The True Cost of House Painting

Is the cost of house painting worth it? The overall cost to have your house painted by a professional painter involves many expenses that all legitimate businesses face. These range from the obvious materials needed too ongoing expenses to run a business. The cost of professional house painting is worth it when it's done right.

A professional house painter has the tools and experience to do it right, at least he/she should. The overall paint job cost is more than the paint.

All Materials Must Be Purchased Prior to Starting

Sandpaper and Sanding Discs
Patching Compounds
Caulking
Tape, Paper, Plastic, etc.
Primer
Paint

This is a starting list. Additional tools are needed to apply the paint and these can be expensive, adding to the cost of house painting. Quality tools and materials can amount to 1/3 or more of the contract amount. These costs put a great burden on the painter and his/her ability to make a living.

What About Insurance?

You guessed it; you're paying for that too. And of course there are other business expenses.

Workmen's comp. (If app.)
Taxes (Income and Social Security)
Gas, Oil Changes, Wear and Tear on Vehicles and Equipment
Health Insurance (If app.)

You Are Purchasing More Than Just a Service!

The cost of house painting is always expenses and profit. Expenses are the materials and labor. With profit being a small portion of the actual contract amount.

Now that you know were all the money goes, what about experience? This is truly hard to put a price on. The more experience a painter has the more detailed the job will be. And the real value is in the details. Plus, this experience is needed in order to choose the best or most appropriate materials and correct preparation and finishing techniques for your project.

If you plan on hiring a painting contractor, there is more than the price to think about.