What Is Included in the Cost of Painting?

If you are planning to paint your home’s interior or exterior, you might be weighing the pros and cons of hiring out the job. With money being the main concern, perhaps you are wondering just what exactly is included in the estimate a professional painter offers. They will likely offer a brief summary of costs, but if you are interested in learning more details, the following can help you better understand what exactly goes into house painting costs when you hire a professional.

Materials

Your contractor will charge you for all of the paint, primer, drop cloths and brushes he or she needs to finish the job. This often accounts for around 20 to 30 percent of the budget your painter has. It is important to check and see what kind of paint they are using to ensure that it is high quality. Because you are essentially paying for it, you will want to make sure that it will last. Investing in cheap paint will only cost you more in the long run.

Repairs

Many painters are also general contractors, or at least have the skills necessary to perform minor repairs. If the area a professional is painting requires a repair, they will likely perform the necessary task an include this in the house painting costs. This allows them to continue with the job efficiently and minimize obstacles. It also saves you the trouble of attempting to perform such a repair yourself.

Labor

Unsurprisingly, the most expensive component of house painting costs will be labor. Hiring painters to take care of the job will get it done faster and offer better results, but you will also pay a premium for such services. You should consider whether or not it is worth it, but you should also consider how much your own time and effort is worth. It is often a better deal to entrust the job to a professional.