Introduction
Maintenance and renovations are essential responsibilities that must be met when dealing with commercial properties. One of the more frequent tasks is painting all the inside and/or outside walls every couple of years. Although some aspects, such as painting, can dramatically improve the appearance, you should know what factors affect the cost per square foot in order to properly plan the expenses. In this article, you will learn more about the aspects that make commercial painting costs per square foot variable.
Elements Affecting the Painting Cost per Square Foot
Type of Paint
One factor that influences the cost per square foot is the type of paint that will be used in the project. Paints are known to vary significantly in quality and price. At the lowest, you can get latex and acrylic paints for about $20 to $50 per gallon. Epoxies, urethanes, and other industrial coats can cost between $50-$150+ per gallon. This cost is added to the price per square foot for the entire project.
Preparation Work Required
Other factors influencing the cost include the time required to prepare the surface before painting it. For instance, a very bad flaking or peeling of the exterior will require power washing, scraping, sanding, and priming, all of which take several hours of work. It is important to note that if the walls are newly constructed using new drywall or plaster, simply applying a layer of primer may suffice. The amount of preparation directly determines how much the contractor charges in terms of area.
Number of Coats
It is rare to find an occasion where you just apply one layer of paint on any surface. At least two coats and perhaps a third coat may be needed for some jobs, particularly for dark colors or new drywall. More coats entail more time for each area, which could be used for other work or different tasks. This is then added to the total cost of the whole job.
Location & Accessibility
The accessibility of the area and the part of the house, whether interior or exterior painting, also determines the price per square foot. High ceilings and multiple-story construction need accessories like lifts, scaffoldings, etc. These will increase the cost. Other factors that lead to the high cost include the interiors since high ceilings and other areas that are difficult to access take a lot of time and resources to paint. Depending on their nature, easy-access regions tend to be cheaper per square foot.
Contractor Margins for Overheads and Profit
To arrive at their price per square foot, painters must factor in overhead – paints, brushes, equipment, insurance, licenses, transportation, and office, among others. These costs are incorporated in the prices they offer their clients to make profits. Contractors in business for several years have higher overhead expenses than side jobbers. However, with higher overhead, you acquire better expertise.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Commercial Building Per Square Foot?
Knowing the aforementioned information about price per square foot, what should one expect to pay?
Here are typical price ranges:
– Basic Interior Latex Paint & 1 Coat ranges from $0.75 to $1.25 per square footage of the landscape
– Interior Latex with 2 Coats ranges from $1.50 per square foot to $2.50 per square foot
– Interior Epoxy/Industrial Coatings: ranges from $2.50 to $6.00+ per square foot
– Exterior Paint & 1 Coat: Costs between $1.25 and $2.00 per square foot
– Exterior Paint with 2 Coats: Costs $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot
– Exterior Stucco/Masonry Painting: Though affordable, will cost between $2.50 and $6.00 per square foot
However, these are just approximate figures; the actual cost depends on all the above mentioned factors. When comparing bids from commercial painters, discuss with the painters about each of the steps and the materials they will use, and then compare the prices per square foot with other bidders to spot the differences. You must compare the project costs with the painting contractor regarding the project and the amount of value to be received in the future.
Conclusion
When estimating the cost of commercial painting per square foot, several factors need to be considered; they include paint cost, preparation costs, and contractor margin. Usually, the costs range from $0.75 to $6.00 USD per square foot, depending on the details of the work. Although painting costs might be frustrating, careful planning, budgeting, and choosing a proper contractor can give your property a renewed look and provide great value for the money spent.
