Estimating An Exterior Paint Job: A Comprehensive Guide

Estimating the cost of an exterior painting job can be a challenging task, especially for those new to the painting business. It is important to strike a balance between not pricing too high and losing the job, and not pricing too low and making a loss. There are several factors to consider when estimating the cost of an exterior painting job, including the size of the space, the condition of the surface, the type and quality of paint, labour costs, and the cost of materials and supplies.

To estimate the cost of an exterior painting job, follow these steps:

1. Measure the area to be painted: Calculate the total square footage of the exterior walls, including the height and width of each wall. Also, take into account any additional areas such as decks, and subtract windows, doors, and unpainted areas.

2. Calculate paint costs: Determine the amount of paint required based on the square footage. Consider the number of coats needed and the coverage rate of the paint. Paint costs can vary depending on the type, quality, and brand.

3. Calculate material costs: Estimate the cost of supplies such as brushes, rollers, caulking, primer, and other necessary items. These costs can vary depending on the job, for example, exterior jobs may require weather-resistant materials.

4. Calculate labour costs: Consider the time required to complete the job and the hourly rate for painters. The time taken can depend on factors such as surface preparation, the number of coats, and the complexity of the job.

5. Include additional costs: Factor in costs for lead paint testing and removal if the house was built before 1978. Also, consider any necessary repairs or extensive preparations that may increase the cost.

6. Provide a detailed estimate: Break down the costs for the customer, including paint, materials, labour, and any additional charges. This transparency will help ensure customer satisfaction and avoid misunderstandings.

Measure the area to be painted

Measuring the area to be painted is a crucial step in estimating the cost of an exterior painting job. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:

Tools You'll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for measuring. You will need a tape measure to get accurate length and width measurements of the surfaces to be painted. Optionally, you can also use a pen and paper or an electronic device to take notes on your measurements.

Measuring Flat Surfaces

For flat surfaces such as drywall, brick, or siding, you need to calculate the square footage. To do this, simply multiply the length of the surface by its width. For example, if you have a wall that is 12 feet wide and 8 feet high, the square footage would be 96 square feet. Repeat this process for each wall and the ceiling if you plan to paint it. It is generally a good idea to round up your measurements to the nearest foot to simplify the estimation process.

Measuring Doors, Windows, and Trim

In addition to the walls, you will also need to measure the lengths of any doors, windows, and trim that need to be painted. These elements will be calculated separately. Determine the total linear feet of trim by adding up all the individual lengths. For example, if you have four walls and each wall has baseboards, trim around the doors and windows, and crown molding, you will have approximately 160 linear feet of overall trim.

Subtracting Unexcluded Areas

Keep in mind that not every square inch of a room will be painted. There may be windows, doors, or other areas that need to be excluded from the total paintable area. Measure the square footage of these areas and subtract it from the total square footage of the room. As a general rule, you can estimate that a standard door is roughly 20 square feet, and a window is approximately 15 square feet.

Calculating Paint Requirements

Once you have the total square footage of the paintable area, you can estimate the amount of paint you will need. On average, one gallon of paint covers about 250 to 350 square feet. However, this may vary depending on the type of paint and the surface being painted. If you are painting a textured surface or covering a dark colour with a lighter one, you will likely need more paint. Divide the total square footage by the estimated coverage per gallon to get the number of gallons required. Don't forget to account for multiple coats of paint if needed!

Calculate paint costs

Calculating the cost of paint is an important step in estimating the total expense of an exterior painting job. Paint costs can vary depending on the type, quality, and brand of paint selected. The average cost of interior paint is between $20 to $60 per gallon, while exterior paint typically costs around 25% more. When estimating paint costs, it is essential to consider the coverage area and the number of coats required. A gallon of paint usually provides one coat for about 400 square feet of paintable area, and most bedrooms require 2 to 3 gallons of paint. It is also worth noting that professional painters can often purchase paint at wholesale prices, resulting in significant savings compared to retail prices.

In addition to the paint itself, there are other materials and supplies that need to be factored into the overall cost. The average cost of painting materials and supplies, excluding paint, is typically between $50 to $100. This cost may vary depending on the job, as outdoor painting may require weather-resistant materials, and larger projects may necessitate additional supplies.

When estimating paint costs for an exterior painting job, it is crucial to consider the size of the area to be painted, the number of coats required, and the quality of paint needed. By taking these factors into account, you can accurately calculate the paint costs and ensure that your estimate is comprehensive and competitive.

Calculate painting materials costs

To calculate the painting materials costs for an exterior painting job, you need to consider the following:

Paint Type and Cost

The type of paint you choose will depend on the surface you're painting. For standard acrylic or latex paint, you can expect to pay $30 to $80 per gallon. If you're painting brick, mineral-based exterior paint is a better option and costs $100 to $150 per gallon. Primer is typically $20 to $50 per gallon and is required on most bare surfaces.

Paintable Area

Calculate the total square footage of the paintable surface area. This will help you estimate how much paint you need and the cost of materials. One gallon of paint typically covers 250 to 400 square feet with one coat, but this can vary depending on the surface. For example, stucco, a dry surface, or covering a dark color with a light color may require more paint, covering only 150 square feet per gallon.

