Any painters here?

I have been doing some painting at my boss's house on the side. I have no idea what to charge. I am a pretty good painter (of houses, not art) and he is pleased with the work. But I have no clue what to charge. Right now I have spent about 17-20 hours working, have about 3-5 more to finish the job. I painted an outside laundry room big enough for a washer and two dryers, an inside room, about 12x12x10, and a couple of small (3x5) sections.

His painter was taking his time doing the job, and I jokingly asked why he didn't do it himself. He said he can't paint. I, stupidly said anyone can paint, and I got stuck with the job. Well, not really stuck with it, it is extra money! I am thinking around $200 or so, have no idea what to charge. Any ideas?

Thanks,

E

 

$200.00 an hour or total? our painters here charge at the minimum $70.00 per hour.

 

$200.00 an hour or total? our painters here charge at the minimum $70.00 per hour.

LOL! $200 for the job... Like I said, no idea what to charge.

Thanks

E

$70per hour? Perhaps I need to 'brush up' on my painting skills and move...

 

with 20+ hours, i would charge more than $200.00! LOL thats only $10.00 an hr!

I would charge at least $500.00

 

Keep in mind dyamonds painters also have a ton of experince painting. Whereas you may not unless im wrong.

 

very true... but if his boss is happy with his work i dont see why not charging $20-$25 dollars an hour *shrugs*

 

As far as experience, well, I am not a pro. I just have done a lot of painting in the last 25 years. I started painting my house when I was a kid. I have honestly thought about getting a job painting, I can no longer do heights. Anything above 10 feet, not for me. I have painted several houses, offices and such.

Never had a complaint with my paint jobs. But have no clue what to charge. I am starting to think $20 or so an hour.

Thanks

E

 

Tell him to pay you what he thinks your painting job is worth to him

 

My daughter had a professional (ha) painted 3 bedrooms charged $500, I gasped (always done my own painting) and she told me what a deal they got.

 

That is another way I was looking at it. And, he is my boss at the wine store. I like wine. He sells wine. I will accept wine as payment. I might can get some nice wine to drink for this job and a little bit of cash.

I might just tell him to give me $100 and some wine...

Who knows.

E

 

Pardon me for saying this but babysitters make that any more. Think you'll be shorting yourself at that price.

 

Apperently i need to start babysitting if there getting paid that much, wow.

 

I agree. If you are as good as you say you are then charge $25+ an hr. I said the minimum we charge is $70, usually its between $90 and $100 (and some of them arent even that good!) and with that type of money you can buy all the wine you want LOL

 

Sometimes it's not just about the money. Ask yourself why you are doing it Fred, and what kind of relationship you want to convey and develop here. Some things are simply beyond money and last a whole heap longer.

 

so very true, thats another side to it, couldnt have said it better!

Then again friendship doesnt pay the bills my darling.

Im sure if you told him $500 or even $400 he'd think he'd be getting a deal.

 

Thats true and bartering is always good, and tax free.

 

Want us to bill him?

 

I think you have said it best Lev. I want a little cash, and get some wine. Thanks for the info. I guess I am cheap! I have to get over that and charge some money, but do it in a way were we all get along.

E

 

hey its not bad to be cheap sometimes (i am always cheap!)... i know your boss sure wont mind LOL

 

I usually just strike some middle ground. In other words do it way cheaper than commercially, but still so that it's worthwhile to you.

I get that issue all the time with computer work. If I didn't charge anyone I was friendly with, I'd have no business. On the other hand, I want them to be really happy with the job, which they always are. Commercial of Govt. institutions - then it's all business, and they don't care about the cost (usually). They just want it done right.

Of course, if it's someone close that you owe them a few favors anyway, then it's kinda different.

Yea, $20/hr + costs seems okay, i.m.o. Well, I would be prepared to pay that for a good paint job, in any event.

 

Definitely should've given a price before starting the job. Don't know how it works over in there but here in the UK, I've done it for about £20-£30 an hour, with £20 equalling $40.5871. Hope that helps!