A little advice...Been working for myself with one to two workers. Work gets done while personally always on the job. Work one job at a time as to give full attention and then on to the next. Always do more than asked or expected. Surprising your customers goes along way for a long term reputation with many referrals and repaints. You never have to advertise. I know everyone's business is taylored but works for me. as far as estimating, I always like to go to the customers house meet and them,it goes along way for establishing a relationship and you pick up more for the scope of work. I figure my wages plus helpers Xs days to complete + material. Prep days is where it can get tricky so for me it's best to walk the job to see what I'm up against. 30 yrs painting but still learning. Thanks for your video's 👍 God blessing
This is good advice. Chris even mentioned that he used to do this in his business, and it has scaled to a level where this method is impossible or impractical, and he seems to be #KillingIt!
I am learning so much from you. Seriously can't thank you enough. I am such an amateur and I'm up here in Northern Michigan killing it. You would make a fortune in this market, lol. Do you know I 've never even met half my customers? I get referrals, they call me, I get back with them via text or phone. They say go ahead, I complete the job and they venmo me my money. Honestly I underbid all the time. Not because I'm worried about losing out to someone else, I'm just grateful to get the work, lol. I get lectured all the time by close friends and family in the trades. Jim you're not charging people enough. Really it's a learning curve. Sent pics of current project to my brother in law. Says you better be charging at least 4k! Oops, I charged $-1900, it'll only take me 3 days and I work by myself. Skies the limit up here too, you can't find contractors. I just like to be fair and do a good job. Again thank you for all your knowledge and experience
Hey brother are you still in the business have you gotten better since this comment? Just asking because I may jump into the business myself and I'm wondering if its worth it
I'm a retired painting contractor here in California. I wish I would have figured all this out like you did back then. Very good system, it makes sense...and a lot of money too.
@Paint Life you taught me the fundamentals of the business now I will surpass every last painting company in the world thank you my brother! God Bless 🙏🏾💙
Super useful advice. My written old way of estimates takes 1-3 hours sometimes. Your process is way more effective and less time consuming. Now, I have to break my old mold and start adapting to a new format. Thank you for your DETAILED information on the entire process of estimate composition.
Lol brother, when I first started painting after working retail crap as a youngin, I was told by my first employer of painting (a random stumble from my sister on a facebook chat in a small town she visited a lot as I mentioned I needed work and hated retail and needed a change) of your videos and to look them up to get started, I did...and I am a quick leaner so I moved onto my own escapades fast, but you fast tracked me early on, now, as I find myself late on starting my own company 6 or so years later, you are now guiding how to create and run your business, and confirming much that I have been pondering for a few years now. You the painting legend brother!
To the part about using Google maps etc, I heard you say this previously on an older video, several years ago I adapted to this and have been doing my estimates ever since and I have to say it has helped me a 100% I have driven an hour to 2 hours before to give estimates only for not to be taken seriously at all. So I stand by that completely.
I do a 2 step process. The first is an estimate (a range) and second is an actual quote (accurate price). For the first, all it takes is a phone call with a few basic questions that should get us within the ball park. If the person is interested, we'll schedule an in person visit to look at things the condition of surfaces etc to write up an actual quote (proposal). No sense in going to their house and wasting your time and theirs if your price is going to be between $4,500 - $5,000 and they thought it was going to cost $2,500. Spend the time working on your questions and keeping track of what it takes for you to do your jobs so you always have that info ready and make your life easier.
I painted for other bosses for 12 years. I made a ton of money but they made three times as much and i did all the work. Last year i made the choice to do it on my own. Your videos help thank you.
IF its about the money you Are on the wrong career. You don’t get into being contractor because you wanna get more money. If you Are succesfull thats pripably gonna happen but its never the reason if its sustainable.
@@201francois maby its a nation thing. Here in europe everything is about good life and good life isnt really about money. Personally i love more about working with people than Making the trade. Im exelent At it but its not why im a contractor. To me its about freedom. Even i were Making double on working for someone doing the same Job i propably would not do it. And to be exelent on Something it requires you love it. Money is just money, it pays the bills but thats it.
Hi Chris, thank you and family that makes these vids possible! Despite some of the stupid comments. Please keep them comming. I appreciate all your efforts!👍
I think this can work for areas with a lot of basic and similar homes, but not for larger and more complicated projects, or for exteriors of homes in a town like ours where houses range from $2,000,000 to $20,000,000+ and have very wide ranges in painting cost, even on similarly sized and valued homes. We've done residential exterior paint jobs that cost anywhere from $5k to $250k, depending on scope and size.
Just fyi, I have been subscribed to your channels for over 4 years, and today I noticed that the "Subscribe" button was up again. I did not unsubscribe!
Another great video but left with a few questions. (1) Do you have a list you can share of all the variables that could come up that you would charge extra for? The $1.65 is labor only, correct? Paint and materials not included? How do you calculate the cost of misc supplies needed for the project? Is it a flat rate or a percentage? Thanks in advance for your reply.
After 8yrs i prefer to still meet face to face I still love going to work its still fun and im proud of my work it hasn't turned into a job yet lol One thing i have changed is im not scared to quote now If they don't except it its not the end of the world Word of mouth is the best Now we aint locked down from covid everyone wants jobs done for xmas so its mad
Damn straight. I don't do a whole lot of painting, but same thing. If they don't like my price, I may have an extra day off, no sweat off my back. I don't charge what I charge to be the cheapest, I charge what I do to do it right
Please note 'make the initial estimates without going to the clients property.'. You will probably always want to visit the client to 'seal the deal' if they accept your initial estimate in principal. The main thing is you weed out the clients who will never buy because you are too expensive or they don't realize just how much painting and decorating costs. How many times have you driven across town only to find that out?
when you said your paint estimates are based on floor square footage only, why do that when your are not painting the floors you are painting the walls and ceiling, seems like estimating walls and ceilings will give a higher square footage thus more money. do you estimate based on floor square footage because thats the paint industry standard or because this is the typical way of doing it in your area ?
