After daydreaming about your freshly painted home with carefully chosen colors, thinking about a painting estimate doesn’t seem nearly as fun—but an accurate and detailed estimate is the ticket to loving your new hues for a long time.

Because no two painting projects are the same, an estimate is a helpful communication tool for you and the painter. For example, you might think painting your living room a beige color is a quick and simple job, but a local interior painter could point out the prep work and other details you didn’t consider, such as fixing blemishes like nail pops and water stains. A well-written estimate includes the points you’ve shared with the painter, like specific trim and ceiling colors, or if you want to add the room’s door color to the project.

Simply put, a painting estimate puts everyone on the same page. It clarifies your expectations and it documents that your painter understands exactly what you want.

Consider Your Budget

Before you hire a painting contractor, pull together some budget numbers. Knowing what you can afford and letting your painter know before they create the estimate avoids misunderstandings and disappointment. Keep in mind that other factors like complexity and material quality vary from project to project and could increase these prices.

What Does a Painting Estimate Include?

There are many individualized factors that painters use to calculate an estimate. Talk with your painter about what they usually add and tell them anything else you’d like to see. A standard estimate should address most of these categories.

• Prep Work Needed

Does your painter suggest any repairs like nail holes or surface cracks?

• Products and Materials

Your painter should list paint products (and possibly a quality range) and tools they’ll need to buy. Don’t be afraid to ask the painter to document the exact color and manufacturer on the estimate, so there’s zero confusion.

• Scope of Work

This details exactly what the painter will accomplish, from prep work to painting the walls, ceiling, and other areas like a stairwell if you need it.

• Labor

Who works on the project? Are there different crew members that prep and others that paint? Will an entire team come, or will a single painter arrive?

• Deadlines

Deadlines can be tricky for home improvement projects because of variables like weather or supply shortages, but your painter should be willing to commit to a working deadline you both agree to.

• Payment

The estimate should let you know about dates for a deposit (full payment before the project is over is a red flag you should think twice about) and final payments. They’ll also let you know about accepted payment types like credit cards.