Is your business in need of a cosmetic upgrade? Whatever industry you’re in, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your brand and customer experience. Like every other renovation project, it has to fit into your budget to justify the investment — but if it meets your expectations and needs, it will generate a strong ROI.
This quick guide explains everything you need to know about the cost of commercial painting services so you can find the right contractor for your company’s budget.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Commercial Painting?
Commercial painting costs depend on the following factors:
- Project type: Interior painting typically costs less because exterior projects require specialized supplies, more prep work and larger amounts of paint.
- Property size: The square footage of your project directly influences the project costs because it impacts the amount of paint you’ll need. Small spaces like private offices or restrooms will cost the least, and large projects like multistory office building exteriors will cost the most.
- Painting technique: The technique your painters use impacts the amount of time and paint they’ll need to complete the job. For example, while spraying is an efficient technique that will reduce labor costs, it uses more paint than rolling and will increase supply costs.
- Number of coats: Certain projects will require more paint to achieve the desired finish, which raises costs.
- Material quality: Premium paints cost more than budget-friendly alternatives, so it’s important to consider whether you need a specialty paint or finish. For high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, you may want to splurge on more durable products rather than choose a less costly option.
- Supplies and equipment: Supplies like rollers, paint trays, scaffolding and aerial lifts can significantly raise the price of your paint job. Be sure to speak with your contractor to understand which costs you will be responsible for and which ones they cover.
- Labor and time requirements: The amount of time a painting crew has to spend on your project plays a significant role in the total cost — around $60 to $100 per hour on average. While some states also require property owners to obtain building permits before painting, Pennsylvania makes an exception for these projects.
- Crew experience: While more experienced painting contractors may charge higher prices for their services, you’re more likely to get the high-quality results you expect when you work with a reliable company.
- Waste disposal: Properly disposing of waste like paint cans, debris and leftover materials may add to the project cost depending on the company you work with.
Breaking Down Commercial Painting Costs
While the average cost for commercial painting in the U.S. ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot, your project’s cost might fall outside of this range due to any of the factors listed above. Remember that exterior projects generally cost more than interior projects because you have to invest in additional surface preparation and supplies.
That said, interior projects can also come with additional costs. If painters have to move furniture to access paintable surfaces, for example, you’ll have to pay more for labor than you would if you want to paint an empty room.
You may also need to account for the different surfaces present in a given area. For example, if you’re painting an entire private office, you may need to pay slightly more per square foot for features like doors and baseboards. Your painting contractor can explain how they break down their project costs so you can get a clearer idea of what you’ll be responsible for.
How Do You Estimate Commercial Painting Job Costs?
Whether you need to estimate interior or exterior commercial painting costs, you can get a general idea of your overall project cost by following these steps:
- Determine square footage: Because square footage plays a major role in your commercial painting costs, you’ll want to first estimate your commercial painting cost per square foot. Measure the length and width of all paintable surfaces — including ceilings, walls and flooring, if applicable — and multiply them together to get your estimate.
- Prepare all surfaces: If you have any imperfections on your paintable surfaces, such as cracks or holes, you’ll want to fix those before beginning a commercial painting project. Taking care of surface repairs before painting can help you keep your project within budget and ensure more professional results.
- Evaluate space accessibility: Will your painting crew need additional equipment to reach the surfaces you want to paint? Scaffolding and lift equipment can add to your overall costs.
For a more accurate figure, it’s best to reach out to a commercial painting contractor for an official quote. You can then compare this quote to your original estimate to determine whether it works for your company.
The ROI of Commercial Painting
While the return on investment (ROI) for a commercial painting project is difficult to calculate in hard numbers, it comes with many long-term soft benefits:
- Increased property value: Fresh paint and a well-maintained campus can help raise your property value and help you protect your investment over time.
- Improved morale: Improving the look of your property with a crisp coat of paint can help boost employee morale and encourage higher productivity.
- Enhanced brand image: Painting your commercial space can help you create a more cohesive brand and leave a positive impression on existing and new customers.
- Cost savings: By hiring a professional team to handle your commercial painting project, you save time and effort and prevent costly mistakes — especially for extensive exterior projects.
- Longer-lasting results: Investing in more durable paints and primers can help you ensure your investment lasts a long time, reducing the need for frequent upkeep and repainting.
- Improved safety: In industrial facilities, new paint can improve visibility and protect surfaces against contamination. These benefits can help create a safer environment for your employees and enhance your operations.
Start Your Commercial Painting Project Today With Ryan Amato Painting
Cost is a significant consideration with any commercial renovation project, and painting is no different. That’s why choosing the right painting contractor is so crucial for generating a strong ROI.
If you’re looking for a reliable painting contractor in the Lehigh Valley area, Ryan Amato Painting, LLC is here for you. We’re dedicated to delivering results that meet your high expectations and fulfill your needs, and our team brings a wealth of knowledge and proven capabilities to every job.
Get started on your commercial painting project today. Contact us online to schedule a free estimate or request an instant quote.
