How to Read a Painting Estimate

If two quotes are thousands apart, the difference is almost never the paint. It is what each one quietly includes or leaves out.

What should be on it

• Scope by area. Which rooms or elevations, and what within them: walls, ceilings, trim, doors, closets. “Interior painting” alone is not a scope.
• Preparation, itemised separately. Washing, scraping, sanding, filling, caulking, priming. This is the majority of the labour and the main reason quotes differ.
• Repairs. Whether drywall damage, wood rot or failed caulking is included, or excluded and billed later.
• Number of coats, and what happens if coverage needs another.
• Products by name. Brand and line, not just “premium paint”.
• Exclusions. The most informative section on any estimate.
• Payment terms. Deposit, schedule, and what triggers the final payment.

Line items worth questioning

A single figure beside the word “painting”. Preparation described as “as needed”, which means whatever the crew decides on the day. “Touch-ups” instead of coats. No mention of primer on bare or patched material. Repairs listed as an allowance without a rate.

What ours looks like

Measured on site, written, back within 24 hours, with preparation on its own line and exclusions stated plainly. If we find something once work starts, you hear about it before we do it. See what drives painting cost and how to choose a contractor.