Hey Chris, I may have missed it but I don't see a video for estimating interior bids. In my mind it makes more sense to bid the "Paintable surface area or each wall) as opposed to just the square footage of each room (sq ft of the floor) Am I crazy for thinking this?
There are pros and cons to all methods, right? The main advantage of going to see the customer is forming the personal rapport which other painters may not form. The con is what you spoke about in the beginning - using up time and gas, etc. That's one reason I like bidding on commercial projects that are still on paper - blueprints! Using OST software. Your ideas are great though. I wish I had your kind of dedication for the videos I (occasionally) make about measuring blueprints etc.
i like meeting customers, i showed up 8pm last night didn't get out till 11. granddad even went to break out his good crown royal, i had to excuse myself. great/fun people.
Been following on insta for years !!! To be honest never bother to visit your UA-cam channel. I see ur vids on Instagram but now I’m subscribed! Love that information I’ve been a indoor painter for many years over 8-9 I’ve been contemplating to start a painting business. I love the craft out of many trades I know painting is therapeutic. Thank you for the motivation and información!
I'm going to purchase from you some of your material after passing my test this month because my estimating skills are weak. When you say $1.65 SF2, sliding. Is that for each coat of primer and paint meaning 2 coats of primmer, 2 coats of paint = $6.60. How do you figure out the difference between painting a room tan and it is currently high gloss dark blue as opposed to as opposed to the same room is tan eggshell and they want a similar light color? How do you factor in cleaning prep for kitchens that obviously need to be de-greased? One contractor told me of a nightmare of every door needing to be repainted in a school. Some investigating proved the janitor used a product to clean the doors and left behind a residue that the painter did not not detect. I'm thinking a pitfall like that can really screw me up with limited funds especially if there was an "exception" in my insurance that I did not understand. Any suggestions?
What is a fair price to charge for exterior paint for 2 colors in Dallas Texas by the square feet I stoped working for 4 years on home remodeling , I was working behind a computer , it now I’m back to work with my hands but I’m lost on the prices for both interior and exterior paint jobs
I've been told to figure surface footage. Not square footage. Any advice? Been jobs I bid square footage really cut it close. I've landed jobs using surface footage came out fairly well. Any advice?
Do you believe that an invoice is an Agreement or should you present an agreement with terms like: customer agrees to cover all material cost increases etc, for example, or other type terms like duration of time, or scope of work etc. and get a signature . also do you make customers sign a completion certificate?
This is the information and video I have been looking for thank you so much Chris appreciate all that you’re doing for the community and fellow contractors
Hi Chris leave in Canada always ad hard time doing bids and no luck getting jobs! Climate is different specially in winter days! Any suggestions?thanks
Great, information, Kiris, Ive been using Sqft and Daily pricing base off time frame with a added profit margin up to 25% all businesses have to input their profit, or else your not in business. Youll just be getting by just making another hourly job. Selling your self and company is huge, especially if a customer is just price shopping and has no clue what it takes and whats involved in a painting project. Educating them on what products warranty and the level of preparations and work it takes and the details makes all the difference, if you dont want to be under cut by a low ball offers on paint jobs by painters who only look to have a day job.
It takes time, most have to be hand painted, and trim takes time. Even spraying, there is more set up and masking. Those are man hours, don't not pay yourself. Understand?
Hey Chris I'm just curious on how to bid a 10X20 room with 10ft ceilings and a 5X8 entrance 8ft ceilings customer already masked it off ready to spray it
sometimes Google earth pictures are not up to date....do you ever bid a job then go to do the work and find out its different from what you thought you bid ?
@@xChromerSatanasx What are you even responding to? Ah you must be one of those people that "well I can paint too, therefore it should be cheap"... If you think being in the trades and having nice equipment makes you a crook, you are clearly in the wrong place. Cheap work ain't good. Good work ain't cheap.
@@xChromerSatanasx just some free friendly advice, it's not very professional to bash another tradesman. You don't agree with his pricing or standards ok, so what, dont work for him or with him. Do it your way. But, there isn't any reason to bash, especially on a site like this. Our trade needs all the support from our peers as possible. 🙏
do you have an example of an estimate written up that you could show blown up to have a clear view of it. also what advice do you have im just begining to start painting houses and im doing this myself ??
When you say your base price is calculated per floor sq ft and billed at $1.65 per, is that just labor or does that include materials, paint, overhead, and profit?
WHAT SOFTWARE IS RECOMMEND FOR EDITING THE CUSTOMIZABLE BID PACKET AND ARE YOU OFFERING ANY DISCOUNT FOR YOUR QUALITY VIEWERS 👌🏻THANK YOU FOR THE EFFICIENT CONTENT🧑🏻🎨
Chris, I have a rookie question but it's a big issue for me. I've just painted a 3000 sq ft home with a satin Acri-shield exterior paint by PPG. It's drying with an uneven sheen. I'm using Magnum X7 515 tip. The paint says .015 to .021 at 1500 to 2000 psi. I had the sprayer turned up to max to keep it from starting and stopping when I had the trigger pulled. It seems to cause heavy spots when it started in the middle of a pass. So I'm not sure what the psi was at max. Long story short I have been through 17 gallons of paint @$100 a gallon and it looks terrible. I have pics but can't post them here. Help me stop the bleeding! -Rob
Are you doing back roll? Def need 2 and what Color satin? I've noticed the lighter the colors sometime you have to put 3 coats to even all About. Also depends what your putting it on. .
