How to Write a Painting Quotation

Two painting quotes for the same house can differ widely, and clients often can't see why. The difference is usually in preparation, coats and paint quality. A good quotation makes these visible.

Measure the surface

Measure the walls and ceilings in square feet or square metres, and subtract large openings. Note different surfaces separately, because a ceiling, a textured wall and metal grills take different time and materials.

Describe the preparation

Preparation is what makes paint last, and it's the easiest thing for a low-priced competitor to skip. Spell it out:

• Scraping loose paint and sanding
• Filling cracks and repairing damp patches
• Primer coat
• Masking and covering furniture

Specify paint and coats

State the brand, product and finish, plus the number of coats: "Two coats of washable interior emulsion, satin finish, over one coat of primer." If the client selects a very dark or bright colour, note that extra coats may be needed and might cost more.

Exclude what you won't do

Common exclusions are moving heavy furniture, removing wallpaper, and treating serious damp. Damp needs special attention: paint won't solve the underlying leak. Say that plainly, so a returning stain doesn't become your fault.

Set access and timing

Mention what you need: rooms cleared, electricity, and working hours. Exterior jobs depend on the weather, so add: "Exterior work may be rescheduled because of rain."

Offer options

You might offer a standard and a premium paint option with a different price per area. Clients often choose better paint when they can see the small difference in cost across the whole job.

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