what the job entails:

Small Bathroom:  approx. 8x8
Remove Wallpaper
Patch/Sand any defects
Prime Walls
2 Finish Coats
Paint Ceiling
Sand Prime and Paint Baseboard

I figured on one day to strip and prep walls and baseboard
and half day to paint and clean up so approximately 13 hours for my guy and roughly3 hours for me
Quote came out to 658.00

any insight would be helpful!  Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: iowapainter on February 25, 2011, 06:23:32 PM
I currently bid work based on time and materials. 35-40 per hour plus materials. I have a $150 minimum charge. If I take the time and show up I think it is fair to be compensated. Just take that figure and take it times the number of guys, hours and you will never get shorted. You may not get all the work, but you will find that if you don't waver on price you will get better work. Where I live the going rate is about $40 per man/hour
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Coveralls on November 03, 2011, 09:53:17 AM
While painting it is a good idea to protect yourself with Disposable Coveralls url removed. Coveralls will help protect you while painting.

While we appreciate the advice, the url is illegal in this context and has little to do with the topic. Please PM me if you disagree.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: nobel on November 04, 2011, 10:35:49 AM
Right on Michael I believe some of these guys are under valuing their skills.
they do well and a conceivable price. not hard to pay.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: chrisn on November 17, 2011, 05:01:14 AM
do you paint?
Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: govind suryawanshi on November 23, 2011, 01:19:58 AM
 hi all,
                 i m very new to this post n business.........and d info that u provided is valuable.......thanks........

Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: MGrif on January 06, 2012, 01:12:19 PM
Hello all

  I'm new to this forum, but not to painting.  I've been an employee in the painting business for over 14 years.  I live in the Midwest and, for the most part, i work on Apartment rental repaints that only require one coat with little prep (they supply the paint, we supply everything else).  I make $10.50/hr and, while i feel fortunate to still have a job, i sometimes feel i'm getting the very short end of the stick and I'm afraid that this is not going to be a viable option for much longer. 

...but enough grumbling.  I've found the information here as to bidding and pricing to be an eye opener.  If i were to get a small business loan secured, i think i could begin to make quite a bit more than i'm making now for about the same amount of work.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: rochele20 on January 23, 2012, 08:17:15 PM
The first thing to do is establish your bottom line or break even price then add profit.


Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: brock on February 03, 2012, 03:23:52 PM
I work at Angie's List. We always recommend getting three bids when hiring an interior painter (http://www.angieslist.com/interior-painting). However, don't always be drawn in by a low bid. Understand your expectations through a detailed estimate, and make sure you have strong communication with your service provider before you decide to hire. This can be as essential as getting a good bid.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: sprayncoat on March 23, 2012, 06:27:59 PM
To work out a per sq ft price, you'll need to know approx how much you can paint in an hour. Now figure out the wage you'd like to get paid. Add the cost of the paint you use in that hour.

eg: 200 sq/hr
$30/hr wage
$20 material used

=$50 per hour / 200 sq = 0.25 per sq ft.

Now keep in mind this is only basic material & labor. For your business to survive, you'll need to calculate your annual overhead, and factor that in as well. Overhead can include vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance,leasing), phone costs, advertising costs, tools & supplies, as well as a profit margin to help your company grow.

Take that number and work it down to a per hour price (how many hours worked per year) add it to the above $50, then divide by your sq/hr to get a final price per sq.ft.

$14400/year overhead
1500 hours worked on site/year
=$9.60/hour overhead.

$59.60 per hr / 200 sq = $0.30 per sq ft. Material & Labor
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: dean king on March 28, 2012, 02:27:47 PM
For myself working out a price depends on most of the factors mentioned
but one i am using more now, with smaller jobs say 6 hrs i have started
charging for a whole day as with so much of a day gone you couldn't really
just go and do 2 hrs somewhere els. so the 6 hrs pays for the whole day.

www.jdppropertymaintenance.co.uk (http://www.jdppropertymaintenance.co.uk)
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Arizonapainter on June 25, 2012, 06:42:55 PM
Thankyou everyone for all of this great info. I'm a "new kid" on the block with only 3 jobs under my belt so far.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: analog414 on February 12, 2013, 04:06:35 PM
Just stumbled on this forum today.

