HomeTriangle Guides: What Should Be Included While Estimating A Paint Job

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It may be difficult to stay on budget when when remodeling a home, more often than not cost of work can be under or over estimated. For this reason, first get an estimate and then hire a contractor for the job. It is always better to get quotes from multiple contractors and then choose according to your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you get an accurate estimate for a paint job.

It may be difficult to stay on budget when when remodeling a home, more often than not cost of work can be under or over estimated. For this reason, first get an estimate and then hire a contractor for the job. It is always better to get quotes from multiple contractors and then choose according to your needs and budget. Here are some tips to help you get an accurate estimate for a paint job.

Scope Of Work

When your home needs a fresh coat of paint, the actual work begins when assessing what to include in the paint job. Look around your home and include everything from window sills and frames to built-ins like the cupboards and cabinets.

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Take into account doors and windows when estimating painting costs

Calculating Area To Be Painted

To get the most accurate estimate of paint quantity and subsequent cost, calculate the square foot area. Subtract area for doors and windows while estimating for wall paint. Derive a seperate cost for the doors and windows depending on the type of paint you plan to use.

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Calculate the area for an accurate estimate

Products And Brands Determine Costs

This includes the type of primer and the brand of paint used. If you have a particular brand you want to use, tell the painters to include that in the estimate. Depending upon the brand, the cost of the paint job may vary significantly. Do your research and choose the most durable and cost effective company for your walls.

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Research paint companies and use the most suitable brand as per budget and coats

Cost Including Supplies

Cost of paint supplies could be up to 25 percent of the total cost of the job. Supplies may include the cost of renting a power washer for exterior jobs, a paint sprayer, scaffolding, brushes, etc.

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Factor in the cost of the supplies in your estimate

When Painting

The painting estimate should stipulate that all areas that are not to be painted be covered and that comprehensive cleanup is done post the paint job. Your painting contractor also explains how the paint will be applied and in how many coats. Also check with the contractor regarding handling of contingency situations like rain. Small things may have a large impact on the final cost of the job.

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Cost must include the clean-up and after activities as well

Labor Charges

Labor charges contribute a large chunk of the cost of the paint job, and may even be up to 85 percent of the total. Pay close attention to this item, to make sure the painter is not adding extra time to finish the job only to increase labor costs.

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Labor charges make up a large part of the cost of a paint job

Keep A Checklist

Make sure the painter has included all of the above points in the estimate by keeping a checklist to help you keep a tab on progress and only pay for tasks that are complete.

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Keep a tab on all finished items with a checklist

Estimating a paint job is a step by step process. While calculating the cost of the job, you need to take into account even the smallest detail to stay as close to budget as possible.



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