Getting commercial painting quotes can feel overwhelming. You’re comparing different contractors, trying to understand pricing structures, and hoping you haven’t missed something crucial. A detailed painting quote protects you and your chosen painting contractor from misunderstandings down the line.
At Halls Decorators, we’ve prepared thousands of commercial painting estimates over our decades in business. We know exactly what makes a comprehensive quote – and what warning signs suggest corners might be cut. Our checklist will help you evaluate any commercial painting quote with confidence.Â
How Can You Compare Painting Quotes Effectively?
Comparing quotes requires looking beyond the bottom line. Create a simple comparison template to see where contractors differ. One might offer premium paint but less prep time. Another might include extensive preparation but use budget materials. Understanding these trade-offs helps you make informed decisions.
Commercial Painting Quote Comparison Checklist
Use this checklist to compare painting quotes side by side. Tick off the details to see how each contractor stacks up:
Scope of Work
- Specific areas and rooms listed
- Accurate square footage provided
- Number of coats specified per surface
- Surfaces excluded from the job clearly stated
Paint & Materials
- Paint brand and product line named
- Quantity of paint detailed (litres or tins)
- Cost per unit shown
- Different products listed for different areas (e.g. primer, topcoat)
Calculation Transparency
- Clear explanation of surface measurements
- Coverage rates realistic for surface type and colour
- Reasonable paint usage (not overly optimistic)
Labour & Staffing
- Labour charged hourly or per project (clearly stated)
- Size and experience level of painting team specified
- Extra labour charges for evenings/weekends disclosed
- Access challenges factored into cost
Prep Work
- Cleaning, filling, sanding, and priming included
- Masking and surface protection materials listed
- Prep time realistically allocated
Interior vs Exterior
- Correct paint type for interior or exterior surfaces
- Compliance with fire safety or building regulations noted
- Special coatings for specific use cases (e.g. healthcare, industrial) included if needed
Hidden or Additional Costs
- Cleanup and disposal included (no surprise fees)
- Final touch-ups covered
- Specialist coatings or finishes clearly itemised
Warranty & Accountability
- Warranty duration stated (e.g., 12 months)
- Who performs prep and finish work identified
- Material markup explained (typical range: 15–30%)
- Quote itemisation available on request
Be cautious of unusually low quotes. They can be a red flag for issues like inadequate labour time, subpar materials, hidden costs, or an inexperienced team without proper insurance. It’s often more cost-effective to invest in a job done properly the first time than to pay for repairs later.
What Should Your Commercial Painting Quote Include?
A professional painting estimate covers far more than just a bottom-line figure. Each element contributes to the total cost and affects the quality of your finished paint job.
Detailed Scope of Work
Your quote should spell out exactly what areas the painter will cover. Vague descriptions like “paint office walls” leave too much room for interpretation. Look for specific details:
- Exact rooms, walls, or areas included
- Square footage for each surface type
- Number of coats planned for each area
- Which surfaces are excluded from the quote
Professional painters measure every surface carefully. They’ll note ceiling heights, calculate trim lengths, and identify any unusual features that affect the project. This precision prevents disputes later about what was (or wasn’t) included in the original estimate.
Paint Costs and Material Breakdown
Quality paint makes a significant difference in commercial projects. Your quote should specify:
- Brand and product line for each type of paint
- Quantity needed (usually in litres for UK projects)
- Cost per litre or per tin
- Different products for different areas (primer, topcoat, specialist finishes)
Don’t be tempted by quotes using unspecified “commercial grade” paint. The difference between budget and premium products affects durability, coverage, and appearance. We typically recommend higher-grade paints for high-traffic areas, even if they initially increase material costs.
How Do Professional Painters Calculate Commercial Projects?
Understanding calculation methods helps you spot whether an estimate seems realistic. Experienced contractors use systematic approaches to ensure accuracy.
Square Footage and Coverage
Commercial painters start by measuring every surface. They multiply length by height for walls, accounting for doors and windows. However, raw square footage tells only part of the story.
