3 Steps to Calculating an Accurate, Profitable Painting Estimate, Quote or Bid

[@eddierodriguez418]

The most helpful video in the whole KZbin community.

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

That's high praise on the topic of estimating painting projects!

[@danivfntse4196]

Real talks

[@RETRO-RANEYS-RESTORATIONS]

Lol

[@israelwhyte1307]

This is the Gold Standard of quoting tutorial on KZbin. The only video that actually told me something

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

You are very kind. When charge rates, material rates and pay rates can change, it's important to understand that production rates don't! Understanding the core concept behind production rate estimating is essential for success!

[@renostubbs8504]

This makes a lot of sense, worth watching over and over until it becomes a natural habit to our approach to executing any size project

[@E_Grub]

Thank you so much, I’m going to rewatch this until I get every detail down by heart, this is really what I’ve needed from previously working for a company painting, and wanting to open up my own business I feel like this is the base and grounding I need to work on to become efficient and accurate in doing so I appreciate it.

[@gregsimpson6203]

I've been painting about 25 years but I certainly learned something listening to this video,,amazing presentation!!!

[@Bill-ws4ke]

This is like going to school. My mind is blown. Thank you, Mr. Lewis. Very helpful. I will be tuning in. Thanks so much.

[@Jose-wt2jl]

I asked my sub yesterday to keep a log of his production rate and he flatly said I don’t work like that. There is a million factors into the equation. I said, please do it anyway. He said no, I don’t work like that. In my head I just said, you have a bad attitude and you’re not working with me anymore because you refuse to learn. Thanks for your videos!

[@Auggie1321]

Just like that 😂 Gone! What a positive attitude you have, you try to show him, a lot of people wouldn’t do this or would ask for something in return for knowledge

[@dathanwatts9974]

Awesome no nonsense and candid presentation that dotted all the I's and crossed all the T's I'm a GC with an electrical background and see huge value in your information in all trades because of the principles you use as a matrix to come up with your price..... excellent job.

[@salzy1864]

'square ftg prices are crazy.' That's nice to hear coming from an expert and verifies what I've suspected for years.

[@ServiceGrowthGroup]

Thanks, buddy. The main reason it's an issue. Is that it obfuscates and hides the three main metrics which are production rates, charge rates and pay rates.

[@Limitlessaerialphotography]

I was that lazy person... but this man has changed my way of thinking in a way I can't describe. I am so thankful 🙏

[@jacobnorman4800]

Best video on KZbin regarding estimating painting projects. By far.

[@ricksonpimentel6880]

You're absolutely right!!! Applying this method right at this moment. Thank you so much for teaching us all of this.

[@123dogone]

great insight thank you for sharing your experience, do i do a production diary for each painter

[@jt2kool]

Great video! I am the owner of a small business here in central Indiana called Hamilton County Painting. I just found this channel this evening and this is the first video I watched. Great content and I appreciate the time and effort making this video.

[@yovanyvalle2895]

This video has taught me exactly what I was looking for.Im new in the business and I was heading the wrong way like many others who guess their estimates job after job. Thank you so much

[@Fred_Klingon]

Even if I'm an IT consultant, I find these concepts very usuful. I will use them for my next projects. Thank you

[@MindKontrolleProject]

Do you calculate in setup/breakdown Time? Obstructions IE beds/furniture/window curtains ? Do you always ask for the cu to clear the room?

[@ANON1ScummedOut]

Great info & advice.. and I always wondered why contractors would measure the floor & put their bid together based on sq footage of a room, instead of measure the walls & put a bid together based on the sq footage of surface area that they'd actually be painting. Thnx for the insight, good day.

[@shegoncray]

This video is one of the most candid and reflective I have seen in a long time or even heard someone speak about There is so much content about "selling tactics" and gimmicks; that make people believe that going full-throttle selling with no proper understanding of their business metrics is the way to go. We're expanding our business into other trades, and I'm glad to have come across this video that re-set what has proven to be successful to this point, and I had nearly forgotten that is the foundation. Thank you, and I look forward to viewing more of your content.

[@rubenespinosa6434]

I really appreciate your video and advice in this video. I’m a new business owner and have been doing very well but estimates have been a little bit of an issue . I have a lot of apt with many cracks in walls which take a more time. So I would like to be a little more accurate so at least the owners are not out in the wind with cost .

