Surface Preparation
- Sanding, caulking, patching, priming before any finish coat
- Adhesion tested per ASTM D3359
- Lead-safe protocols for pre-1978 homes
Home / How Pricing Works
TransparencyWhat the price pays for.
Two bids for the same house can be far apart. Why? Mostly the prep. This page lays out what shapes the price of a Peninsula painting or remodeling project, and what every proposal includes.
FPE Master Certified
CSLB #803672
Why It Varies
No two houses cost the same.
The factors below are the ones we price. Use them to compare proposals line by line. For a real number, call (650) 961-7415 or request an estimate.
Typical ranges
Pricing Factors
What shapes the cost.
Surface area
We measure the square footage of the walls, ceilings, trim and exterior surfaces.
Cost follows it directly. More area means more material and more labor.
Prep complexity
We look for wood rot, cracked stucco, peeling paint, open caulk joints and any wall that needs a Level 5 finish.
The effect on cost is high. Prep is where most of the skill (and most of the cost) goes, and a shortcut here is the first thing to fail.
Paint grade
The standard lines we use are Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore. The premium lines are Fine Paints of Europe and Farrow & Ball.
The effect on cost is moderate. A premium paint costs more per gallon, but it often covers in fewer coats and lasts longer.
Number of coats
The industry standard is a primer and 2 finish coats. FPE high gloss may take 3 to 5.
The effect on cost is moderate. Each coat adds material and dry time.
Access & logistics
We plan for scaffolding, tall ladders, tight spaces, whether the house is lived in, and lead-paint containment.
The effect on cost runs moderate to high. Scaffolding and EPA containment add setup time and equipment.
Color complexity
We plan for one color or several, dark over light (which takes extra coats), and any faux finish or specialty texture.
The effect on cost runs low to moderate. A big color change needs more coats and more masking.
Effect on cost
- Surface area
- Direct
- Prep complexity
- High
- Paint grade
- Moderate
- Number of coats
- Moderate
- Access & logistics
- Moderate to high
- Color complexity
- Low to moderate
Every Proposal Includes
What you always get.
Application
- Appropriate primer for the substrate
- Minimum two finish coats for full coverage
- The site cleaned up at the end of every day
Closeout
- Final walkthrough, with touch-ups handled on the spot
- Written workmanship warranty in every proposal
The Math
Why the lowest bid often costs more.
The Cycle
Cheap fails early.
We regularly repaint Peninsula homes where a lower-cost contractor skipped prep, skipped primer or applied one coat instead of two. Those jobs start failing within a couple of winters.
The Math
Done right lasts longer.
Good prep and good paint outlast a cheap job, inside and out. Spread the cost over the years between repaints and the higher bid is usually the better buy.
Common Questions
Pricing FAQ.
Why can’t I get an online quote?
Surface condition, access, prep and paint selection all change the cost. We can’t give an accurate number until we’ve walked the property. The on-site consultation is free, with no obligation.
What is your deposit policy?
The deposit is 10% of contract value or $1,000, whichever is less. That’s the CSLB cap. Progress payments are tied to milestones you can check, and the final payment comes at completion. The exact terms are in every written proposal.
How long will my project take?
A single-room interior usually takes 1 to 2 days. A full exterior on a 3,000 sq ft home takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the prep. Multi-trade remodels are scheduled in phases. You’ll get a detailed schedule before work begins.
What paint brands do you use?
Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Fine Paints of Europe and Farrow & Ball. For premium projects we recommend FPE (we’re a Fine Paints of Europe Master Certified contractor), but brand and grade are always your choice.
What warranty do you offer?
Every proposal includes a written workmanship warranty, with its terms stated in writing before work begins.
Ready for a real number?
Book an on-site walk-through for a detailed written proposal, with no obligation.
Request an Estimate