Been painting about 1 year now people next store to me building new home asked if I wanted to put bid in to do the painting was woundering the cost per sq ft and if includes paint or doesn't
Thanks primetouch (Boston Mass)

Go to a paint center tell them how many sq ft you have, and what color, all that fun stuff, they will give you an estimate, so take the price of the paint , and then your suplies that you will need for the project ,add a little extra so if you screw up your covered,, then add how cheap you want to work, and then you have your bid

The paint store will not give you an idea of your work.

New construction: gypsum primer (cheaper then reg. primer) Except in bathroom - use the acrylic based primer.

Then determine the colors they would like. Darker colors means more coats, etc.

Trim/baseboard is per linear foot.
Ceilings are also per square foot, but I add extra for overhead painting. About 10-15 percent over wall paint labor. Any walls over 8 feet also had a percentage. See above.

If you spray (new construction) you need to include paper/tape and spray supplies.

If you roll/brush because of finishes and carpets being in the home - add cost for tape/rollers/plastic etc.

Prime coat/one paint coat (plus a little extra for coverage) is about 1.50 depending on the paint. 350 per gallon of paint - depending. If they have special paint that is thicker - go to 250-300 sq. ft per gallon.

LF for trim (windows, doors, baseboard) two coats - appx 50-65 cents per LF.

You go up or down, but never forget the cost of the paint and how long it will take to get done. If you are new to this, it will take you longer and you can't charge them for your "break in" and still be competitive. The cost also includes the location the home is in. Fancy finishes are much more.