[@Krackorn]

How do you measure the room to figure out the production rates sir?

[@deaneng8540]

You're so right on! I always ask myself what my production rate when psinting in different situations I.e how long does it take me to paint rolling and brushing a basic bedroom or a kitchen with cabinets or a cathedral ceiling walls trim etc. Sometimes I kick ass and go fast sometimes things don't go as fast but I should get that down what my basic rate is so I don't have to guess all the time

[@myeverythingworld8123]

And what was your production rate m8

[@miguelcastillo5071]

I just passed both my law exam and trade exam this past Thursday and me watching this at 12:00 am is blowing my mind.

[@joedoe5886]

This is amazing. I was doing this before I even found this video. Makes me feel better knowing I'm heading in the right direction

[@waltervalencia4245]

I’m 22 u were a great help brother, and won’t forget about you!

[@hugomartinez536]

Hey, how do you combine sanding and painting. Is it calculated the same way as the prod. rate for painting? So you create a rate for the sanding job and a rate for painting, and divide the invoice in two parts?

[@davidhernandez-commercialp4354]

Very informative! Pricing per square foot has to be based on production rates and material coverage. Admittedly price per square foot has to adjusted on every job and account for variables. Square foot pricing is to be seen as a guideline and not as written-on-stone pricing for all projects. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonb.9953]

Wow!!! Thank You!! What a great video! Everything you said makes perfect sense. This information applies to more than just painting. If more owners in the trades used this simple method we could probably get rid of the low ball hack jobs out there.

[@MIZUNOMP60]

What profit margin are painting companies typically making off their own employees? For example if X painting company has four employees each making $20/hr. Is the painting company then charging the client a fixed amount above that $20/hr per employee say $30 per hour?

[@greggoforth6916]

Hi Brandon, very well explained. Question regarding production rates. Would you also keep production rates for spraying paint and then just factor in the additional prep time? What I am confused about is that when spraying, you want the efficiency of spraying to boost profits not just improve your production rate. Is the average price per square foot typically lower when spraying. Thanks in Advance for your feedback.

[@jasonwilliams2783]

Yes this is very helpful information I've been painting for over twenty years always working for others .now I'm wanting to start my owe bisness and I want to do thing in a educated way .thank you for your information. 15/05/24

[@hoochone3225]

Please do a video showcasing various estimation techniques & software programmes best suited to on-site "there & then" quotations/proposals... Krgds

[@AlexKunstar]

This was an outstanding video. I like a lot of your terminology for things that I've naturally done in 20years of painting and giving estimates. The easiest way in my opinion to make more money is to increase your productivity by fine tuning all aspects of your painting process and hammering out the competition. I know you stated some bids being way bellow market averages, I think those bids will be a combination of extremely poor guesses, and extremely optimized highly skilled labor that runs circles around an average painting crew.

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Thanks Alex! Don't forget, your sales process and how persuasive it is also controls your closing rate and your hourly billable rate. That can have a huge impact on the profitability of a job and it's disconnected from what actually happens in the field. Good luck and happy New Year!

[@Only2Genders]

Really helpful info! Glad I came across this video, gonna apply this to my company!💯

[@rahmanrucker6232]

This was the best youtube video I have seen. Thanks for taking the time to bless us with great wisdom!

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

We are here to help!

[@theviewless5549]

This is all great, but I have one problem. There is a standard rate of $/sq.ft. that must be adhered to. I have to start my bid with this as the foundation. So my guys' rate of production, while important, doesn't really factor in to the equation. It will only determine how well I do regarding the bottom line. Can you give me a rebuttal ? PS I do agree that all rates and times should be known by an owner, as well as coverage in square feet and linear feet for products.

[@walterabeyta733]

This was very helpful thank you. My only confusion is. You said 100 hours for $20 an hour labor = $2000 right just labor. I feel 100 hours is a very big job and theres no way my price would be that low. All of us painters know paint isnt that expensive so we’re talking under 1k for paint and materials. ( just guessing) so the job would be around 3-3400 right? 100 hours is way over two weeks of work or about..Or what am i not understanding? Should i charge for 2 or 3 guys at $20 and lets say $60 an hour ? I00 hours x $60 = 6k. That seems right to me… what do you think?