I been painting/handyman for 30 years now. Well established. Bidding is the hardest thing to do. I will not right a price in stone!!! I like to get paid by how long a job takes. There is always more then what meets the eye. So often does a customer add work since I do all the trades (handyman). I will however try to guestimate how long it will take and how much materials will be used.

Take down wallpaper??? I don't know how long that will take. Do you?

If you see anything that needs fixing, fix it.  ;D
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: ProWallGuy on February 13, 2013, 12:18:21 AM


Take down wallpaper??? I don't know how long that will take. Do you?



Yes. I always test an area and determine how long it will take me. Rarely fails.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: rmichael on February 13, 2013, 12:52:32 PM
Stripping wallpaper can be a nightmare or a dream and possibly somewhere in between. Do it on Time & Material but cushion your hourly rate ( it can be labor intensive ). Be aware that a nightmare job will involve skimming the walls after removal, do not include that in the removal price.. price that separately. 
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: the PAINTSMITH on February 13, 2013, 01:11:43 PM
Heh, not near as bad as some of the panelling removal jobs I've had to deal with. A little Liquid Nails goes a long way to ruin a painters day...
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Woodbridgepainters on March 06, 2013, 08:39:36 PM
Hey everyone,

I know in other painting forums it is frowned upon asking about estimating and the going rate so I'm not going to go into detail I'm just going to ask if theres any painters from Central New Jersey that would like to message me and share how they estimate and the approximate range of rates... I'm just starting back up and Im losing jobs left and right.... at first I was told by other contractors that Im too cheap but I'm not getting the jobs then the lower I go I'm still not getting contracts signed...I've tried different ways, I'm looking for the best way to estimate to make the most money without losing my shirt but not killing the customer on price and be in the middle..Thanks!!
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: SwellMagna on April 01, 2013, 06:02:51 AM
roper way to bid is by using yor own historical production rates, along with your predetermined hourly rate, plus overhead and profit. These are all fairly tough to get a handle on, and even harder to try to explain it on a forum. I suggest getting a couple books and reading up on the subject. One would be "Markup & Profit" by Michael Stone. Also, the PDCA has several good books on running a paint company.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Speedy Mike on June 08, 2013, 06:27:04 PM
While there is some nice information in this thread, I find it quite surprising some folks are just giving away their pricing strategy they  have worked so hard to develop. Im not opposed to helping folks new to our trade, I just dont know that I would hand out that kind of information so freely. Maybe Im just old and crotchety...
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: chrisn on June 09, 2013, 03:52:53 AM
While there is some nice information in this thread, I find it quite surprising some folks are just giving away their pricing strategy they  have worked so hard to develop. Im not opposed to helping folks new to our trade, I just dont know that I would hand out that kind of information so freely. Maybe Im just old and crotchety...

that will do it ;D
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: painterdan on December 28, 2013, 02:13:34 AM
Theres some great information here !
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Grateful_Monk on February 10, 2014, 03:19:45 PM
I've been painting the same type of houses inside and out for 18 years. After you do it for so long numbers just pop in your head. For me interiors I do 360 in the room,  estimate hours and material while considering all the variables. When you've done it for so long and you maintain the same crew it pretty easy. I might be a little off one way or the other but it usually averages out at the end of the project.



Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: CLWebb on March 27, 2014, 11:14:50 PM
Hi everyone.

I'd like to thank everyone who has posted so far. A lot of varying opinions and methods, its all very helpful.

Most of my experience so far is exterior work. When I bid interior jobs (only 4 under my belt) I seem to always work longer than I expect. Until now I have been pretty much bidding the same for wall space as I would on an easy to roll exterior wall. That seems to be working for me, but it's all the trim and detail work that gets me.

What bidding methods are you guys using to bid for painting baseboards, molding, hearths, window and doorways, as well as doors? I have another project coming up, and I figured I would just time myself and see how many linear feet I can paint in an hour and adjust it for the projected ability of my current and future hires.