Paint coverage varies significantly:
- Smooth surfaces might need 10-12 square metres per litre.
- Textured walls could drop to 6-8 square metres per litre.
- Dark colours over light often require extra coats.
- Porous surfaces drink up the first coat.
Your painting contractor should explain their coverage calculations. If they’re estimating unusually high coverage rates, they might be planning to stretch the paint too thin.
Labour Cost Considerations
Labour typically represents 70-85% of commercial painting costs. Several factors influence these calculations:
- Hourly rates vs project pricing: Some contractors charge hourly, others provide fixed project costs. Both approaches work, but you need clarity on which one applies.
- Team size and skill levels: Larger teams complete work faster but cost more per day. Your quote should indicate how many painters will work on-site.
- Access challenges: High ceilings, occupied spaces, or difficult access points increase labour time.
- Working hours: Evening or weekend work to avoid business disruption often carries premium rates.
Essential Prep Work Items to Check
Prep work separates professional results from amateur efforts. Yet many quotes gloss over these crucial steps. Ensure your estimate includes:
- Surface cleaning and degreasing
- Filling cracks and holes
- Sanding rough areas
- Removing loose or flaking paint
- Priming bare surfaces
- Masking and protecting adjacent areas
Proper preparation takes time. If a quote seems unusually low, check whether they’ve allocated sufficient hours for prep work. Skipping these steps saves money in the short term but can lead to premature paint failure.
Drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and masking tape might seem minor expenses. But protecting your floors, furniture, and equipment during painting is essential. Professional contractors include these materials in their quotes rather than treating them as extras.
Interior vs Exterior Paint Specifications
Interior paint and exterior paint serve different purposes. Your quote should use appropriate products for each application.
Interior spaces need paints that:
- Resist staining and marking
- Allow easy cleaning
- Provide good coverage with minimal odour
- Meet fire safety regulations where required
Exterior surfaces require paints that:
- Withstand weather extremes
- Resist UV fading
- Flex with temperature changes
- Repel moisture effectively
Using interior paint outside (or vice versa) may save money initially, but it can also result in early failure. Check that your quote specifies suitable products for each location.
What Hidden Costs Should You Watch For?
Some expenses may not always be included in initial quotes. Knowing what to ask prevents budget surprises.
Cleanup and Protection
Professional cleanup involves more than sweeping up. It includes:
- Removing all masking materials
- Disposing of paint tins and contaminated materials
- Cleaning paint equipment off-site
- Returning furniture and fixtures to position
- Final touch-ups after equipment removal
Some contractors quote low prices, then charge extra for “disposal fees” or “cleaning charges”. Ensure your estimate covers complete cleanup.
Additional Coating Requirements
Commercial buildings often need specialist coatings beyond standard paint:
- Antibacterial finishes for healthcare settings
- Fire-retardant coatings for escape routes
- Chemical-resistant paints for industrial areas
- Anti-slip additives for floor areas
These specialist products cost more than standard paints. If your building has specific requirements, confirm they’re included in the quote.
Questions to Ask Your Painting Contractor
Before accepting any quote, ask:
- How did you calculate the square footage? They should clearly explain their measurement process.
- What’s your typical profit margin on materials? Reasonable markups range from 15-30%.
- Who handles the prep work? Experienced painters should do preparation, not apprentices alone.
- What warranty do you offer? Professional contractors guarantee their work for at least 12 months.
- Can you provide a detailed calculator breakdown? They should explain how they reached each figure.
Getting Your Commercial Painting Project Started Right
A comprehensive painting quote checklist protects everyone involved. You understand exactly what you’re paying for. The contractor knows what they’ve committed to deliver. Clear expectations lead to successful projects.
At Halls Decorators, we take pride in providing detailed and transparent quotes for every commercial project. Our estimates break down every aspect clearly, from the primer coat through to final cleanup.
Ready to discuss your commercial painting needs? Contact us for a comprehensive quote that covers every detail. We’ll visit your premises, measure accurately, and provide a clear estimate that helps you budget with confidence.