[@algorithmHF]

Is the rate per coat or 2 coats/ finish coat

[@Rickstuffthangs]

Everything you’ve said is spot on , being a 3rd generation painter as helped know production rate . This is what I do . I give on site estimates. I figure labor an material an then double that . After the job is completed I usually call the customer back in about a month to double check if there’s any problems.

[@forrestnome9521]

The charge rate has the hourly rate in it , yes or is that on top of the hourly rate?

[@JeffRigney]

What’s your production rate for residential interior? Walls? Trim? Doors? Very helpful video!!

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Jeff, I would strongly encourage you to simply develop your own. Measure the square footage of walls in any given room, set a timer and begin painting at a reasonable, steady pace. Once you've done this three times, you'll have a production rate that is better than any guess. Of course, you can continue to gather field data and refine it. You spend 80% of your time painting 20% of the surfaces. Since there are only about 15 major production rates in all, this is the kind of simple project you can knock out in a couple of weeks.

[@JeffRigney]

The Academy for Professional Painting Contractors I plan to develop my own. Just wanted to know yours.

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

@@JeffRigney We have guidelines we give out to our members, but I STILL tell them to develop their own so they can have confidence in their numbers. Go get 'em Jeff!

[@bwi5021]

Thank you Brandon for you advice on pricing painting jobs i will definitely use it and take the time to actually numbers accurate

[@everdiaz5689]

Thank you sir 🙏 it's a great video and well explained..

[@brianketron6721]

Bless this guy he's trying to help pepoe .All that jiber jaber I always measure sq footage I always make money I have it down to a science 40 years of experience you have to keep up with market rates on paint price and labor Clean neat job and always use high end paint

[@gippy1434]

I found this very helpful, especially the information on the production rate.

[@averyanders3728]

Thank you, I love this idea. It's a way to connect with my crew. Great idea

[@lizwhitaker4476]

Wow. Thank you. I will be incorporating these systems in my estimating. Can't wait to see what my production rate is

[@genesisalmonte6084]

What’s step number 3?

[@nivardorojas4403]

thank you so much for thisi information and your time no more guessing for me

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Learning how to bid a painting project is essential Nivardo. Make sure you understand the labor costs, material costs and how to arrive at them. Your job is to measure 90% of projects and let the formulas dictate the pricing. The 10% you "guess" should be for prep, scraping, glazing, carpentry and other items that are truly variable. With good data, even those can be assigned baseline production rates with variances. Good luck in all you do and let us know if we can ever help you!

[@97krunch]

I’ve been working on being more accurate but yes your explaining more details on why I can spend more time in measuring which will really not surprise me in why I didn’t finish on time.

[@chrisesco74665]

Awesome! I already know my production rate, so this was pretty helpful!

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Glad this is helping you estimate accurately!

[@gabrielgutierrez5049]

So what about prep time? Sanding, taping etc? Is that included in the production rate or is it strictly painting?

[@brandonlewis5710]

Some people put prep into their painting production rates. However, most have them separated as their own production rate. Most often, painters use the same process for developing the other rates, but have a "Low, medium and high" rate based upon square footage of surface - or in some cases the linear footage or "number of" items like doors, windows, garage doors, etc.

[@keithsarty3039]

Thats where #3 comes into play (i believe) ... your Charge Rate. Which you will have to figure out depending on the quality of work and materials used and so on (I think)

[@franklyndonaldson8300]

How much do painters make on an hour? I am starting a new painting company.

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

How much a painter makes an hour varies. There is the pay rate (what you pay) and the charge rate (what you charge the client.) For pay rates, I'd look on Craigslist or other job boards and do an average. That's a good place to start to see where the market is in your area.

[@rizkisetia6538]

Great eye opening for creating successful painting business! Thank you!!

[@monicanunez213]

Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful video.

[@jessskn11]

Why is sending in the estimate via email after I've seen the house a horrible thing?

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Emails are easily lost, even when sent can often be unopened. Also, compared to a real life sales presentation, emails are easy to ignore. Emails are not persuasive. If emails were as persuasive as sales people, there wouldn't be any sales people.