$1.65 per sqft just for the paint? Or all inclusive? What about the pressure washing/cleaning? Replacing siding and trim? Removal and disposal of debris? Dump fees?
Question on a job where my bid was accepted. Part of my bid for painting a house was to replace a middle stringer on a 14 step stair on a deck as well as paint the deck. I completed the house and the stair stringer. In the midst of doing the work the homeowners decided to paint the deck themselves without letting me know. Now that my work is complete they are wanting to know how much I am going to take off of the price of the whole job. What would you do in this situation. Being that they didn’t let me know and painted it themselves seems a little deceiving. Thank you.
Wow nice done video very professional footage congrats, Two questions .. One the amount of money for square footage includes one coat of primer two coats of paint? Second how much is the linear feet to paint trim ? Thanks again!
My question exactly. How does Square footage relate to painting surfaces? One house could literally be all painted siding and the next be all brick except for cornice
Chris , on your website I seen the bid packages .. I’m starting a painting business and I want to know what I should get to give a client a nice estimate of the job “residential “ can you please provide with what package a should get ? Thank you
You use the terms estimate and bid interchangeably when they are two different things. I suspect you bid (contract) most of your jobs. Are there instances where you will provide an estimate and not a bid/quote? If so, can you describe what that situation might be?
I really enjoyed this!! I heard you mention stucco and was wondering if the price differs based on the material that is being painted? Maybe you've already addressed this in a video. I'll keep looking! Thanks
Only way it's more expensive is buying the paint. There shouldn't be that more work on any kind of surface as there's several ways to paint all surfaces. I honestly don't get how it cost more labour when they do the very same set up, just need to use certain paint and may cost more for that paint.
quickbooks has an attachment button for linking PDF’s. i’m assuming that would be the avenue, but i haven’t tried it yet myself. i have been wanting to attach other details and contracts to my estimates.
I live in Upstate New York. No State license to get, but YES I have to register (by county/municipality) as a contractor.......OH! And there's the EPA to deal with. LOTS of old homes all over the place. The house I live in was built in the 1860s.....so there's the lead consideration in many many homes where I live. We're kinda considered part of New England (sorta), so lots of ACTUAL buildings that span from Colonial/pre-U.S.Constitution, on through to the mid-70s and through to new builds now. Not many super new builds in my immediate area. My wife and I have decided to start our own painting company. Tired of working for somebody else all the time. I've done some painting over the years but I would consider myself "brand new". I'm currently painting a friend's multi-million dollar lakefront property: started with the boathouse exterior; finished garage exterior and moved to interior (what a mess!); will be moving to the house (interior) next. Also, will be painting my mechanic's metal work building. The more I watch you the more I'm amazed and the less I feel I know...intimidating. I have very few tools: 1 medium-size Wooster Chinex brush for general painting and large cut-ins. 1 small Wooster Chinex brush for smaller detailed cut-ins (like old fashioned multi-pane windows), etc. 1 medium sized Wooster brush for oil-based paint 1 quick connect extension pole 1 18" roller 2 18" roller covers with 3/8" white woven nap 1 5-gallon roller bucket for large rollers 1 6-in-1 painter's tool/blade 2 4x12 drop cloth runners 1 9x15 drop cloth 1 utility blade 2 different glass scraper 1 angled, long-handled razor scraper Various spare blades for my scrapers/knives 1 cheap barbecue brush 1 Wooster brunch comb (love it!) Various sanding sponges 1 BRAND NEW paint eater (bought yesterday!) 3 small, soft nylon cleaning brushes 1 roll of green Frog Tape A couple rolls of 1-inch 2093 3M tape 1 caulking gun 0 sprayers or any other "fancy" tools I see on your videos. A bunch of my own tools that are not 'painter specific" 0 bidding experience (among a lack of other experience) 1 VERY supportive wife 1 really good laptop 1 20-year old Honda Civic 1 ENORMOUS bundle of nerves (that's an me) DESIRE! Now what? 😂
My estimates are 2-3 pages tops plus the schedule of value, followed by a 20 Day Preliminary Lien Notice but everything is mentioned from 72hrs notice to schedule start to delay and cancellation back charges, extras, pick ups, sign off other finish installations but I still visit the property due to amount of damages that can be present and we do not know how quickly Google Earth update their images. Quick Books 👍
@@Idahopainter I'm having a hard time making the math make sense is all. I'm not questioning you per say. cost per sq. ft. minus labor, minus supplies. I just want to make sure i'm pricing things correctly is all.
We used SW for over a decade then switched to Glidden and PPG from Home Depot, we like it better and it's way less expensive (probably because those companies have no storefronts and thus almost no overhead). Try them out, they are really good.
TurboSol I have looked at those paints at Home Depot and they were pretty good. We have a great rep at SW and he does anything he can to take care of my company. We order everything from SW paint,stain, tape,paper,ladders, paint sprayers if they can order it we use them. SW would have to do something really bad for us to stop using them. I have heard some good things about some of the PPG paints for cabinets.
