Exterior estimate example
Exterior Painting Estimate Example
An exterior project involves more than surface area. Access, preparation, trim, and job conditions all affect the scope you need to describe.
Worked example: a single-story exterior repaint
This fictional scope includes 1,200 sq ft of measured siding after openings are deducted, 160 linear ft of specified trim, and 80 linear ft of agreed caulking. Only 240 sq ft of the siding needs spot primer in this example. The stated access allowance covers the agreed single-story setup; it does not cover scaffolding or inaccessible elevations.
Illustrative exterior estimate
These invented USD rates demonstrate arithmetic, not local pricing. Finish painting includes labor and materials for the specified two coats. Siding area is counted once because the rate includes both coats. Washing, repairs, and spot primer are separate tasks and are not included again in the finish rates. No discount or tax is calculated.
| Work included | Quantity | Unit price | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site protection and agreed access setup | 1 job | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Wash and prepare siding | 1,200 sq ft | $0.30 | $360.00 |
| Specified caulking | 80 linear ft | $2.00 | $160.00 |
| Spot primer on agreed areas | 240 sq ft | $0.75 | $180.00 |
| Two finish coats on siding | 1,200 sq ft | $1.60 | $1,920.00 |
| Two finish coats on specified trim | 160 linear ft | $2.50 | $400.00 |
| Remove protection and clean up | 1 job | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Subtotal before any discount or tax | — | — | $3,420.00 |
State exclusions and scheduling assumptions
This example excludes rotten wood replacement, structural repairs, gutters, roofing, detached buildings, and work outside the measured surfaces. List unresolved conditions before pricing. Agree on access to the property and how weather affects dates; do not promise a completion date that ignores the selected product requirements. Obtain agreement on any revised scope before adding work.
Define the surfaces and access
Identify the elevations, siding, trim, and other elements included. Record their observed condition and exclusions. Describe unresolved surface issues as items requiring further evaluation rather than treating them as already resolved.
A starting structure for exterior work
Adjust or remove each template item to match your actual scope. The calculator does not insert market prices.
- Site protection and agreed access equipment.
- Washing and surface preparation.
- Specified repairs and caulking.
- Compatible primer, where required.
- Exterior finish coats on agreed surfaces.
- Equipment removal and final cleanup.
Make job conditions clear
Describe access, working hours, and weather dependencies. State who provides any required access equipment or permits. Define these responsibilities instead of leaving customers to assume they are included.
Preserve what you sent
A Trazo private link shows a saved revision. If the scope changes, save the updated estimate and create a new link. Earlier proposals retain the amounts and details that were originally shared.