How Local Exterior Painters Estimate House Painting
Estimating a home in Downtown Cary vs. a suburban estate in Wake Forest requires two entirely different math problems. In Morrisville neighborhoods, houses are often situated only inches apart. When we quote these projects, we have to factor in ‘logistical friction’—specifically specialized property protection for neighbors and the use of 32-foot ladders and spray hoses in tight natural areas. Conversely, a 3,000 sq. ft. home in Heritage or Wakefield is more straightforward for spraying, but the high-pitched gables require advanced ‘steep-slope’ safety labor that national ‘instant quote’ tools always miss.
How Cost & Location Affect Cost
The most crucial aspect of quoting exterior painting is ensuring an accurate process, application, and paint material selection. However, contractors must allocate time for extensive preparation when needed.
Contractors have different ways to estimate exterior painting, which involves calculating labor and material costs. Several locations and regions in the US also have different market values for home services.
Larger cities or wealthy locations will cost more for home improvement services. So, accurate pricing depends more on what the market will bear, given competition and business costs.
Total Man-Hours for Project Completion
Homeowners often feel thrown off by the initial price once the quote is submitted. However, what is often overlooked is the man-hours required to complete an entire exterior painting project. Including man-hours within quotes helps homeowners in the Triangle better understand the work required to get the job done.
One of the most common issues among house painters is failing to take the time to prepare. Preparation includes paint prep and property protection. Often, margins are low, and painters feel compelled to rush to return a profit. Quick completion does not always mean sloppy work, but when a painter is anxious, it’s a sign of underbidding or overbooking.
Ways Painters Price Exterior Paint Work
Once an estimator has visited and assessed a home, some wonder how the painter generates their prices. The truth is that quoting is more of an art than a science for some —this is one of many reasons prices can be all over the place.
Pricing labor and materials correctly requires formulation and math, which are best orchestrated through production rates. In other words, how many hours does it take to do the work, how much material is needed, and how much markup is required in order to make a profit after considering business overhead and expenses related to the project.
As experienced painters, we can judge how many days an exterior paint project should take. More sophisticated companies use production rates, which include a library of how long it takes to paint doors and windows, for example. Or how many square feet or total length of an item a painter can paint within an hour. We use production rates. Accurate counting and measuring will always yield an exact sum of man-hours.
Likewise, paint materials are estimated by the square footage one gallon of paint covers, compared to the surface area of the space. When we hand-brushed damage or textured siding on older homes, we factor in more paint usage.
How to Bid Exterior Paint Jobs Accurately
If you encounter a painter who does not thoroughly assess, count, or measure, it indicates they lack a solid quoting process. Chances are the price will be inaccurate, and could be the first indication of their work or process.
Counting, measuring, and taking photographs are essential to how we build a quantify our assessments for the work that is needed. In turn, these added steps ensure we will deliver an accurate exterior paint quote.
The average two-story home is 18 – 25 feet tall. Due to accessibility and height limitations, exterior paint estimators are already at a disadvantage. Painters must identify problematic areas that need repair, extra preparation, or replacement. Identifying weathering and damage takes an experienced and trained eye and time for proper viewing.
5 Tips:
- Using a laser to measure will save time and is the best way to measure tall or long walls.
- Test the surface for paint oxidation using your finger or a rag.
- Look for peeling paint and cracks in siding, brick, windows, doors, and all trim.
- Determine how many coats of primer and paint are needed.
- Include prices for preparation materials and pressure washing.
Necessary Contract Details
Taking photographs is a true sign of a detailed and noteworthy contractor. Photos give painters and contractors alike proof of their claims. It also makes it super easy for clients to understand what they are being charged for and why. Photographs also remove objections and eliminate the need for clients to understand confusing terminology.
In a quote, each photo should have the problematic areas marked, specifying the location and whether it will be repaired or replaced. Including the manufacturer and material type used for replacement will alleviate potential confusion when it is time to execute the work.
Furthermore, itemized quotes that include material type, quantity, and item descriptions help everyone understand what will be painted and how many times.
Most contractors say this level of detail requires too much time and that most customers do not want or require it. The idea of less detail in any regard is a mistake and a disservice. The fact is that most clients want as much detail and breakdowns as possible, but are apprehensive about asking because most contractors object to it.
When contractual details are present and costs are transparent and upfront, clients can establish trust and distinguish professionals from less organized businesses. Making it easier for clients is a form of customer service.
Client Needs Matching the Service Provider
Not every homeowner’s and contractor’s goals are aligned. If there is a disparity between the quality standards expected, it’s best to recognize it and try to reconsider. But if, after a conversation, the painter’s or homeowner’s view of the result cannot align, it’s best to decline.
Some homeowners only see value in the form of lower cost. Other part-time or non-professional painters don’t want to take the time to do the work or estimate details.
A buyer’s purchase is based on emotion and establishing a relationship with a person. So, we, all consumers, buy from people over a business. But even if the “right person” offers a service that does not meet expectations, the end result will be disappointment or, even worse, time or money wasted.
Summary
- Be as detailed and thorough as possible
- Count, measure, and accurately assess
- Make sure service expectations are met
- Understand prices will vary
View our exterior painting service page and contact us if you need service and live in Raleigh or around the Triangle.