@J Wil we've used it for almost 8 years, haven't had any paint failure yet, we've returned to do more work for repeat clients and our exteriors look fantastic years later. It touches up without flashing and covers really well. We use ppg for higher end clients and that stuff is even better, I put Glidden exterior paint with something like a100 from sw, not great not bad but awesome value.
Main estimate factor is will customer be there or not? If so they can do the math and figure out how much you make /hr, so try to keep it down, or they might not rehire or refer if they see you're making more than what they'd think is appropriate (nevermind your proficiency). If it's vacant, go for the gold. On a typical house i might knock a thousand off if i know they're going to be around.
Does your base price include ceilings and trim or just walls? When you do your estimates, is with paint furnished and do you change it if customer decides to furnish paint?
Hi I am a painter in the UK but I’m quite new to spraying I have a large kitchen re spray coming up and wondering if you know a hard Waring water based painting system I can use , preferably one I can by in the UK thanks for your help in advance matt
But one house that is 2500sqft could have 4 times the painting and work of another house that is the same square footage. One house could all be brick and just painting cornice while another house could have all painted siding. I don't understand. Please explain how you change your bid on these factors
That's a good question, even after 16 years in painting I'm still not so great at picking colors! I find that those home depot/lowes pamphlets that show colors on and in homes are helpful though.
AT $1.65 A SQFT IS THE BASE PRICE ONLY YOU NEED TO DOUBLE THIS NUMBER FOR LABOR/ PROFIT, WITH THIS NEW TOTAL WILL BE THE FINAL COST YOU CHARGE FOR THE PROJECT, *USUALLY INCLUDES MATERIALS/OVERHEAD. HOPE THIS HELPS GOOD-LUCK. 👍🏻
I don’t think that’s what he means when he says “ base price” he doesn’t double anything after figuring out the base price. He says it clearlyI met is the final cost it includes everything. He said somethings are not included in the base price like if it were three story or very old or damaged which would equal more than normal prep work.
I've been watching you for a couple of weeks now really like what you're doing and what you achieved congrats to you on the other side of things I'm watching this video and I kind of need straight to the point answers on how to simply estimate jobs
Goto the closet paint store ask a pro, pricing is regional to where you live, more expensive the side of your city you live on like everything else. I learned that the hard way. They will take advantage of you,
A little advice...Been working for myself with one to two workers. Work gets done while personally always on the job. Work one job at a time as to give full attention and then on to the next. Always do more than asked or expected. Surprising your customers goes along way for a long term reputation with many referrals and repaints. You never have to advertise. I know everyone's business is taylored but works for me. as far as estimating, I always like to go to the customers house meet and them,it goes along way for establishing a relationship and you pick up more for the scope of work. I figure my wages plus helpers Xs days to complete + material. Prep days is where it can get tricky so for me it's best to walk the job to see what I'm up against. 30 yrs painting but still learning. Thanks for your video's 👍 God blessing
This is good advice. Chris even mentioned that he used to do this in his business, and it has scaled to a level where this method is impossible or impractical, and he seems to be #KillingIt!
Thank you. Respectfully
Hey I'm trying to start a painting business, could I maybe talk to you and get some advise?
Wayland welch
@cudz1638 did you get your advise, if not I could probably help ya.
I am learning so much from you. Seriously can't thank you enough.
I am such an amateur and I'm up here in Northern Michigan killing it.
You would make a fortune in this market, lol.
Do you know I 've never even met half my customers?
I get referrals, they call me, I get back with them via text or phone.
They say go ahead, I complete the job and they venmo me my money.
Honestly I underbid all the time. Not because I'm worried about losing out to someone else, I'm just grateful to get the work, lol.
I get lectured all the time by close friends and family in the trades. Jim you're not charging people enough. Really it's a learning curve. Sent pics of current project to my brother in law. Says you better be charging at least 4k! Oops, I charged $-1900, it'll only take me 3 days and I work by myself.
Skies the limit up here too, you can't find contractors. I just like to be fair and do a good job.
Again thank you for all your knowledge and experience
Hey brother are you still in the business have you gotten better since this comment? Just asking because I may jump into the business myself and I'm wondering if its worth it
I'm a retired painting contractor here in California. I wish I would have figured all this out like you did back then. Very good system, it makes sense...and a lot of money too.
@Paint Life you taught me the fundamentals of the business now I will surpass every last painting company in the world thank you my brother! God Bless 🙏🏾💙
Amen!
Super useful advice. My written old way of estimates takes 1-3 hours sometimes. Your process is way more effective and less time consuming. Now, I have to break my old mold and start adapting to a new format. Thank you for your DETAILED information on the entire process of estimate composition.
Lol brother, when I first started painting after working retail crap as a youngin, I was told by my first employer of painting (a random stumble from my sister on a facebook chat in a small town she visited a lot as I mentioned I needed work and hated retail and needed a change) of your videos and to look them up to get started, I did...and I am a quick leaner so I moved onto my own escapades fast, but you fast tracked me early on, now, as I find myself late on starting my own company 6 or so years later, you are now guiding how to create and run your business, and confirming much that I have been pondering for a few years now. You the painting legend brother!
To the part about using Google maps etc, I heard you say this previously on an older video, several years ago I adapted to this and have been doing my estimates ever since and I have to say it has helped me a 100% I have driven an hour to 2 hours before to give estimates only for not to be taken seriously at all. So I stand by that completely.
I do a 2 step process. The first is an estimate (a range) and second is an actual quote (accurate price). For the first, all it takes is a phone call with a few basic questions that should get us within the ball park. If the person is interested, we'll schedule an in person visit to look at things the condition of surfaces etc to write up an actual quote (proposal). No sense in going to their house and wasting your time and theirs if your price is going to be between $4,500 - $5,000 and they thought it was going to cost $2,500.
