Labour costs - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

mida · 12-02-2006, 08:38 AM

I have received a major housing development contract and am in the process of subcontracting some of the work to another painter. The work entails the priming and painting of interior & exterior walls. Is there a cost ratio for priming labour cost vs painting labour cost (2 coats) that would allow me to quickly come up with an estimate?

lioneljohnston · 12-03-2006, 09:00 AM

There is no easy formula that will give you your labor costs.
Run your numbers on what amount of time a similar job took to complete. If that is a problem, get a couple of quotes from painting contractors and you will be able to compare.

Good luck,

Lionel

Richard · 12-03-2006, 09:53 AM

depends on the application method and the paint, but with some paints I can prime at the same rate as I can apply finish--

I guess to answer your question (to the best of my knowledge, from what you've said) I would charge slightly more for your prime coats--for the most part they will be slower.

4thGeneration · 12-03-2006, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mida

I have received a major housing development contract and am in the process of subcontracting some of the work to another painter. The work entails the priming and painting of interior & exterior walls. Is there a cost ratio for priming labour cost vs painting labour cost (2 coats) that would allow me to quickly come up with an estimate?

I am always against subbing out. I guess I am a control freak when it comes to my name being on the line. Too many jacklegs who profess they are paintersbut do not possess the ability. If it is just a spray application process you should call in some apartment spray guys that are doing volume work. You will make out better. If the builder expects cheap prices with quality, run fast. I was going to take on a project for senior condos and the superintendent did not like the bill I gave. He was expecting south of the border prices with caddilac work.

AAPaint · 12-03-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thGeneration

He was expecting south of the border prices with caddilac work.

QUOTE OF THE DAY!!

4thGeneration · 12-03-2006, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thGeneration

I am always against subbing out. I guess I am a control freak when it comes to my name being on the line. Too many jacklegs who profess they are paintersbut do not possess the ability. If it is just a spray application process you should call in some apartment spray guys that are doing volume work. You will make out better. If the builder expects cheap prices with quality, run fast. I was going to take on a project for senior condos and the superintendent did not like the bill I gave. He was expecting south of the border prices with caddilac work.

Also, just incase if anyone wanted to say my comment was racial they should be informed that my wife is Puerto Rican making my one and only son half spanish and he is the love of my life.