There are two primary ways painting contractors will price a painting job: one all inclusive price or time and materials.

The difference is more or less self-explanatory. The all inclusive price includes the painting contractor's time and materials and doesn't break out the difference. The painting contractor is responsible for buying the paint and other supplies and for completing the job within the specific price. They may build in a clause for overages or for being compensated for any changes or additions.

Time and materials on the other hand separates out the labor and paint. The customer is responsible for paying the cost of any paint and materials, and for paying the painter for the time they spend on the job, etiher by hour or by day.

Either of these methods can work well, especially if the painter has a very good understanding of the work to be done and is accurate. The one price method can give piece of mind to the customer because there is a set price. But it doesn't guarantee good work. The painter has a lot of opportunities to cut corners, so if they priced it too low and you hold them to the initial estimate, then you'll only get lower quality work. This method also incents the painter to finish as fast as they can.

Time and materials typically is less pressure on the painter. But it also works well for customers who want to ensure that the painter uses high-quality materials. Since you will be paying for the materials, the painter won't mind buying the best paint.

In our local area we've seen a trend towards more time and materials estimates. It seems to work very well for customers because they typically will get higher quality work - the painter is being paid for their time. The painter also won't mind buying the best paint and other materials since you are paying for it. We typically recommend to our customers that they pay the painter on a time and materials basis.