Interior estimate example
Interior Painting Estimate Example
Interior projects vary by room, surface condition, and finish. A useful estimate makes it clear what will be painted and which preparation is included.
Worked example: one living room
This fictional job covers a 12 ft by 15 ft living room with 8 ft walls. Gross wall area is 2 × (12 + 15) × 8 = 432 sq ft. Subtract a measured 21 sq ft doorway and 15 sq ft window to get 396 sq ft of paintable walls. The ceiling is 12 × 15 = 180 sq ft. The customer clears small belongings; the crew protects remaining furniture and floors.
Illustrative line items and subtotal
All USD rates below are invented solely to demonstrate an estimate. They are not market rates or a recommended bid. Wall and ceiling finish lines include labor and materials for two agreed finish coats; quantities measure each surface once, not once per coat. Preparation covers light filling and sanding only. No discount or tax is calculated in this example.
| Work included | Quantity | Unit price | Line total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture and floor protection | 1 job | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Light wall preparation | 396 sq ft | $0.35 | $138.60 |
| Two finish coats on walls | 396 sq ft | $1.50 | $594.00 |
| Two finish coats on ceiling | 180 sq ft | $1.20 | $216.00 |
| Remove protection and clean up | 1 job | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Subtotal before any discount or tax | — | — | $1,148.60 |
What this example excludes
Trim, doors, window frames, major drywall repairs, wallpaper removal, and full-surface priming are excluded. If inspection shows a need for additional preparation or primer, add a clearly described line before sending. Record the selected products, colors, finish, access dates, and how scope changes will be priced. The subtotal is not a promise of what your own room will cost.
Record the scope before pricing
List the rooms and surfaces included. Note furniture, floor protection, repairs, and areas excluded from the job. Do not assume that every wall needs the same preparation.
An editable interior line item structure
Use these items as a starting point, then adjust them to the job you inspected.
- Furniture and floor protection, with scope specified.
- Wall preparation and agreed repairs.
- Primer, where needed, with product and coverage specified.
- Interior wall painting, with agreed finish and coats.
- Ceiling painting as a separate item.
- Removal of protection and final cleanup.
Floor area is not paintable wall area
A room with a given floor area does not have the same wall area. Measure wall sections and ceilings separately. Record how you handle doors, windows, and excluded areas, then keep those measurements with your job notes.
Write down the conditions
Clarify access, who moves furniture, and how additional work will be approved. Confirm colors and finishes before work begins. Your estimate should capture the agreement you discussed with your customer.