CSI Division 09 · Architectural
Painting Estimating
Net painted area with openings deducted, coat count and sheen by room from the finish schedule, and preparation carried as most of the labor — because it is.
- SF
- wall, ceiling and exterior area
- EA
- doors, frames, louvres, units
- LF
- handrail, trim, exposed pipe
- LS
- preparation, touch-up, protection
Scope
What we measure.
Measured from
Finish schedules, interior elevations and exterior elevations
- 01Interior Walls · 2 Coat
- 02Exterior · 2 Coat
- 03Ceilings
- 04Doors & Frames
- 05Surface Prep
Where bids go wrong
What other painting estimates miss.
Preparation, which is most of the labor: patching, sanding, caulking and priming bare substrate.
Coat count and sheen changes by room from the finish schedule, not one system for the whole job.
Doors, frames, handrails and exposed structure counted per unit rather than swept into wall area.
Touch-up and protection at the end of the job, budgeted as its own return visit.
Sample takeoff
How painting line items come back.
Every quantity is traceable to the sheet it came from, in the units the trade buys in.
- Quantities traced to the sheet they came from
- Waste and productivity carried as visible lines
- Formulas intact — edit any rate
| CSI | Line item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 09 91 23 | Interior walls — 2 coat | 11,480 SF |
| 09 91 13 | Exterior — 2 coat | 3,240 SF |
| 09 91 00 | Ceilings | 4,120 SF |
| 09 91 00 | Doors & frames | 68 EA |
| 09 91 00 | Surface prep | 1 LS |
FAQ
Painting Estimating, answered.
Talk to an estimator
Not a salesperson. Same-day answers on working days.
+1 518 974 7222[email protected]Do you measure by surface type?
Yes. Walls, ceilings, doors, frames and trim are measured separately, because each takes different labor.
Are specialty coatings included?
Epoxy, intumescent and high-performance coatings are measured as separate lines from the specification.
Can you use our cost book and labor rates?
Yes, and we prefer it. Your historical costs reflect your crews and your suppliers better than any published average. Send the template and we work inside it.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is per project and quoted before any work starts — no retainer, no minimum volume and no subscription.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Drawings, specifications and pricing are treated as confidential by default, and we sign your NDA on request before any documents change hands.
Start a quote
Need painting numbers for your next bid?
Pick your project type and send the drawings. We confirm the fee and delivery date within the hour on working days.