[@KollynJ]

is 35/40 an hr actually that low? I only charge 55-65 when Im using my tow behind aerial lift!

[@carlosrodriguez1961]

If u ever have time I’d like to have a conversation with u to get more info I’m starting a business and have questions.

[@stevenmorris2293]

Best estimating video I’ve ever seen !

[@frankvasquez1387]

Excellent video! Brandon, you're the man! in this true and i constantly see this from many contractors all the time! Most of them have no idea where to really start without guessing there charges! Most of them are totally way off! Thank you for this very helpful information!

[@brandonlewis5710]

Estimating a paint job seems so simple when you talk to other painters... yet most of them are not using a "business based approach." Most of the "square foot pricing" is used by GC's to manipulate pricing and drive it down for painting contractors. Using production rates, labor rates and charge rates is the ONLY real way to go!

[@carrie5599]

Just because it's always good to get a taste of the experience. One should always have the pleasure of that Hands-On especially when managing a company.

[@hashimansari8525]

In India a room of 15×15 is to be done in only 400$ including material and labour and it done with premium quality and proper finishing as well .

[@scottwisniewski7372]

How do you calculate a charge rate?

[@brandonlewis5710]

Typically, you want to be at 45-50% Gross profits on your painting projects. So, if you are paying a painter $20.00/hour and your labor burden (taxes, insurance, etc.) is 20%, that means your pay rate with burden is $24.00. Your charge rate, therefore, should be at least $48.00 per hour. Make sense Scott?

[@scottwisniewski7372]

@@brandonlewis5710 So, if I were to pay an employee $20/hr and my annual labor cost is $41,600. miscellaneous annual expenses add up to $5000 I would then have a charge rate of $23.30? Therefore, I should be charging at least $43.30/hr?

[@brandonlewis5710]

@@scottwisniewski7372 I am not sure where the annual pay comes into play. No, if your pay rate is 20.00 per hour you need to figure out your proportional tax and insurance responsibility (probably around 20-24%), then double that amount. Should be around $48-50 per hour.

[@scottwisniewski7372]

@@brandonlewis5710 I got it.... Thank you sir...

[@marcoaguirre7021]

Best ever video I seeing in my life

[@Yesterday23071]

Hi I m based in London , UK . For many years I ve worked hard as a painter . Than started subcontracting from others . Than I went into drylining and tape and jointing . But always I had couple of issues what will result in myself being seen as a trade and not as a business . My issues was setup the price , put together the Contract, a proper one and retain the clients . In 25 minutes , my God I don't have words . Thanks from the bottom of my heart . God bless you .

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

We've worked with 450+ painting contractors in six different countries. The business system concepts that work are universal. If you'll focus on the systems instead of the projects, things will fall into place!

[@Yesterday23071]

@@theacademyforprofessionalp287 Do you promote any sort of program/system to teach me how to proper do a business from painting ?

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

@@Yesterday23071 YES! The best place to look is here: www.PaintersAcademy.com . Hope that helps!

[@Yesterday23071]

@@theacademyforprofessionalp287 Thanks . It helps .

[@jimknowles5483]

Hi Brandon Just found your utube site today. I only refinish kitchens, and in house cabinets plus all touch-up. Would your program work for my company??

[@douglasbarillas5848]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it’s so helpful

[@terryjones1103]

What about profit?

[@gregvarela7703]

Don't you mean after 10 hrs (1200 sq ft of walls) it would be 120 sq ft per hour? I think you got your time/sq footage off. Other than that, I got the concept down. thanks.

[@brianember314]

You have been very helpful thank you

[@johannjohann6523]

The one thing that is missed in estimates for painting and construction in residential homes: PETS! Make sure they are no where near the areas being painted, like if possible outside! My brother is a painter, and he's ran into jobs where dogs got into the paint and then ran around the house getting paint all over the carpets. Sure customer "paid" for the steam cleaners (rentals). But not my brother's time.

[@ricksabatini1708]

This just blew my mind! Amazing breakdown Brandon, thank you. I'm going to ask my two young employees to track each section of the house they work on from beginning to end. They are leaving at the end of next month to return to school and I am looking for their replacements right now. Crazy time to be a business owner but this video gives me a lot of hope!

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

That's a great way to start!

