QuotewellWhat goes on a painter estimate
Whatever the trade, a good estimate says what the work is, what it costs and what it does not cover. The lines Quotewell starts you with for painters are below; rename, delete or add lines to suit the job.
- Prep: patching, sanding and masking. Prep takes real time. Show it as its own line.
- Painting: walls and ceilings. Often priced per square foot or per room. Use the unit that matches how you measured.
- Trim and doors. Per door or window, or per foot of trim.
- Paint, primer and supplies. Say who buys the paint and which brand or finish it is.
Around the lines, put a clear scope of work, your contact details, the date and a valid-until date, the payment terms and a place to sign. Sources that describe what to include list the same things: the scope, labor and material costs, dates, inclusions and exclusions, and the payment terms (FreshBooks, Housecall Pro).
How to price painter work
Painters often price by the room or by the square foot of wall, with prep and trim on separate lines. Say how many coats are included, who picks and buys the paint, and what furniture moving is included. The more specific the scope, the fewer surprises on the day.
An example, with made-up numbers
This is a estimate for a made-up job, worked out by the same engine the tool uses. The numbers are invented to show the layout. They are not a price guide: charge what your costs, your market and your area support.
| Line | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep: patching, sanding and masking | 6 hr | $50.00 | $300.00 |
| Painting: walls and ceilings | 1,400 sq ft | $1.60 | $2,240.00 |
| Trim and doors | 6 ea | $45.00 | $270.00 |
| Paint, primer and supplies | 1 lot | $320.00 | $320.00 |
| Subtotal | $3,130.00 | ||
| Total | $3,130.00 | ||
| Deposit to start (30%) | $939.00 | ||
| Balance on completion | $2,191.00 | ||
How to make your estimate in four steps
- Choose Painter. Click Painter in the tool. It fills in typical lines and starting terms.
- Add your business and the customer. Your name, phone, email, address, license or registration number and, if you like, your logo. Add the customer's name and the job address, then describe the scope of work.
- Price the lines. For each line choose labor, materials or other, then enter the quantity, unit and rate. Tick Taxable on the lines your area taxes.
- Set discount, markup, tax and deposit. Each is optional. The total, the deposit and the balance due update as you type.
- Download the PDF. The PDF is built on your device. Send it, print it with the signature lines, or use Copy as text for a message.
Tips for a estimate that wins the job
- Write down the rooms, the number of coats and the colors or finish agreed.
- Say who moves furniture and who protects floors.
- List repairs you are not including, such as water damage or major drywall work.
Check your local rules
Licensing, permits, written-contract rules and sales tax on materials or labor differ by state, province and country. In California, for example, the state licensing board says home improvement work over $500 needs a written contract signed by all parties, and changes must be in writing too (CSLB). Check your own licensing board or tax office, and use the terms box for the terms that apply to you. Quotewell is an independent tool, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules for estimates, contracts, permits and sales tax differ by state, country and trade, so check yours.
Sources
- FreshBooks: Quote, estimate, bid or proposal? The differences explained
- Housecall Pro: Free handyman quote template
- California Contractors State License Board: What is a contract?
Supplies for printing
The estimate maker is free. If you price jobs on site, these are the usual tools and supplies:
- Carbonless estimate form books on Amazon
- Laser distance measurer on Amazon
- 25 ft tape measure on Amazon
- Clipboard with storage case on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Related free tools
- Contractor invoice template: invoice the job once the work is done.
- Punch list with photos: list and photograph the finishing touches before you bill.
- Price list maker: print a menu of your standard services and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Should I price by square foot or by room?
Either. Use whichever you can measure and explain. The estimate can use sq ft, room or job as the unit.
Do I show the paint as a separate line?
Most painters do, as materials. It makes it clear whether the price includes paint and which one.
Is this painter estimate template really free?
Yes. There is no account, no sign-up and no limit. Each PDF has a small “Made with Quotewell” line in the bottom margin.
Where is my information stored?
Only in your browser. Your details and documents stay on your device and the PDF is built there. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I add my logo and a signature line?
Yes. Upload a PNG or JPG logo and tick Add signature lines. The PDF then has a customer and a contractor signature and date.
More estimate templates
Last updated · Written by the Rooh Sites team. Prices on this page are made-up examples.