Number of Paint Coats

Two coats are recommended for long-lasting coverage. However, one coat may be acceptable if you're maintaining the same color and sheen, and the surface is not heavily scuffed.

Additional Materials

Don't forget to include the cost of additional materials like masking tape, paper, surface repair materials, solvents, and cleanup supplies. These can add up, so be sure to factor them into your total materials cost.

Calculating Materials Cost

Once you have estimated the amount of paint needed (in gallons) and the cost per gallon, you can calculate the total materials cost for paint by multiplying the two. Don't forget to include the cost of primer and any other specialty coatings or materials required for the job.

Example Calculation

Let's say you're painting a 2,000 square foot house with two coats of standard acrylic paint at $40 per gallon. You estimate that you'll need 10 gallons of paint for the job.

Paint cost calculation:

• Paint cost per gallon: $40
• Number of gallons: 10
• Total paint cost: $400

Primer cost calculation:

• Primer cost per gallon: $30
• Number of gallons: 2 (assuming you need half the amount of primer as paint)
• Total primer cost: $60

Total materials cost for this job: $460

Remember, this is just an example, and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific details of the painting job.

Calculate labour costs

Estimating the labour costs for an exterior painting job can be a complex process, but it is crucial to ensure you are charging competitively and covering your expenses. Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating labour costs for an exterior painting job:

Measure the Surface Area:

Start by measuring the total surface area that needs to be painted. Measure the perimeter of the house and multiply it by the height to get the total exterior wall surface area. Don't forget to include the garage door, trim, soffit, and eaves in your measurements.

Assess the Complexity:

Consider the complexity of the job. Are there multiple stories to the house? Are there any outdoor obstructions like trees or ivy? Is there extensive prep work needed, such as peeling paint, wood damage, or caulking issues? All these factors will impact the time and labour required.

Calculate Man-Hours:

Estimate the number of man-hours needed to complete the job. For spraying, assume that it will take one hour per 200 square feet, including masking and prep time. For areas that need to be painted with a brush or roller (like trim, shutters, gutters, etc.), calculate the linear feet and divide by 40 feet to get the hours (assuming a rate of 40 feet per hour).

Determine Hourly Labour Rate:

Calculate your hourly labour rate by considering the salaries of your painters, plus taxes, workers' compensation, and any other employee-related expenses. This could result in a markup of around 20-30% on top of the base salary.

Estimate Labour Hours:

Multiply the total man-hours by the number of painters required for the job. For example, if a job will take 8 hours for one painter, it would be 16 hours for two painters.

Calculate Labour Costs:

Finally, multiply the labour hours by the hourly labour rate to get the total labour cost for the job. This will give you a good estimate of the labour expenses involved in the exterior painting project.

It is worth noting that labour rates can vary based on location and the experience of the painters. Additionally, you may need to account for other factors, such as the height of the house, which may require additional equipment and setup time.

Lead paint testing and removal

When estimating an exterior painting job, it is important to consider the potential presence of lead paint, particularly in homes built before 1978. Lead paint can pose serious health risks, especially for children under 6, pregnant people, and unborn babies. If you suspect the presence of lead paint, testing and removal should be a priority before beginning any painting work. Here are some detailed instructions on lead paint testing and removal:

Lead Paint Testing:

• Choose the appropriate DIY lead test kit: rhodizonate-based kits for most paint colours except red or pink, or sulfide-based kits for lighter paint colours.
• Make a small incision through a thick portion of paint using a utility knife.
• Open a swab from the kit and press it against the cut to make contact with each layer of exposed paint.
• Read the swab according to the kit's instructions for any signs of lead.
• Double-check your results using the confirmation card provided in the kit.
• If you test positive for lead, contact a certified inspector or risk assessor for a thorough assessment and guidance on the next steps.

Lead Paint Removal:

• Cover and seal openings on the outside of the building, such as vents and air conditioning units, to prevent lead dust and paint chips from entering the home.
• Turn off all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• Cover windows and seal all openings in the work area. Remove screens if exterior work includes windows.
• Cover and seal any doorways in the work area that are not being used.
• Cover the soil around the base of the home with a layer of poly sheeting to prevent lead contamination.
• Clean up any paint chips and keep the work area clean.
• Use a garden hose to wash the surface before beginning work, and cover the area with landscaping fabric or a bed sheet to catch paint chips and debris.
• Use a spray bottle to dampen the surface before scraping to control lead dust.
• Use a wire brush or paint scraper to remove loose, peeling, or chipping paint. Remove paint within a two-inch area around the peeling paint.
• Place the scraped materials in a sealed garbage bag.
• Lightly sand the edges of the scraped area to remove any remaining loose paint. Do not dry-sand as it creates harmful lead dust.
• Do not use a heat gun or open flame torch to remove lead paint as it can create dangerous lead fumes.
• Follow recommended cleaning procedures after all lead paint has been removed to ensure the area is safe.
• Consider hiring a certified lead abatement contractor to ensure complete and safe removal of lead paint.

Frequently asked questions