I was trying to figure out pricing by the sq ft for painting some one told me to
Do this but I don't understand it and by doing this how much would I be charging
By the sq ft they said to times the sq ft by 3.5 and that by .40 and that would be the price
If anyone understands this please explain what this means thank you

Hi, ahamrick!

I know that you've asked painting type questions before here.

Let's see what happens if you use the formula that you've been given to paint a wall of a room that's 12' x 8' and is perfectly flat, with no imperfections that need to be repaired, using a roller and applying two coats of paint and no primer or painting on the trim.

12 x 8 gives you 96 square feet.

96 x 3.5 is 336.

336 x .40 is $134.40.

Now, that's how much for only one wall that's not all that large. Because of the formula, I would think that would also include the cost of the paint. Even then, it seems to be kind of expensive.

So, I don't really think the formula is all that valid, unless it needs to be used another way that I'm not realizing and other things that I don't know that also need to be taken into consideration when using the formula.

Around where I work, that same wall would cost around $80.00 to paint, including the cost of the paint and given the same conditions for the room that I've described above.

Where is the location this painting is to be done, how many coats are to be applied and how is the paint to be applied? Also, are there any imperfections that need to be patched and/or repaired and what is the surface texture of the area to be painted, please?

Thanks!

OK this is easier if I was going to charge .50 sq ft how do I do the math ? Thank you so much for your help

Let's say the wall area is 12' x 8'. If you're going to charge .50 cents a square foot then you would take 12 times 8 which equals 96 and then you would times that by (point) .50 which equals $48.00.

That is basically how you do the math.

If I bid the same room it would be 12 X 8 which equals 96 sq. foot times the price per square. As I've stated before the price in the south east has been $3.50 a square for over ten years, that makes the total to do the room (according to my estimate) 96 times 3.50 which equals $336.00; I pray you haven't been bidding .50 cents a square?

I would assume you are doing the floor space for an entire room?

Since a 96 sq ft wall would be 336 dollars for one wall??

That is even a little high for the entire room in our area. It would be closer for 200 to 250 for a room ( all walls)

You are correct! The price I quoted is for floor square. In my area, a small area such as 96 ft. would be done at cost. Of course you know, cost is estimated at, for example, $20.00 per man per hour, plus materials.

I think if you have that much trouble just doing math that you shouldn't be trying to start a business!

I wouldn't quote someone just on square footage, because rooms with a lot of trim are much more time consuming. Instead, I suggest using a rate using square footage and linear footage (areas that need trimming). Try $.70 per square foot and $1.25 per linear foot.

If you want the basic sq footage, take a tape measure and runn it across the floor wall to wall one way than across the floor wall to wall the other. Take those 2 measurements and multiply them. Take the total and mutiply by your charge per sq foot e.g.. ( $2.50 ) That total is your basic price. If it's a new home you'll have your basic sq footage and price. Trim is done by linear footage and the price you charge by the hour multiplied. The extras are added to this at the end e.g.. Cove moldings, wrap around colomns, stair cases, feature walls, fire places, extra footage on walls and garage.