Why two quotes for the same house can look so different
Ask three painters to quote the same project and you may get three very different answers. That is usually not because someone is overcharging. It is because each is pricing a different job. One may include repairs and priming, another may assume a quick coat over what is there. One may use a heavier-duty product. One may be quoting two coats, another one.
Understanding what drives the cost lets you compare quotes fairly and ask better questions. This guide lists the factors, with no dollar figures, because the only number that matters is the one written for your property after someone has seen it.
Size and number of surfaces
The most obvious factor is how much there is to paint. Wall area, ceiling area, and the number of rooms all matter, but so does the number of separate pieces. Doors, frames, baseboards, window trim, closets, railings, and built-ins each take time. A small room full of trim can take longer than a large plain one.
On the outside, the footprint of the house, the number of storeys, the amount of trim, soffits, fascia, garage doors and decks all add to the scope.
Condition of the surfaces
Surface condition is often the biggest variable. A clean, sound wall in a neutral colour is quick to repaint. A wall with dozens of holes, cracks, water stains, peeling patches or old wallpaper glue takes far more labour before paint goes on.
The same is true outside. Peeling, chalking, rotted trim and failed caulking all need work first. Honest quotes account for this, and a low price that ignores it will usually come back as extras or a short-lived finish.
Prep, repair and priming
Prep is labour, and labour is the main part of any painting job. Washing, scraping, sanding, filling, drywall repair, caulking and priming can account for a large share of the time. Removing wallpaper, popcorn ceiling texture or old coatings is its own scope of work.
Ask what prep is included and what is not. If a quote lists the steps, you can see what you are paying for. If it only says paint walls, you do not know.
Colour change and number of coats
Going from a dark colour to a light one, or covering a strong red, usually takes primer and extra coats. A modest change between similar shades may be easier. Some colours and finishes need more coats to look even.
A quote should state the number of coats. Two is standard for most repaints, but not every product or colour behaves the same way.
Paint and product choice
Paint quality varies in coverage, durability, washability and finish. Premium products tend to cost more per can but can save coats and last longer. Specialty coatings, such as stain-blocking primers, moisture-resistant products, exterior elastic coatings or cabinet enamels, are priced differently from standard wall paint.
Ask what product and sheen the quote assumes for each surface, and compare like with like.
Access, height and set-up
Tall ceilings, stairwells, steep or uneven ground and exterior walls above the first storey need ladders, scaffolding or lifts, and more time to set up safely. Tight spaces and furnished rooms slow the work down too, since everything has to be moved and covered.
Access matters for the property as well. Parking, elevators in condo buildings, working hours set by a strata, and distance from the painter’s base can all affect the schedule.
Timing, scheduling and weather
Demand varies through the year. Exterior painting is weather-dependent, and peak season fills up quickly. Tight deadlines, after-hours commercial work and rush projects can change how a job is scheduled and priced. Booking early gives you more choice and more flexibility.
For exteriors, weather delays are normal. Exterior latex generally should not be applied below about 10 C, so a late-season job may need to wait for suitable conditions.
Special conditions
Some properties carry extra requirements. Homes built before 1990 may need lead testing before sanding or scraping, and older textured ceilings should be tested for asbestos before they are disturbed. If testing is positive, the method and the scope change. Strata properties may require approval for changes to common property and may limit work hours.
Raise these early. Surprises midway through a job are the most common source of cost changes.
How to compare quotes
Line the quotes up and check the same items on each: surfaces, prep, repairs, primer, number of coats, products, timeline, clean-up and what happens at the end of the job. If anything is missing from one, ask. A written quote that lists these in plain language is a good sign.
We provide a free written quote that spells out the surfaces, prep, paint and timeline, so you can compare it directly with any other. For a closer look at one service, see our page on interior painting.
Frequently asked questions
Why is prep such a big part of the cost?
Prep is mostly labour, and it determines how long the finish lasts. Repairs, sanding and priming take time but prevent early failure.
Does a bigger house always cost more to paint?
Usually, but condition, trim, colour change and access can matter as much as size.
How can I keep the project within my budget?
Be clear about scope, ask for options in the quote, clear the rooms yourself where possible and book outside the busiest season.
Related painting services
More painting guides
- Decorating Rooms in Gray: Ideas That Work
- Metallic Paint, Glazes and Feature Walls: What to Know
- Choosing Paint Colours for the Darker Months
Have a question first? Read the FAQ, learn about Alto Pro Painters or contact us.
Further reading: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Primer on Wikipedia.