When you’re considering a commercial painting project, the first thing you’ll want to know is how much it’s going to cost. Unfortunately, without discussing the fine details of your project with a painting contractor, you won’t be able to know the exact price. That’s because project costs can vary widely based on the location, square footage, complexity, and amount of time required for your unique project. The painting contractor will typically need to meet with you and complete an inspection of the commercial property before providing you with a quote.
The biggest factors that determine a commercial painting project’s cost are:
- Building Size – Total square footage
- Labor – Salary of the painters
- Materials – Paint sprayers, rollers, paint
- Equipment – Scaffolding, lifts, platforms
How Much Does Commercial Painting Cost?
The short answer is that it depends as each project is unique unto itself. The cost of a commercial painting project will vary based on the size of the building being painted and the specific needs of the customer. The number of painters required, total number of hours worked, amount of paint used, and even seasonal demand will all factor into the final cost. In general, the summer months are the most expensive, while costs are lower during the winter.
What is the Average Cost of Painting a Commercial Building?
Many resources will tell you that the average cost of commercial painting per square foot could be anywhere between $2-$6, though this will be determined through careful determination of the needs of the asset.. However, it’s important to keep in mind the needs of the commercial property owner. One project could be to paint the exterior of a fast food restaurant, and the next could be to paint the interior, exterior, and ceilings of an entire airport. These projects will have different costs per square foot due to the unique needs of the client.
Understanding Cost Factors
The following are the most common considerations when it comes to estimating a project’s cost. We can’t provide you with a hard estimate in this article, but we can share a possible range of prices to allow you to come up with a rough estimate prior to receiving a professional quote.
Project Size
The square footage of a commercial painting project will be one of the biggest factors in terms of total cost. The project size will determine how large the painting crew needs to be, how much paint and equipment is needed, and the total man hours to finish the project. Projects can range anywhere from 2,000 to 2 million square feet, and the size will be reflected in the cost.
The painting company will take precise measurements of the building to determine the exact size. In many cases a laser measuring tool will be used.
The Cost of Labor
The cost of labor represents a significant amount of a commercial painting project’s cost. The more hours they work, the more expensive it becomes. And for more experienced commercial painters with higher skill, you may wind up paying extra, but the quality will be higher. The hourly rate for most commercial painters is $55 to $65 per hour.
A rule of thumb is that a professional painter can cover 200 square feet in an hour, so if you divide the total square footage of your project by 200, and then multiply it by $60 you’ll have a rough estimate of both how many hours the project will take, and the costs to pay the painters.
Day of the week and time of day is also a factor for labor. If your business can’t be painted during regular hours, you’ll need to pay extra to have the painting crew arrive in the late evening or on weekends.
Travel Requirements
Some situations may require the painters to travel across town or shuttle back and forth from one location to another. When the painting contractors need to travel, their mileage and other expenses may be included in the project cost.
Interior vs. Exterior
How much does it cost to paint a commercial building’s exterior? The exterior of a building is typically more expensive to paint than the interior. That’s because exterior paints need to be more durable to withstand the elements. Exteriors will also need more preparation like power washing and possibly scraping before it can be painted. The height of the building is also a factor for exterior paint jobs, with taller buildings being more difficult and expensive to paint.
Surface Preparation and Repair
Damaged or dirty surfaces will need to be resurfaced or cleaned before it can be painted. Having a clean surface that’s free from debris will ensure that the paint will have strong adhesion. Sanding, power washing, or abrasive blasting, or repair may be required before damaged surfaces can be painted.
Type of Paint Required
Both the amount and types of paint needed for a project will impact the cost. Some types of paint will be more expensive, but can be more durable, saving money in the long run. A single gallon of paint can cost between $25 to $50. The cost and types of paint to be used are determined by the client’s needs.
On average, one gallon of paint will cover 300 square feet. If your project is 3,000 square feet, you’ll need 10 gallons of paint (not including the second coat).
Number of Coats
Most painting projects will require two coats of paint. In addition to the base coat of colored paint, it may also include a primer (on the surface but underneath the paint) or a top coat (a transparent paint layer above the base coat), or a performance coating (a strong outer layer that protects against the elements). When estimating your paint costs keep in mind that you’ll be purchasing a second coat of paint in addition to the base coat.
Equipment Needed
Every commercial painting project is going to include equipment. Equipment can include paint sprayers and rollers, aerial work platforms, scaffolding, and anything in between. Most of this equipment will be rented by the contractor and the cost will be included in the project’s price. Additional supplies will include drop cloths, masking tape, goggles and personal protective equipment.
Project Complexity
The more complex a project is, the more it will cost. Painting intricate designs, covering hard-to-reach areas, or painting complex architecture requires additional time and specialized tools to complete. For example, a room with extremely high ceilings will cost more to paint than a room with a ceiling that’s average height. When you discuss your project with a painting contractor they’ll point out complex building features that will require extra attention.
Getting a Project Estimate
After meeting with a painting contractor and having them inspect your site you’ll receive an estimate. Your project estimate will include a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, and schedule along with your own specifications and needs. Reviewing the estimate will help you get a better understanding of how much the project is going to cost and all of the factors that went into it. While the estimate for your project may seem daunting, remember that repainting your commercial property both protects it and increases its value.
Getting a Second Project Estimate
Whenever possible, you’ll want to get a second bid from a competing painting contractor before proceeding. This second estimate will provide a valuable comparison to help you determine if you’re getting a reasonable deal. Pay attention to the finer points however, using cheaper materials or lower-skilled painters may save you money, but could have disappointing results.
Putting Off Commercial Painting
Repainting an entire commercial property can be expensive, but it can also cost you money to put it off. When you get a quote for your project, your first instinct may be to put it off until it feels absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, delaying a commercial painting project can cause the building to deteriorate. A new coat of paint helps keep out pests, moisture, and mold. The longer you wait to paint, the more these problems can take root. Waiting to resolve these problems later, may wind up costing you more money in building repairs, pest control, and resurfacing.
Contact Alpine Painting & Restoration
Are you ready to begin your commercial painting project? Alpine Painting & Restoration has been a trusted commercial painting contractor in PA, Philadelphia, and the Tri-state area for decades, and we’ll help you complete your commercial painting project to your exact specifications. With more than three decades of success, Alpine Painting & Restoration has a well-earned reputation from our satisfied customers. Contact us today via phone or email to discuss your project.