Working in the northwest, it only makes sense for my business to take on as much interior work as possible since my exterior season is 5 months at best, and I want to be able to bid competitively and fairly without undercutting myself or overbidding and losing to many jobs. (I consider 40-50% of jobs estimated to be a good success rate, but would like to improve there as well)

So far the best tip I can give other painters is doing your own research. Not just looking it up on the internet or reading a book, but actually keeping track of your work and documenting it. For example, I bid a project recently as a 120 hour job, but finished it in 100. The Trim and fascia flew by a lot faster than I expected. My painters were as experienced as I was, and my management style is to give everyone a clear goal by the end of the day. I now keep it mind when bidding similar projects. Writing down your progress every day at the end of the day (takes 5 minutes or less) is a good resource to look back on when you are bidding future projects.

Thank you in advance for any tips! Take care!

-CW
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Rick M on March 30, 2014, 02:26:48 AM
Hello All. I am Rick M and a Newcomer
Ive been reading your comments on estimating and would like to share with you two things, bidding by the sq.ft. is only good if youre painting floors and read the PDCA estimating and cost guide vol's 1 & 2. When im in doubt or not sure these are the things to remember.            Thanks and Hello again        Rick M
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Jerseypainter22 on April 21, 2014, 08:24:46 PM
I just signed up to this site. Ive been painting for some time and still haven't figured it all out when it comes to bidding. I do think that calculating sq.ft. Really only works for new construction. When it comes to working in someones home there are so many variables I don't think sq.ft works. For example setting up, moving furniture, drop cloths, masking...Ive painted rooms with all furniture moved to the center with little room to maneuver because there was just nowhere to put it. The same room might take half the time empty. Thats just one example. But my point is every job is different. I have my day rate, I figure how many hrs, or how many days, calculate materials, and then add 20% to cover, overhead/profit. I try to get 200$ a day, but to use someones word from recent post philanthropainting, some times Im flexible. Factor in things like trips to paint store, time it takes to clean up every day. All these things go way beyond the sqft price. Also according to the Paint Contractors manual published in 1985 the sq.ft price average was 1.30 how is it possible the average went down since 85? Im not being a wise ass just trying to learn. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: chrisn on April 22, 2014, 03:17:57 AM
$200 a day in Jersy??????  How do you survive?
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Jerseypainter22 on April 22, 2014, 07:51:41 AM
Well its a struggle. Hmmmm maybe theres something to be learned here. That only includes labor. But low huh?
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: The Painterman on June 16, 2014, 05:31:18 PM
I just signed up to this site. Ive been painting for some time and still haven't figured it all out when it comes to bidding. I do think that calculating sq.ft. Really only works for new construction. When it comes to working in someones home there are so many variables I don't think sq.ft works. For example setting up, moving furniture, drop cloths, masking...Ive painted rooms with all furniture moved to the center with little room to maneuver because there was just nowhere to put it. The same room might take half the time empty. Thats just one example. But my point is every job is different. I have my day rate, I figure how many hrs, or how many days, calculate materials, and then add 20% to cover, overhead/profit. I try to get 200$ a day, but to use someones word from recent post philanthropainting, some times Im flexible. Factor in things like trips to paint store, time it takes to clean up every day. All these things go way beyond the sqft price. Also according to the Paint Contractors manual published in 1985 the sq.ft price average was 1.30 how is it possible the average went down since 85? Im not being a wise ass just trying to learn. Hope this helps.

Woah. If you are a professional painting contractor and you are finding and doing your own jobs then you are selling yourself way short making only $200 a day. Around $200 a day is what a skilled and experienced house painter should be making working for a reputable painting company not running his or her own business.

My suggestion is that you start quoting jobs based on the total job cost and not by the hour or day. Believe me you will find that to be much more profitable and you will deal with a better level of clients however you will have to find at least one reliable and competent painter to help you especially if it is a larger job like an entire house otherwise you will lose money and anger clients when their repaint drags into weeks because you are doing the work alone. Look at it this way. If you are charging $200 a day to paint say a master bedroom when the job is really worth say $350-$400 based on what other companies in your area are charging and the job can still be done in a day then you are losing money each and every day.

If you are cool with making around $200 a day then do yourself a favour and just work for someone else and avoid all the headaches of running your own business and paying all your own overhead. If you want to step it up and make the real dough you will have to start learning how to properly quote by the job its that simple.