Spend the time working on your questions and keeping track of what it takes for you to do your jobs so you always have that info ready and make your life easier.
Love your process - it uses the best of both worlds, without driving all over 3 counties to not get jobs. Thank you!
Thanks a lot, I have a small paint business that I’m trying to get off the ground, your information is extremely helpful👍🏾👍🏾✌🏾
Thanks
I painted for other bosses for 12 years. I made a ton of money but they made three times as much and i did all the work. Last year i made the choice to do it on my own. Your videos help thank you.
@@bratvlad its been a rough start.
Haha i feel u
IF its about the money you Are on the wrong career.
You don’t get into being contractor because you wanna get more money. If you Are succesfull thats pripably gonna happen but its never the reason if its sustainable.
@@MrMetaloholic everybody I know that is a contractor is in it for the money. It's all about money, it's a job
@@201francois maby its a nation thing. Here in europe everything is about good life and good life isnt really about money. Personally i love more about working with people than Making the trade. Im exelent At it but its not why im a contractor. To me its about freedom. Even i were Making double on working for someone doing the same Job i propably would not do it.
And to be exelent on Something it requires you love it. Money is just money, it pays the bills but thats it.
Hi Chris, thank you and family that makes these vids possible!
Despite some of the stupid comments.
Please keep them comming. I appreciate all your efforts!👍
I think this can work for areas with a lot of basic and similar homes, but not for larger and more complicated projects, or for exteriors of homes in a town like ours where houses range from $2,000,000 to $20,000,000+ and have very wide ranges in painting cost, even on similarly sized and valued homes. We've done residential exterior paint jobs that cost anywhere from $5k to $250k, depending on scope and size.
thanks for sharing
Just fyi, I have been subscribed to your channels for over 4 years, and today I noticed that the "Subscribe" button was up again. I did not unsubscribe!
Another great video but left with a few questions. (1) Do you have a list you can share of all the variables that could come up that you would charge extra for? The $1.65 is labor only, correct? Paint and materials not included? How do you calculate the cost of misc supplies needed for the project? Is it a flat rate or a percentage? Thanks in advance for your reply.
After 8yrs i prefer to still meet face to face
I still love going to work its still fun and im proud of my work it hasn't turned into a job yet lol
One thing i have changed is im not scared to quote now
If they don't except it its not the end of the world
Word of mouth is the best
Now we aint locked down from covid everyone wants jobs done for xmas so its mad
Damn straight. I don't do a whole lot of painting, but same thing. If they don't like my price, I may have an extra day off, no sweat off my back. I don't charge what I charge to be the cheapest, I charge what I do to do it right
@@HipposaurusRex and when they call you back to fix the cheapest dudes mistakes charge them more for your wasted time
Please note 'make the initial estimates without going to the clients property.'. You will probably always want to visit the client to 'seal the deal' if they accept your initial estimate in principal. The main thing is you weed out the clients who will never buy because you are too expensive or they don't realize just how much painting and decorating costs. How many times have you driven across town only to find that out?
Yeah maybe get basic info over the phone, give rough estimate, then go out to see it.
I love seeing the business videos. Thanks for sharing.
when you said your paint estimates are based on floor square footage only, why do that when your are not painting the floors you are painting the walls and ceiling, seems like estimating walls and ceilings will give a higher square footage thus more money. do you estimate based on floor square footage because thats the paint industry standard or because this is the typical way of doing it in your area ?
Hey Chris, I may have missed it but I don't see a video for estimating interior bids. In my mind it makes more sense to bid the "Paintable surface area or each wall) as opposed to just the square footage of each room (sq ft of the floor) Am I crazy for thinking this?
Thank you Chis and Lisa you guys have helped us with our business. God Bless
Same! 👍
What do you do in winter months? Do you save all inside work for winter months?
A LOT OF DISCOUNTED WORK OR DONATIONS TO MAYBE SAY... CHURCHES??! 👌🏻
During summer tell the people you are bidding for that you’ll give them a slight discount if they can wait until winter
@@lexandersantana8089 ^This
@paint life tv is there any training or hands on teaching that you do?
Our Academy are listed at www.paintlifesupply.com
There are pros and cons to all methods, right? The main advantage of going to see the customer is forming the personal rapport which other painters may not form. The con is what you spoke about in the beginning - using up time and gas, etc. That's one reason I like bidding on commercial projects that are still on paper - blueprints! Using OST software. Your ideas are great though. I wish I had your kind of dedication for the videos I (occasionally) make about measuring blueprints etc.
i like meeting customers, i showed up 8pm last night didn't get out till 11. granddad even went to break out his good crown royal, i had to excuse myself. great/fun people.
Been following on insta for years !!! To be honest never bother to visit your UA-cam channel. I see ur vids on Instagram but now I’m subscribed! Love that information I’ve been a indoor painter for many years over 8-9 I’ve been contemplating to start a painting business. I love the craft out of many trades I know painting is therapeutic. Thank you for the motivation and información!
I'm going to purchase from you some of your material after passing my test this month because my estimating skills are weak. When you say $1.65 SF2, sliding. Is that for each coat of primer and paint meaning 2 coats of primmer, 2 coats of paint = $6.60. How do you figure out the difference between painting a room tan and it is currently high gloss dark blue as opposed to as opposed to the same room is tan eggshell and they want a similar light color? How do you factor in cleaning prep for kitchens that obviously need to be de-greased? One contractor told me of a nightmare of every door needing to be repainted in a school. Some investigating proved the janitor used a product to clean the doors and left behind a residue that the painter did not not detect. I'm thinking a pitfall like that can really screw me up with limited funds especially if there was an "exception" in my insurance that I did not understand. Any suggestions?
