How do you bid a painting job?

Question

i am painting all the trim on a two story house. this is requiring a fair amount of prep. it will probaly take me a week and a half.i am guessing there is 1700 linear feet.

Answer 1

I am a 37 year experienced painter and I bid new work by the foot..I never bid repaints, especially "peelers" by the foot but by the job only..There are alot of different reasons..one, you do not know the strength of the old paint, how much will actually come off and how easy, how much "spot priming" will be required, how long it will take to dig out any old/loose caulking, and a already lived in house usually have established lawns, bushes, landscaping etc. to be covered, or having to navigate around etc..it takes a trained eye and knowledge to  do this though..You would be better off "shooting them" a hourly rate isntead of bidding it outright..get a fair price, but yet be reasonable to the client too..this way both leave happy...