Worked example
Enter 16 painting hours, four preparation hours, $35 true labor cost, 10 gallons at $42, $80 sundries, $75 equipment, 7% material waste, $100 overhead, 5% contingency and a 30% target margin.
| Result | Calculated value |
|---|---|
| True job cost | $1,474.62 |
| Break-even price | $1,474.62 |
| Target selling price | $2,106.61 |
| Planned profit at target price | $631.99 |
These are fictional defaults for explaining the calculation, not a price or outcome claim.
How the calculation works
Paint quantity, unit cost and waste remain visible. Labor includes both preparation and painting person-hours.
Read the related Serman Tools guide for definitions, limits and another worked example.
Workbook
The free calculator handles one scenario in your browser. Home Service Pricing Workbook keeps the related model in a downloadable workbook.
Frequently asked questions
Why separate preparation from painting?
Preparation can consume substantial labor and varies independently from coverage, so separating it makes the estimate easier to revise.
How should paint waste be used?
Apply a documented waste allowance to material quantity or cost, then compare it with actual usage over time.
Is this a local price benchmark?
No. It uses your cost and margin assumptions and does not claim a prevailing local selling price.
Should labor use person-hours?
Yes. Count each worker’s time so crew size and elapsed time translate into total labor consumed.
How should callbacks be handled?
Use a documented reserve based on your own history and do not count the same expected cost in contingency twice.
Can I use the result as a final quote?
Use it as a planning check, then verify scope, taxes, permits, technical requirements and job-specific risk.