Hello quick question when you work let’s say a two man crew how do you add in their wages?
You’re a legend this helps so much. Thank you.
Can you do a video explaining your interior estimate process? Thanks!!
What is a fair price to charge for exterior paint for 2 colors in Dallas Texas by the square feet I stoped working for 4 years on home remodeling , I was working behind a computer , it now I’m back to work with my hands but I’m lost on the prices for both interior and exterior paint jobs
i love the bible versus you drop throughout the videos. they are the most relatable at the time as well.
I've been told to figure surface footage. Not square footage. Any advice? Been jobs I bid square footage really cut it close. I've landed jobs using surface footage came out fairly well. Any advice?
Many ways to do it. My method works for me and for over 22 years
Do you believe that an invoice is an Agreement or should you present an agreement with terms like: customer agrees to cover all material cost increases etc, for example, or other type terms like duration of time, or scope of work etc. and get a signature . also do you make customers sign a completion certificate?
How did you come up with the price per linear foot
Hello there.
How do I know how much paint i need to paint house.
Very good info sir.👍👍 for us who barely started our own business. Thanks so much.!!
Im starting my painting buisness as well here in Texas valley any tips too promote ??
This is the information and video I have been looking for thank you so much Chris appreciate all that you’re doing for the community and fellow contractors
Glad it was helpful!
@@Idahopainter why do you avoid houses with lead based paint?
@@ggboys6077 He doesn’t do that because it’s not worth the hassle that you have to go through.
What a great source of information
Appreciate the free game! 🙏
but where is the interior bid video at you were speaking of??
What does the $1.65 sq ft include? Does it include trim, fascia, prep work, materials?
All the above
Seems very low. Im in oregon and cheap guys are $2.50 a foot. I know the cost of a home is lower there but that number kinda shocked me lol.
Hi Chris leave in Canada always ad hard time doing bids and no luck getting jobs! Climate is different specially in winter days! Any suggestions?thanks
You're like the professor of painting! I do this actually! It really speeds things up!
👍
@@Idahopainter do you make any videos for interior estimating tips
Great, information, Kiris, Ive been using Sqft and Daily pricing base off time frame with a added profit margin up to 25% all businesses have to input their profit, or else your not in business. Youll just be getting by just making another hourly job. Selling your self and company is huge, especially if a customer is just price shopping and has no clue what it takes and whats involved in a painting project. Educating them on what products warranty and the level of preparations and work it takes and the details makes all the difference, if you dont want to be under cut by a low ball offers on paint jobs by painters who only look to have a day job.
How windows and doors affect your bids? Some homes have more windows, some with wood trim some without.
It takes time, most have to be hand painted, and trim takes time. Even spraying, there is more set up and masking. Those are man hours, don't not pay yourself. Understand?
Hey Chris I'm just curious on how to bid a 10X20 room with 10ft ceilings and a 5X8 entrance 8ft ceilings customer already masked it off ready to spray it
Does it get close enough to see if u have to caulk trim or putty nail holes .,? If not then u lose money cause spend couople days caulking and puttyin
So are you talking square footage of the house or the walls
House
sometimes Google earth pictures are not up to date....do you ever bid a job then go to do the work and find out its different from what you thought you bid ?
@J. FILL when I click on my house the image is at LEAST 5 years old....your not looking at REAL time image..
@J. FILL Google Earth is static images. It's not a live photo/video. There's a good example of this in the beginning of the video
@@xChromerSatanasx What are you even responding to? Ah you must be one of those people that "well I can paint too, therefore it should be cheap"... If you think being in the trades and having nice equipment makes you a crook, you are clearly in the wrong place. Cheap work ain't good. Good work ain't cheap.
@@xChromerSatanasx just some free friendly advice, it's not very professional to bash another tradesman. You don't agree with his pricing or standards ok, so what, dont work for him or with him. Do it your way. But, there isn't any reason to bash, especially on a site like this. Our trade needs all the support from our peers as possible. 🙏
@@xChromerSatanasx You're special
do you have an example of an estimate written up that you could show blown up to have a clear view of it. also what advice do you have im just begining to start painting houses and im doing this myself ??
When you say your base price is calculated per floor sq ft and billed at $1.65 per, is that just labor or does that include materials, paint, overhead, and profit?
Everything
WHAT SOFTWARE IS RECOMMEND FOR EDITING THE CUSTOMIZABLE BID PACKET AND ARE YOU OFFERING ANY DISCOUNT FOR YOUR QUALITY VIEWERS 👌🏻THANK YOU FOR THE EFFICIENT CONTENT🧑🏻🎨
I use word and google drive
Chris,
I have a rookie question but it's a big issue for me. I've just painted a 3000 sq ft home with a satin Acri-shield exterior paint by PPG. It's drying with an uneven sheen. I'm using Magnum X7 515 tip. The paint says .015 to .021 at 1500 to 2000 psi. I had the sprayer turned up to max to keep it from starting and stopping when I had the trigger pulled. It seems to cause heavy spots when it started in the middle of a pass. So I'm not sure what the psi was at max.
Long story short I have been through 17 gallons of paint @$100 a gallon and it looks terrible. I have pics but can't post them here.
Help me stop the bleeding!
