Square foot estimates for painting walls
How to estimate wall painting using Square Foot quantities?
The cost per square foot to professionally paint walls can vary widely. Let’s explore the constants, variables, and challenges involved in estimating these costs.
Constants
A key constant is production rates. For this example, we’ll consider painting 8′ high walls. On average, a professional can brush and roll two coats of paint on 200 square feet of wall per hour in a prepped room.
Example Calculation
In a 10′ x 10′ room:
– Measurements:
– Four walls at 10′ each = 40 linear feet.
– Wall height = 8′.
– Total wall area = 40 LF x 8′ = 320 square feet.
– Production Time:
– Total area: 320 SF ÷ 200 SF/hour = 1.6 hours per coat.
– Two coats: 1.6 hours x 2 = 3.2 hours.
For smaller rooms or projects, it’s typically unnecessary to deduct areas for doors, windows, or closets.
Additional Considerations
This estimate only accounts for the time to apply two finish coats. It does not include time for:
– Pole sanding and spot-patching.
– Staging the room or protecting flooring.
By factoring in these elements, you can create a more comprehensive estimate for professional painting services.
How much does it cost to paint walls?
In the first paragraph, we discussed the constants of estimating. For example, the production timing for brushing and rolling 8′ tall walls remains consistent, whether in 1998 or 2024. However, hourly rates have likely changed significantly over time.
Using estimating tools like BreakEven PRO allows you to calculate hourly sell rates specific to your company, rather than relying on national averages. While national averages can be helpful for comparison, they often don’t reflect your unique costs and budgets. Major corporations routinely generate forecasts, and adopting this practice for your business can lead to more accurate estimates.
By knowing your BreakEven RATE and adding your desired profit markup, you can calculate your hourly sell rate. Multiply this rate by the total estimated hours to arrive at an accurate project cost that aligns with your company’s financial goals.