Aside from the quality, the price is one of the most important factors when choosing a contractor. However, estimating the final cost isn't as easy as it seems, since it depends on many factors. What can you expect when ordering the support of the professional team? Here's some insight into the estimation process.
How much will it cost to paint this room or the whole flat? We get asked this question a lot before starting the new projects. It's understandable - before launching cooperation, the clients would like to get familiar with the estimated budget to know if they can afford it. Often, they gather a few quotes together, analysing the value for money, the company's experience, and making the final decision on this basis.
However, it's difficult to give an exact answer, particularly in the case of the exteriors. That's why we don't usually estimate the accurate cost. Instead, we specify the price range and consult it with the clients. If it doesn't meet their expectations, we try to revaluate it and see where we could cut some costs. Sometimes it's possible by using different materials, for example paints of another brand than we've chosen before.
What influences the cost of the painting and decorating project?
Various factors can change the final price of a service. The labour’s cost generally stays the same, but it can also go slightly higher if, for example, the client insists on close terms or working on the exteriors in unstable conditions. Projects focused on the facades can prolong due to problematic temperatures or rain, but in the case of interior works, you don't have to take these variables into mind.
Note, that the money for the labour is only charged on the days the painters work, not for the whole project in advance. So, if the conditions change and the painters have to take a break for a few days, it won't influence your finances anyhow.
So, which factors do we take into consideration when preparing the quote?
#1 The surface to cover
This one doesn't need an explanation. The equation is simple - the more there is to cover, the more you'll pay. But all in all, extended projects end up cheaper. You'd like some numbers? They depend on the country and city (for example, the service of painting and decorating in London may cost you more than in Liverpool or Leeds), but in general, the average cost for interior painting is around 3 USD (2.15 GBP) per square meter. This price refers to the labour itself and doesn't include materials.
#2 The state of the walls
The project cost will be much lower if your walls are in a perfect state and do not need much preparation. Before launching the works, the professional team should carry out expertise that will determine if the walls require something more than sanding. In some cases, it is necessary to take off a few layers of old paint and remove the wall fungus or other problematic elements.
Besides, if the wall has cracks and cavities, it may need some refilling and polishing. All these steps may make the final costs significantly higher. However, if the professionals state that they are necessary, it's not worth skipping it. You may pay less for the project, but the effect will be much less durable without an appropriate wall preparation.
#3 The choice of the materials
Different spaces and surfaces may require the usage of specific materials. It's not only about the colour and price. There are various paints with a wide range of properties. The ceramic paints, latex, vinyl, vinyl-acrylic paints - all these products differ in their adherence, colour saturation, texture, way of cleaning, and so on. That has an influence on the price.
For instance, latex paints are much more expensive than ceramic ones. The vinyl ones, which are perfect for siding due to the high level of adhesion and durability, may cost you more, too.
Summing up, the final cost of works may depend on many different variables. To estimate the probable labour cost, you can use the 3 USD average and multiply it by the square meters to cover. That may give you an idea of what you may spend. The best, however, is to ask for a quote - you won't be charged anything for it.
