The work is hard but it pays well. Houses constantly need painting-both inside and out. Just drive around your neighborhood and take a look. The overhead is practically nothing: a ladder, patching equipment, brushes, rollers, an extension pole and drop cloths.

Often the client will pay for the paint, brushes and rollers, which are billed as “supplies.” You can work an arrangement with your local paint store to get 1 10% discount, so you are making a little money on the paint, too.

“To get paid what the job is worth, find out exactly what you’re painting,” says Bod Beaulieu, a painter from Presque Isle, Maine.

“Usually a job will involve walls, doors, closets, wood trim. If ceilings are included, you will need to consider how much additional time that will take. Also take into account whether the residence is empty or loaded with furniture. Are the pieces bulky? Is there room to maneuver? Are stairwells included?”

Rates range from $45 to $65 per hour. For a standard 12 x 12-foot room with eight-foot, it should take two hours to paint the walls and another half hour for the wood trim. That would be $100. Add another $10 for cleanup and quote a price $110. Add an extra charge for cathedral ceilings and or a stairwell.

Patching is part of your preparatory work so figure this in. It should be done before painting begins and may mean an extra trip; include it in the quote.

 

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