With regards to quoting repaints they can in fact be done by calculating square footage quite easily and this method is by my experience anyways is used by many painting companies including my own. Start by finding out what other companies are charging on average in your area per square foot to help you arrive at your standard base price per square foot. In a nutshell you then measure the walls and ceiling heights to calculate square footage of the walls and this will also help you arrive at the square footage of the ceilings. Then subtract the square footage of any doors and windows from the total area of the walls. Measure the linear feet of trim and crown mouldings in the home and count the number of doors and closets. Then you simply charge somewhere around your areas average price per square foot for walls, linear trim, ceilings, closets and doors. Take into account the affluence of the area, your labor and your paint costs which may fluctuate depending on if a client requests a certain paint before arriving at your final per square foot price and then add on some money on top of the overall quote for your overhead like gas, insurance, cell bill and for materials like tape, caulking, sandpaper etc.

Obviously take into account if any major prep work or priming will have to be done and if a ton of furniture will have to be moved and will be in the way and add on for that and voila you should have a solid price to hand a potential client that is reasonable to what others are charging in your area so that you won't over bid and lose a job or worse underbid, get the job and then lose money. Ive heavily simplified the explanation of the process for conversations sake but if you tinker with your numbers over a few jobs you will find that you can make good money by quoting the entire job by calculating square footage on repaints while staying competitive to other painters in your area as opposed to just dropping your pants for a low hourly or day rate and dragging jobs out resulting in few call backs or referrals. Arriving at numbers for all the intangible stuff like moving furniture, major prep etc. will all become easier the more jobs you do and will just become second nature.

Do this for long enough and eventually you will be able to walk into most homes and rooms and quickly arrive at a fairly accurate number in your head right away but I always measure things anyways as I find that clients more often than not are more likely to hire the thorough painter that pulled out a tape or laser measure before giving them a quote as opposed to the guy who just quickly walked through the house before giving them a price especially if their bids are close dollar wise. A nice thing about quoting on the entire job by square footage is the method can applied to pretty much any house. Another nice thing with quoting total job price is that if you and your guys bang it out in less time than you estimated then you will be off to the next one quicker and the client will be impressed which doesn't usually happen with a drag it out hourly or day painter.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Straight Edge Painting on July 13, 2014, 11:52:15 AM
Interior bidding can be easy if you have done a lot of interior painting. 

The main factors I consider are:

1, how many days will it take me or whoever to do the amount of work proposed
2, how much preparation to the surfaces does the customer want?  be specific, ask them upfront what they expect...
3, how many gallons of paint and what is the cost per gallon of paint you plan on using.  overestimate paint costs a little...
4, how much do I pay my help for the entire project-I then add the paint costs to this
5, how much do I want to make on the job....always considering if you have other work lined up or not-bid it to get it or do marketing so you don't have to buy jobs....


painters Jacksonville FL (http://www.straightedgepaintingllc.com)

Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: A New Leaf Painting on November 04, 2014, 02:25:43 PM
There are many factors that influence the price of an interior painting estimate. I believe they have all been addressed here, I find this thread to be pretty comprehensive. Good stuff! Painting Contractors Jacksonville FL (http://www.anewleafpainting.com)
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Straight Edge Painting on March 18, 2015, 05:46:40 AM
I try to take a big picture way of looking at interior jobs.  I know my crews, my painters, enough to know what they can get done in one day and big jobs accordingly.  I am a painter, so it helps me know how long things should take.  Painters and crews paint at different speeds so I like this method best.  Also, I am doing a lot of estimates per week and I don't have the luxury of taking an hour at every job to do measurements...


Paint Contractors Jacksonville FL (http://Paint Contractors Jacksonville FL)
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Straight Edge Painting on March 18, 2015, 05:52:14 AM
I try to take a big picture way of looking at interior jobs.  I know my crews, my painters, enough to know what they can get done in one day and big jobs accordingly.  I am a painter, so it helps me know how long things should take.  Painters and crews paint at different speeds so I like this method best.  Also, I am doing a lot of estimates per week and I don't have the luxury of taking an hour at every job to do measurements...

