What an Ideal Painting Estimate Should Include (and What to Watch Out For)

Here’s What a Real, Professional Estimate Should Include: 1. Surface Prep Details

Not all walls are ready to go. A real painter will list out what they’re doing before the first drop of paint goes on:

• Patching nail holes
• Sanding rough spots
• Dealing with water stains, cracks, or flaking paint
• Priming where needed

Prep is half the job, and if it’s not listed, you’re probably not getting it.

2. Number of Coats (Be Clear Here)

If the estimate just says “paint living room” with no mention of coats, that’s a red flag.

A proper job should include 2 coats minimum for color consistency and durability—plus primer if needed. Make sure it's written down. Read more about why 2 coats of paint are important.

3. Paint Brand and Type

This one’s big.

A real estimate doesn’t just say “we’ll use good quality paint.” It tells you what brand, which line, and what sheen (matte, eggshell, satin, etc.).

Why it matters:

• A $35/gallon paint and a $70/gallon paint are very different in coverage, finish, and lifespan.
• You deserve to know what’s going on your walls—not guess later when it starts peeling.

4. Timeline

How long will the job take? When do they plan to start and finish? Are there buffer days built in for drying, weather, or delays?

If the painter doesn’t give you a timeline—or worse, gives you the old “we’ll squeeze it in sometime next week”—that’s a big no. Read more about how long it takes to complete an interior paint job.

5. Cleanup Plan

The estimate should say something about:

• Masking off and protecting furniture/floors
• Cleaning up paint drips and supplies
• Disposing of materials responsibly

A professional crew leaves your home better than they found it. The ones who don’t mention cleanup? Usually the ones who won’t bother doing it.

6. Warranty or Guarantee

This part separates the amateurs from the pros.

If there’s no mention of warranty, it usually means there isn’t one—and that should worry you.

The best painters stand by their work. You should know:

• How long the work is guaranteed
• What it covers (peeling, fading, touch-ups, etc.)
• How to contact them if something goes wrong

Read more on how to tell if your painter's warranty means anything.

What to Watch Out For (AKA Red Flags)

• Vague language like “we’ll do the job right” with no details.
• Prices that seem too low—often missing prep, quality materials, or insurance.
• Missing scope (they don’t list which rooms, surfaces, or paint types).

No written estimate at all. If they say “I’ll text you later” and never do - walk away.

Read more on how to choose the right painter.

Final Thoughts

The estimate that's supposed to describe your job, in most cases, ends up telling you more about the painter than just the financials. Painters leave trails about their personality, the way they run their business, and other signs about their professionalism in the estimate they hand over to you.

So look for the finer details and the clues hidden about the person you are about to hire and if you're looking to get your home painted visit: primerjobs.com and we'll make sure to connect you with top-rated painters who take their estimates and you seriously.

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