Powder Room Paint Job Underbid

Originally Posted by Eric S

I have been charging an hourly rate of 15.hr for all of the work I do as a young Handyman (34 yr old). This rate is charged for all the paint jobs I take on as well...Not anymore! From now on I will be charging a $25.hr minimum zero exceptions.

I made the mistake of telling cust that I could do a powder rm in 2hrs. It took me an 1/2 to 1hr to remove hardware from walls, cover the light, and floor. 2 & 1/2hrs to paint and 45mins to clear out the powder rm and re-install hardware. Result: sticking to my word and only charging $30.00 for the job. To make things worse, I was working in there with a six foot ladder.

This was a sand textured paint. I told the lady that I had no previous experience with this type of paint. On one wall especially it seemed to reveal the sections as I painted them instead of it all being blended together (no paint lines). They only asked about it not seeming upset...The powder room looked great anyway.

Q: (Paint lines) Is this specific to this type of paint or was I doing something wrong?

Q: I got too big for my britches and decided to do cut in's for all corner surfaces. Is this stuff a little bitchy to do cutting in with or, was that my imagination?

It would have looked better if I'd used the tape on ceiling. The ceiling was not painted only the walls were. Tape was used on floor molding...looked professional when done.

Q: Painters usually have the toilet removed so painting can be done behind it? I did not bother...my bid was a little low for that!