Estimating Mistakes You Should Avoid and How Paintbusters Can Help
When it comes to painting projects, getting the estimate right is critical. Whether you’re a painting contractor, a property owner, or a builder, your project’s success often hinges on how accurate your initial estimates are. Mistakes in estimating can lead to budget overruns, missed deadlines and unnecessary stress.
At Paintbusters Australia, we’ve worked across countless residential and commercial painting projects and we’ve seen first-hand how even small estimating errors can snowball into big problems. That’s why we’re here to help you steer clear of the common pitfalls.
Below, we’ll walk you through the most common estimating mistakes to avoid—and how our professional estimating services can make all the difference.
Why Accurate Estimating Matters
Before we break down the mistakes, it’s important to understand why estimates are so crucial.
- For Painting Contractors: Accurate estimates help you win jobs, maintain profitability and build trust with clients.
- For Builders: Predictable costs help you manage overall project budgets and timelines.
- For Property Owners and Managers: Transparent estimates give you confidence in your investment and ensure quality outcomes without overspending.
Now, onto the pitfalls.
Common Estimating Mistakes
Overlooking Surface Preparation
One of the most common mistakes in painting estimates is underestimating—or entirely forgetting—surface preparation. Most surfaces require cleaning, repairing, or priming before painting begins. Skip this step and you could face extra costs down the line.
How to Avoid It:
Always account for the time, materials and labour needed for proper surface prep. This should include filling cracks, washing walls, removing old paint and applying primer.
Ignoring Hidden Costs
When estimating a painting project, some costs aren’t immediately obvious. Things like travel expenses, equipment hire, or weather delays can sneak up on you if they’re not factored into the initial quote.
How to Avoid It:
Break down every single aspect of the job—not just the paint and labour. Include everything from scaffolding hire to fuel costs and account for potential contingencies.
Misjudging Coverage Rates
Underestimating how much paint you’ll need is another common blunder. Coverage rates can vary widely depending on the type of paint, surface texture and number of coats required.
How to Avoid It:
Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for estimated coverage and always add a 10-15% buffer for waste or touch-ups. At Paintbusters, we offer detailed Bills of Quantities to ensure you get this right.
Underestimating Labour Hours
A rushed labour estimate can lead to costly mistakes. Maybe the surface is trickier to work on than anticipated, or maybe your team is smaller than expected—either way, poor planning often results in overtime costs that eat into your profits.
How to Avoid It:
Inspect the site before making an estimate and factor in variables like accessibility, complexity and the skill level of your team. Our professional estimating services include accurate labour calculations so you can plan confidently.
Not Adjusting for Job Type
A repaint on a residential property will differ significantly from a new build or a large-scale commercial project. Many estimates fail to account for these nuances, which can throw off budgeting and timelines.
How to Avoid It:
Customise every estimate based on the job size and scope. With Paintbusters’ specialised estimating services, we tailor solutions for residential, commercial and body corporate projects.
Failing to Use the Right Tools
Relying solely on manual calculations leaves too much room for error. Without the right tools or software, it’s easy to miss key details or miscalculate quantities.
How to Avoid It:
Use professional estimating software or services to ensure accuracy. At Paintbusters, we provide professional quantity surveying, complete with detailed formulas and guidance, to eliminate guesswork.
How Paintbusters Australia Can Help
Accurate painting estimates don’t have to involve endless spreadsheets and sleepless nights. Paintbusters offers a range of professional estimating services to make your life easier, including:
- Detailed Bills of Quantities
We meticulously calculate the materials, labour and overheads needed for your project. With every detail accounted for, you can be confident in your numbers.
- Tailored Estimates
Whether it’s a house repaint, a commercial project, or a larger development, our estimates are designed to match your specific goals and budgets.
- Training and Support
New to estimating? No problem. We offer training courses to help painting contractors and apprentices master the estimating process.
- Expert Guidance
Not sure where to start? Our team will guide you through the entire estimating process, providing insights and personalised advice to maximise accuracy and efficiency.
- Free Quotes for Property Owners
If you’re a property owner or manager, we’ll help you find the perfect painting contractors with a no-obligation, professional quote.
Why Choose Paintbusters?
We’re not just about numbers—we’re about solving problems. With decades of experience in the painting and decorating industry, we’ve had the privilege of supporting tradies, contractors and property managers Australia-wide.
Here’s why people love our estimating services:
- Accuracy You Can Trust – No more guesswork, just reliable numbers.
- Affordable Solutions – Quality estimates don’t have to break the bank.
- Tailored Services – We adapt to your needs, no matter the project size.
- Fast Turnaround – Get your estimates promptly so you can start planning right away.
Need Help Estimating? Contact Us Today
Accurate estimating is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a contractor looking to win more bids, a builder managing project costs or a property owner deciding on budgets, our team at Paintbusters is here to help.
Save time, stress and money. Get in touch with Paintbusters Australia today and take the guesswork out of your next painting project.