Paint Contractors Jacksonville FL (http://www.straightedgepaintingllc.com)
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: paintit.com on March 24, 2015, 06:35:06 PM
I've always looked at 1 piece, such as a window, figure how long it takes to complete, then multiply by how many in room(s) then move on to next item. For BIG things like long banisters, we just see how many feet we think we can do in an hour, then multiply by how long it is. I guess the main thing has always been to break things down to workable understandable sizes and the multiply by how many.Hope that makes sense.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: carter custom painting on March 24, 2015, 10:21:15 PM
bid what you want to make an hour. check what your competition is charging which really doesnt matter I have seen all types of prices. Sometimes it is hard to believe what people charge. one guy charges 100.00 an hour. don't sell your self short.... is what I have come to find out. If you don't charge enough believe it or not some people won't hire you, and those are the people you want to work for. If you market your self as a 200 a day painter that is really all you will ever be, those are the only clients you will get. I would build a business around higher end customers who appreciate high quality craftsmanship.
stlpaintingcompany.com (http://stlpaintingcompany.com)
painting contractors St. Louis MO (http://stlpaintingcompany.com)
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Straight Edge Painting on March 29, 2015, 06:38:53 AM
This is why I work so hard on delivering high quality work with a strong marketing so I can get the prices that I feel I deserve..

Straight Edge Painting LLC
exterior painting contractors (http://www.straightedgepaintingllc.com)
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: woodbury on March 01, 2016, 12:13:25 AM
Thankyou everyone for all of this great info. I'm a "new kid" on the block with only 3 jobs under my belt so far.
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: facembani223 on March 15, 2016, 04:46:28 PM
I believe some of these guys are under valuing their skills.
Keep up the good work guys !
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: facembani223 on April 20, 2016, 03:03:14 PM
This information has been really helpful.

Thanks to all for your replies.
Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: jotunpk on September 22, 2016, 04:52:44 AM
Wow..!! :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: paintingbydomenic on September 13, 2017, 01:37:31 AM
For now, here is what you need to understand when estimating a house:

    Labor Cost is roughly $20/hour multiplied by the number of hours on the job.
    Material Cost is the number of gallons of paint you plan to use multiplied by the cost per gallon of the paint that you are using.
    Total Cost = Labor Cost + Material Cost

Then we take that number and add on your markup or margin.

    Price = Total Cost + Markup

Painting Estimate Example:

We estimate this job is going to take 20 hours and use 7 gallons of paint. The paint costs $22/gallon.

    20 hours x $20/hour = $400 for labor
    7 gallons x $22/gallon = $154 for materials
    Total Cost= $554
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: paintingbydomenic on September 13, 2017, 01:40:16 AM
For now, here is what you need to understand when estimating a house:

    Labor Cost is roughly $20/hour multiplied by the number of hours on the job.
    Material Cost is the number of gallons of paint you plan to use multiplied by the cost per gallon of the paint that you are using.
    Total Cost = Labor Cost + Material Cost

Then we take that number and add on your markup or margin.

    Price = Total Cost + Markup

Painting Estimate Example:

We estimate this job is going to take 20 hours and use 7 gallons of paint. The paint costs $22/gallon.

    20 hours x $20/hour = $400 for labor
    7 gallons x $22/gallon = $154 for materials
    Total Cost= $554
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: gking707 on September 30, 2017, 12:41:39 AM
Do any of you bid simply on floor square footage?
I am not a painter by trade but i do get quite a few interior paint jobs along with my remodeling work (general contractor) and i have been bidding at 2.50/sqft of the floor sqft (in california). We generally do a 1300-1800 sqft int. paint in 3 days, 2 guys which seems to be working out fine.
Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Jasonzomy on September 30, 2017, 08:07:10 AM
Remarkable question
Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Cherylgvzm on October 01, 2017, 04:51:46 PM
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Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Charliejthd on October 12, 2017, 07:41:43 AM
I congratulate, your idea is brilliant
Title: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: Galowyyp on October 13, 2017, 03:25:08 AM
I congratulate, this idea is necessary just by the way
Title: Re: Bidding Interior Paint Jobs
Post by: paintmyproperty on January 22, 2018, 07:51:28 AM
I just logged in for the first time to the forum and have found very useful information. Many thanks to all!