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

One other thing Rick. Don't have them paint "sections." Have them paint siding only, windows only, doors only, etc. Set a clock, let them go and then see how many square feet, linear feet or discrete items were painted in that time. The key to developing painting production rates is to keep them discrete to specific surface types.

[@railawestbrook5816]

I'm a painter for about 5 years now. Now I can price some side jobs

[@brianlang5970]

life saving information. Just fabulous stuff here.

[@chillumatl2442]

thanks man this was super helpful

[@befearless640]

Never forget to include the prep time and materials.

[@_scumbrisket3172]

So your sayin that you give people prices on spot? U don’t want to email them later?

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Print it out on the spot. Ask for the business. Handle objections. Ask for the business again.

[@savo3103]

​@@theacademyforprofessionalp287what?

[@ActinOut]

You should only have to guess the first time you do anything. After that, if you've tracked the first time, it's never a guess again and your estimates will be accurate enough to never risk losing money on that type of project again.

[@johannjohann6523]

Claiming he should have made sure the paint was not on the floor where the dogs could have gotten into the paint trays etc. And my brother has worked hard for his reputation, and so he cleaned up the mess so the customer was happy. But he has now added to all estimates "not responsible for painting accidents caused by pets".

[@SeansMiraclePainting]

Thank you so so so much for your video 🙏

[@Celzot]

I like the board cutting metaphor

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Thanks buddy. I try to make it easy for people to understand so they take different actions that will make them more money in their painting business.

[@franklyndonaldson8300]

Also love the presentation

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Thanks for the kind words Franklyn!

[@CelinVasquezOficial]

Great video great teaching ..👍👍

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Thanks buddy, one of the first steps to persuasively selling painting Services is to make certain your pricing is accurate. Without that Benchmark, you can never really adjust your charge rate against your clothes right to maximize your income.

[@CelinVasquezOficial]

@@theacademyforprofessionalp287 thanks my friend for the Advice ..apreciated.🙂

[@savo3103]

You'll spend all your time doing estimates

[@thesweetlifeeveryday8143]

Thank you, thank you, thank you🙏 sir !

[@HollywoodSmileypreme]

I like this guy right here

[@luilui03able]

Ya the most accurate tutorial video I've watched.

[@keithsarty3039]

So. You are basically saying that you just calculate everything in a way that allows you to charge by the hour 🤷‍♂️ cool beans, super helpful ! Sub'd and liked !!

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Yes, we try to keep the "currency" of labor hours consistent since that is what you pay your workers and ultimately what the customer is buying. Understanding that concept is a big breakthrough.

[@henrrisiavichay5367]

A very good job. Thank you so much!

[@chelseasfitlife1391]

Thanks now like someone said. " i be back " with my numbers of production rate created by myself ! TTYL

[@michaelsanders5525]

Very helpful video, thanks!!!

[@victoriageorge5362]

it is very helpful thank you so much.

[@theacademyforprofessionalp287]

Anything we can do to help you grow your painting business!

[@fmissael92]

Thank you for this great information

[@davidking7858]

Great information, thank you!

[@1.86agallon]

The professionalism turns on and starts pouring @3:30.

[@joelmendoza8161]

Very helpful and accurate Brandon, Thank you!

[@brandonlewis5710]

Anything that helps a painting contractor write a painting bid that closes!

[@hoffpauirconcrete.semperfidCC]

Im sorry im to lazy to do this

[@JohnDoe-iq5xv]

Except of all those cheering comments I have simple question: My time, in client house, available for estimation is very limited. Do you expect me to run around with measuring tape and get all the walls square footage as precise as possible? How much time client is going to give me, and how silly I am going to look like after first hour? I guess I can count obvious stuff like: doors, windows and cabinets... All I am saying is that: peoples are not stupid, and simple solutions do not exist.

[@savo3103]

I notice no one has answered the real questions

[@SkepticAdrian]

I'm sorry I'm too lazy to not do this!

[@bojk13]

I think you meant 120 Sq ft per hr. 1200÷10hrs is 120...just sayin

[@UGCshakinahstouch]

so helpful thanks love your video

[@tonydelgado9826]

Hi ,it so true that what you are saying about

[@ZjTimoh]

So helpful. God bless you famo!