-Rob
Are you doing back roll? Def need 2 and what Color satin? I've noticed the lighter the colors sometime you have to put 3 coats to even all
About. Also depends what your putting it on. .
You need to bankroll it and clean the filters.
$1.65 per sqft just for the paint? Or all inclusive?
What about the pressure washing/cleaning? Replacing siding and trim? Removal and disposal of debris? Dump fees?
Question on a job where my bid was accepted. Part of my bid for painting a house was to replace a middle stringer on a 14 step stair on a deck as well as paint the deck. I completed the house and the stair stringer. In the midst of doing the work the homeowners decided to paint the deck themselves without letting me know. Now that my work is complete they are wanting to know how much I am going to take off of the price of the whole job. What would you do in this situation. Being that they didn’t let me know and painted it themselves seems a little deceiving. Thank you.
What ended up happening?
dude I love your videos thank u so much!
Wow nice done video very professional footage congrats,
Two questions ..
One the amount of money for square footage includes one coat of primer two coats of paint?
Second how much is the linear feet to paint trim ?
Thanks again!
Does it show screw pops in the walls or ceilings, that u have to pop in and spackle over.?
What is your exterior bid process if it’s a brick house and they only want fascia, soffits, shutters, etc. painted?
My question exactly. How does Square footage relate to painting surfaces? One house could literally be all painted siding and the next be all brick except for cornice
Hi Christ , how do you estimate the cost of paint and materials?
I had a question. do you do the 15 minutes to choose the colors in person?
Yes
Does material cost come out of the base estimate?
Chris , on your website I seen the bid packages .. I’m starting a painting business and I want to know what I should get to give a client a nice estimate of the job “residential “ can you please provide with what package a should get ? Thank you
You are the man! You do great work!
Priceless info!
Thank you brother at the brush!
Do you base your exterior square footage from the interior square footage of the home
At the dollar sixty-five a square foot is that including the power wash or do you charge separately for that
Why don’t you do Led base jobs ? Is it cause of the health risk?
Liability
Love your videos and all the material! Was wondering how I could get my hands one of your sample bid packets? Is this a possibility?
Later in the video... Thanks anyways!
paintlifesupply.com
You use the terms estimate and bid interchangeably when they are two different things. I suspect you bid (contract) most of your jobs. Are there instances where you will provide an estimate and not a bid/quote? If so, can you describe what that situation might be?
I THINK A LOT OF BUSINESSES USE THESE TERMS INTERCHANGEABLE, BUT THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT TOPIC TO DISCUSS 👍🏻
I learned that lesson the hard way, thankfully very early. An estimate is NOT the price, but only a (hopefully) informed guess.
I really enjoyed this!! I heard you mention stucco and was wondering if the price differs based on the material that is being painted? Maybe you've already addressed this in a video. I'll keep looking! Thanks
Yes it definitely does as it takes much more paint to paint stucco
Only way it's more expensive is buying the paint. There shouldn't be that more work on any kind of surface as there's several ways to paint all surfaces. I honestly don't get how it cost more labour when they do the very same set up, just need to use certain paint and may cost more for that paint.
How do you bid from blue prints new construction
Has inflation increased your 2021 bid amount of a $1.65 a sqf for exterior jobs? Thx
Thank you for all the info! I’m wondering how you add the bid packet to quick books?
quickbooks has an attachment button for linking PDF’s. i’m assuming that would be the avenue, but i haven’t tried it yet myself. i have been wanting to attach other details and contracts to my estimates.
nick but not for anything else :) estimates look nicer on freshbooks, but way less options for growing business
nick i tried both out and ended up going with quickbooks. Freshbooks is geared more toward solo operations and kitschy businesses.
What version of quickbooks do you use?
Do you have to be licensed to give out estimates
How do you charge if they say they want ceilings painted as well?
Such a thinker, us as painters is rare, haha, respect.
I live in Upstate New York. No State license to get, but YES I have to register (by county/municipality) as a contractor.......OH! And there's the EPA to deal with. LOTS of old homes all over the place. The house I live in was built in the 1860s.....so there's the lead consideration in many many homes where I live. We're kinda considered part of New England (sorta), so lots of ACTUAL buildings that span from Colonial/pre-U.S.Constitution, on through to the mid-70s and through to new builds now. Not many super new builds in my immediate area. My wife and I have decided to start our own painting company. Tired of working for somebody else all the time. I've done some painting over the years but I would consider myself "brand new". I'm currently painting a friend's multi-million dollar lakefront property: started with the boathouse exterior; finished garage exterior and moved to interior (what a mess!); will be moving to the house (interior) next. Also, will be painting my mechanic's metal work building. The more I watch you the more I'm amazed and the less I feel I know...intimidating. I have very few tools:
1 medium-size Wooster Chinex brush for general painting and large cut-ins.
1 small Wooster Chinex brush for smaller detailed cut-ins (like old fashioned multi-pane windows), etc.
1 medium sized Wooster brush for oil-based paint
1 quick connect extension pole
1 18" roller
2 18" roller covers with 3/8" white woven nap
1 5-gallon roller bucket for large rollers
1 6-in-1 painter's tool/blade
2 4x12 drop cloth runners
1 9x15 drop cloth
1 utility blade
2 different glass scraper
1 angled, long-handled razor scraper
Various spare blades for my scrapers/knives
1 cheap barbecue brush
1 Wooster brunch comb (love it!)
Various sanding sponges
1 BRAND NEW paint eater (bought yesterday!)
3 small, soft nylon cleaning brushes
1 roll of green Frog Tape
A couple rolls of 1-inch 2093 3M tape
1 caulking gun
0 sprayers or any other "fancy" tools I see on your videos.
