Estimating guide
How to Estimate Painting Jobs
A painting estimate starts with scope and measurements. Trazo handles arithmetic; your costs, experience, and job requirements determine the numbers you enter.
1. Break the job into specific tasks
Separate preparation, application, and cleanup. Create a separate line item when a surface needs a different treatment or rate. Make clear whether materials are included in labor rates or listed separately.
2. Multiply quantities by unit prices
Each line total is quantity multiplied by unit price. An arithmetic-only example: 12.5 units at $8.40 per unit equals $105.00. These numbers demonstrate the calculation; they are not painting market rates.
3. Apply discount and tax to the subtotal
Trazo rounds each line to cents, adds the lines, applies a discount to the subtotal, and applies the selected tax rate to the discounted amount. For example: $200.00 less a 10% discount gives $180.00. An illustrative 5% tax adds $9.00, for a total of $189.00. Choose the rate applicable to your job; this example is not tax guidance.
4. Review it from the customer’s perspective
Check the units, scope, and total against your job notes. Save the final revision before generating the PDF.
- Verify quantities and unit prices.
- Avoid counting materials twice.
- Check discount and tax settings.
- Write down scope and exclusions.
- Confirm the expiration date.