[CoastalCoatings]

Hey,
I am new to this board but have read alot of the posts on all aspects of painting. I realize there are alot of intangables that go into a bid but I was wondering if you all could help me out with some pricing. I live in Virginia Beach, VA and was wondering what you all might bid on these jobs?

Job #1:
250 feet of fascia, soffit, and freeze boards.
Wood is primed.
Fill all nail holes, knots, and other holes.
Caulk and sand all wood.
2 finish coats applied.
One story house with 3 dormers.
Will use Behr Premium Plus paint.

Job #2:
4000 sq. ft. new construction home.
Spray primer and 2 top coats on knockdown.
There will be 2 colors used, very light tan.
Trim installed after spraying.
Trim needs priming and 2 coats to include
Crown & Base and door casings
High gloss white for trim.
Paint used is Behr Premium Plus.

On Job #2 I have heard to charge a $1.50 a sq. ft. to spray all 3 coats and then charge extra about a $1.00 a linear foot for all coats on the trim. Any help you all can give me will be greatly appreciated.

 

[slickshift]

... I live in Virginia Beach, VA and was wondering what you all might bid on these jobs?

Hey CC, Welcome
I'll tell you straight up, there is no amount of money that I would do Job 1 or Job 2 for, and here's why:

Will use Behr Premium Plus paint.

Other than that, how much wall surface area is to be covered?
1.50 sounds a little high, but then I don't know labor costs in your area, or if there are any Fudge Factors or PITA charges for this particular job
What does your competion charge? You'll want to find that out anyway
It's important to know

I'll look at a few recent new paint invoices and see what my sq. ft. price works out to
I know it's gonna be different for you, but now I'm curious

 

[slickshift]

I seem to be running a bit lower, but not much
Not much at all
I just checked the ones I used Pittsburg Speed Hide (contractor grade) on
Nothing fancy

I can recommend the Speed Hide, works pretty good for inexpensive stuff
Kicks Behr's butt
:Thumbs:

 

[CoastalCoatings]

Appreciate the input. One more quick question for ya, how do you go about getting your competitors prices. Appreciate it.

 

[Glasshousebltr]

BEACH! we used to play you fellas in rugby once or twice a year!

However all I can remember is all us chipping in to pay for the Hooters property damage.

Bob

 

[slickshift]

how do you go about getting your competitors prices.

Ha ha ha good question
I really don't have a problem asking, I realize some people do, and some guys won't tell you either, but that doesn't bother me
Network, network, network...
There are people you are not in direct competition with, that you should be able to talk to
But I'll ask guys in line at the Paint Shop "hey what do you guys get for this?" lol

Ask the customers, most'll tell you, just be friendly about it
Some think it's a big secret, but that's OK
You know, if they say thay got a few bids (and really most should), ask "if you don't mind my asking, what were the other bids...gotta keep abreast of what the competition is up to har har.."
Heck they'll probably show you the paperwork
I think this is especially important on the jobs you don't get
I always hope for the chance to thank them for their time and consideration
And "...would you mind if I asked you who you went with and why?"
If they're not comfortable with that, that's fine
But I really appreciate it when they open up

Really anyone who calls up your competitors can get their prices, it's not really a secret
But if someone's uncomfortable disscussing it, just drop it