A bunch of my own tools that are not 'painter specific"
0 bidding experience (among a lack of other experience)
1 VERY supportive wife
1 really good laptop
1 20-year old Honda Civic
1 ENORMOUS bundle of nerves (that's an me)
DESIRE!
Now what? 😂
How do you determine whether you need two Coats with a sprayer? How much more you charge?
Always need two coats. Always.
@@IntricateDolphin Never.
@@immeohmyoh sometimes
My estimates are 2-3 pages tops plus the schedule of value, followed by a 20 Day Preliminary Lien Notice but everything is mentioned from 72hrs notice to schedule start to delay and cancellation back charges, extras, pick ups, sign off other finish installations but I still visit the property due to amount of damages that can be present and we do not know how quickly Google Earth update their images. Quick Books 👍
So when it comes to making sure you can get enough paint for a project, wouldn't you want to measure out the house?
With experience no
@@Idahopainter I'm having a hard time making the math make sense is all. I'm not questioning you per say. cost per sq. ft. minus labor, minus supplies. I just want to make sure i'm pricing things correctly is all.
What paint do you prefer for interior and exterior when you do a job or is it up to the customer.
Boom Stick I use SW super paint for interior and SW A-100 or Duration for exterior.
We used SW for over a decade then switched to Glidden and PPG from Home Depot, we like it better and it's way less expensive (probably because those companies have no storefronts and thus almost no overhead). Try them out, they are really good.
TurboSol I have looked at those paints at Home Depot and they were pretty good. We have a great rep at SW and he does anything he can to take care of my company. We order everything from SW paint,stain, tape,paper,ladders, paint sprayers if they can order it we use them. SW would have to do something really bad for us to stop using them. I have heard some good things about some of the PPG paints for cabinets.
@J Wil we've used it for almost 8 years, haven't had any paint failure yet, we've returned to do more work for repeat clients and our exteriors look fantastic years later. It touches up without flashing and covers really well. We use ppg for higher end clients and that stuff is even better, I put Glidden exterior paint with something like a100 from sw, not great not bad but awesome value.
Do you do per coat as well?
Great information by the way! Keep it up
Is the 1.65 base just labor? If not how do you determine cost with materials.
Prices have increased and that includes labor in my square foot price. But there can be additional add on line items👍
@@Idahopainter you said it includes labor, I assume that means materials and paint included? Thank you for the quick reply.
good to know about the lead in old paint and how to bid per sq ft and how much
Main estimate factor is will customer be there or not? If so they can do the math and figure out how much you make /hr, so try to keep it down, or they might not rehire or refer if they see you're making more than what they'd think is appropriate (nevermind your proficiency). If it's vacant, go for the gold. On a typical house i might knock a thousand off if i know they're going to be around.
Does your base price include ceilings and trim or just walls? When you do your estimates, is with paint furnished and do you change it if customer decides to furnish paint?
Good question, looking forward to a reply
Base does not include trim. We provide paint
I am a new to painting as a owner what is going rate interior walls color change per sqft
Depends on your location
What's the best resource for one to get well acquainted with colours? Colour trends etc..this is in reference to your colour consultations
@Mvaiwa Chigaru, I recommend watching UA-cam videos from The Paint People.
Hi I am a painter in the UK but I’m quite new to spraying I have a large kitchen re spray coming up and wondering if you know a hard Waring water based painting system I can use , preferably one I can by in the UK thanks for your help in advance matt
But one house that is 2500sqft could have 4 times the painting and work of another house that is the same square footage. One house could all be brick and just painting cornice while another house could have all painted siding. I don't understand. Please explain how you change your bid on these factors
Awesome, found this video very informational, thanks!!!
Hello thanks for all the info One question your price per square foot includes paint and materials or thats added to it? Thank you
everything is included
Could you please do walk thru ....how you do a typical and a non typical color consult thank you great stuff
That's a good question, even after 16 years in painting I'm still not so great at picking colors! I find that those home depot/lowes pamphlets that show colors on and in homes are helpful though.
ua-cam.com/video/5lB-knq-0Zk/v-deo.html
...tons of other valuable content here also...
1.65 sf. . .that includes trim, doors ?
AT $1.65 A SQFT IS THE BASE PRICE ONLY YOU NEED TO DOUBLE THIS NUMBER FOR LABOR/ PROFIT, WITH THIS NEW TOTAL WILL BE THE FINAL COST YOU CHARGE FOR THE PROJECT, *USUALLY INCLUDES MATERIALS/OVERHEAD. HOPE THIS HELPS
GOOD-LUCK. 👍🏻
I don’t think that’s what he means when he says “ base price” he doesn’t double anything after figuring out the base price. He says it clearlyI met is the final cost it includes everything. He said somethings are not included in the base price like if it were three story or very old or damaged which would equal more than normal prep work.
Awesome video. Thank you
I've been watching you for a couple of weeks now really like what you're doing and what you achieved congrats to you on the other side of things I'm watching this video and I kind of need straight to the point answers on how to simply estimate jobs
How do you come up with your $ per sf ? Interior specifically. Love your intel!
Goto the closet paint store ask a pro, pricing is regional to where you live, more expensive the side of your city you live on like everything else. I learned that the hard
way. They will take advantage of you,
thank you . i all ways learninng from your viedeos god bless your family..
Smart Man . 🤙👍 Thanks !
sick shirt! paint life bruhhhhh.