How Much to Charge for Painting the Exteriors of Homes?

Square Footage

• The biggest components of an exterior paint job are paint and primer. To determine how much you need, carefully measure the square footage of the house. If you will paint the windows, doors and trim, figure those separately from the walls. Windows and trim are generally charged by the linear foot, so measure the length of each section you will paint. Most painters charge a flat fee for each door. Compare your measurements to the labeled coverage per gallon of your favorite brand of paint to determine how many gallons are required. If you will paint two coats, double the amount of paint that you need. If you will use primer, figure out that amount as well.

Labor

• How much is your time worth? How long will the job take? These answers vary from person to person. Rolling and brushing takes longer than spraying. A team of two can generally finish the job in half the time, but both people need to be paid. Network with other painters in your area to find out the going rate for labor, which can vary widely between markets. If your business is well established, you can charge more than someone who is just beginning. Some houses require more prep work than others. If the existing paint is peeling or flaking, it must be manually removed. Nail holes and other surface imperfections must be patched. Dirty houses should be pressure washed. You must tape around windows and doors to avoid drips and spills. Setting up ladders or scaffolding to reach upper stories takes time and energy. Consider all aspects of the job when determining how long it will take.

Materials

• Although paint and primer are your main expenses, they are not the only materials you need. Drop cloths, roller frames, roller covers, paint trays, tape, ladders and brushes are just a few items that are required for any exterior paint job. Depending on the particular situation, you may need to rent or purchase a pressure washer, scaffolding and other high-cost equipment. Account for all the materials the job requires.

Special Considerations

• Your business must cover its own expenses such as a business license and insurance. If you have employees, you may have overhead in the form of worker's compensation, unemployment insurance and other expenses mandated by law. Look at your average number of clients per year to determine how to pass these costs on to the consumer. Most painters charge extra for particularly challenging situations, such as limited access to parts of the home or large dogs that are not properly crated. Likewise, some painters offer discounts to homeowners who provide a clean, safe work space and easy access to all necessary areas. When bidding the project, consider all factors that may make the job significantly easier or harder than average. Always add 10 percent to your final bid. This covers materials that you forgot to factor in, paint cans that cover a little less surface area than expected, and days when you get less done than anticipated. Many painters throw in small additional jobs for free, but if the homeowner asks for significant upgrades or changes, negotiate a new contract.