We are in the process of redecorating our family room, and two bedrooms. We have asked for estimates to paint these 3 rooms. The rooms are 12X18.5, 12X17 and the 3rd room is 12X14. Also there is a small foyer along with a short hallway. We are providing all the paint. We received one quote of $1700.00 and when I told the painter no, he wanted to work something out to get the job. I refused because I knew he gave us that very high price. We found this person in our local advertisement website under handyman services. We live in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Can anyone tell me what a reasonable estimate would be?

Clough

I know that the prices out east coast would be higher than the ones around where I live and work. You have given the floor dimensions. So, by using those, we would be able to arrive at the number of square feet to paint the ceilings and not the walls. We would need to know the square feet of the surface area on the walls to be painted in order to maybe make some comparison in prices. Also to be taken into consideration would be the linear feet on trim that would be usually brushed. Most painters charge more per linear foot of trim as compared to the square feet on walls and doors.

There are even more factors that might come into play here that might account for what you think is too high of a price. If any of the walls are textured at all, then I would be charging a higher price than if they would be perfectly flat. Is applying a primer included in the estimate if it has been determined that a primer is needed? Are the walls and ceilings in perfect condition and not needing repair of any kind?

jamesearl

The walls are in great shape and the ceilings in two of the rooms do not need to be painted. The family room is getting a darker coat of paint on the walls only. Ceiling and trim will remain the same color. Ceiling does not need to be painted and touch up on the trim. One bedroom just needs a fresh coat of paint on the walls not ceiling, that room will remain the same color. The third room needs to be primed and painted. The hallway and small foyer will remain the same color, ceiling does not need to be painted. I am an ok painter and have done all of our painting. Justed wanted some help and I don't mind paying a fair price; but $1,700 seems very high.

Clough

As I first mentioned, we would still need the square feet of the walls in order to make good comparisons in prices. I would like to add now, that we don't know what the painter who made the estimate was basing his price on. Was it by the square foot? Or just some lump sum figure that wasn't qualified in some way?

Around where I live, pretty much the going cost per square foot on perfectly flat surfaces would be about .70 cents for two coats of paint. For one coat, I would charge .50 cents per square foot, not including the cost of the paint. And, that would not include the product. It would be a very rare situation where a person would not need at least two coats of paint for the paint job to look the best. Out where you are, the price may be as high as $1.25 per square foot for two coats for perfectly flat surfaces, and that might not also include the cost of the paint.

So, let's figure a hypothetical situation here just to give an example. Let's say that we have a room where all four walls are 8' high and 12' across and that the walls are all perfectly flat. That means that the total square footage of the walls in a room is 384. Figuring 384 sq. ft. x $1.25 gives us a total cost for the painting of the walls in the one room as being $480.00 for two coats.

If using a dark paint over a lighter color, and depending on the sheen of the paint, it's possible that you might have to use three coats in order to get the best results.

jamesearl

I really did not know it would cost that much to have someone paint a couple of rooms. Maybe I will just make the time to paint because I just got another estimate and he said $1,000 plus paint. As I said I am an ok painter, one of the contractors complimented the work I did in my daughters room. Thanks for the info, if I am being charged these prices by people who are doing side jobs, can you imagine if I contact one of the Painting businesses in the yellow pages.

Clough

I gave you the prices that I did based upon what I know professional painter would charge because one of the things that I do for a living is that I am a painting contractor. I am also listed in the Yellow Pages. Your prices of course are going to vary if you are contacting handymen of various kinds.

If I were the one getting someone to paint for me, and was looking to find a handyman to do the job, then I would want to have a few references for painting jobs from them, as well as a chance to actually see examples of their work, be it in pictures or in person. I would also get at least four estimates and call painting contractors to see what the going rate is per square feet for perfectly flat surfaces is in your area. I only took a guess as to what the price might be in your area based upon conversation I had with a general contractor on the east coast.

I wish you well in your efforts!

Fr_Chuck

Several things to find out, are they insured, ( for example if that gallon of paint goes on your rug) do they have insurance to cover it. If they have workers do they have workers comp insurnace on them.

Also cheapest is not always good or best.

Clough

Those are good and important points Fr_Chuck!

hkstroud

I also live in suburb of D.C. Wife just paid paint contractor $1150 to paint to paint a two story foyer (10 X 10) and 16 X 16 bedroom included ceilings. I objected but got tired of arguing. She didn't want me on ladder. I think the price was OK but no great bargain. Contractor used labors pickup at paint store. Did OK job, only a couple of paint drops on carpet. You can get same labors hanging out around paint stores for about $12 per hour if you are inclined to go that way. Two people painting one room a day would put you at about $600. Contractor has to make profit so I would expect about $1000 going contractor route.

Foot note. I think you were wise to not negociate with that contractor

schwim

If you feel you can do a competent job, I'd grab a roller, brush and some trays and get busy!

It's expensive to hire professionals. That doesn't mean it's a rip-off, that's just the way the world works. Some contractors also charge an additional fee for small jobs, since they still have all of the same setup and layout for less of a return.

If you can do it, save your money and paint your rooms yourself. With the money you save, you can pop for a couple other improvements that you wouldn't otherwise be able to.

thanks,
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