How to Charge for Painting Services
You’re ready to start your own painting business and you even have your first client. Then it hits you, how much do you charge for your painting service? There are many things to take into consideration when writing your initial estimate to the client. Precision is the key and your thoroughness will leave your clients really happy.
Things you will need:
- Tape measure
- Go to the location you will be painting. Assess the area carefully and note any pre-work that might be involved before you can actually start painting. This may include scraping old chipped paint off or sanding the area. If you are painting on wood, the client may want you to fill in any holes or cracks before painting. You will need to add this extra work to your estimated cost.
- Use your tape measure and begin measuring the area to be painted. To come up with an accurate measurement, make sure to subtract any space occupied by doors or windows. This will give you an idea of how much paint will be needed for the area.
- Speak with the owner regarding paint and the type of paint they will want to use. This is also the time to find out if the client will be supplying the paint themselves or will you be required to purchase the paint. If you are supplying the paint, then the material costs will need to be added to your estimate.
- Ask the client how much time you have to complete the job. If the client would like the job completed quickly then you may need to hire another person to help you complete the job. This will in turn raise your labor costs on your initial estimate to the client.
- Speak with other people around the area that have had a paint job completed to find out what other painters have charged. Once you subtract out material fees and labor fees you will have some idea of what fellow painters have charged as their fee. As always, please note in your estimate that fees are subject to change if additional work is added.