For exterior commercial painting needs, the two most important criteria are durability and long-term protection…
The Cost to Paint a Commercial Building’s Exterior
As a Kansas City commercial property owner or manager, you know the value of curb appeal for your building. Whether you sell products to customers or work with clients, your business should always look clean, professional, and captivating.
One of the best ways to improve the look of your building is with a fresh coat (or two) of paint. However, how much will it cost to get the job done? Even if you have a professional commercial painter in mind, the answer is always: “It depends.”
So, let’s break down the various factors that can affect the cost of painting a commercial building’s exterior and how you can plan for each one.
How to Determine the Cost to Paint a Commercial Building’s Exterior
According to data, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour to paint the exterior of a commercial building. If you’re going by square footage, the price can often be between $0.50 and $3 per square foot.
However, because so many variables are at play, knowing what to expect is important before scheduling an appointment. Usually, commercial painters will provide an estimate upfront, although they might have to see the site to provide an accurate number.
Here are the most important factors determining the total cost for an exterior commercial paint job.
Square Footage
The simplest way to calculate the square footage of the painted area is to measure the height and width of each side of the building. From there, subtract the total area of doors and windows to get an accurate number.
While the price per square foot is a good foundation for determining the total cost, you must also factor in the number of hours. Commercial painters can often estimate the length of a new project, but there are always some unforeseen circumstances (more on those later).
Type of Paint Used
The two most common types of exterior commercial paint used are acrylic and latex. Both options are designed to withstand the elements, meaning you shouldn’t have to repaint your building anytime soon after finishing the project.
In addition to the type of paint, you should also consider the finish. Matte finishes are simple and neutral but can make the exterior look drab and boring (depending on the color scheme). Semi-glossy finishes can add some flair to the surface, but they may be too bright in direct sunlight.
As a rule, glossy works best indoors with controlled lighting. For example, glossy paint can work well for a restroom because it makes the room look clean and shiny.
Amount of Paint Used
Because the weather in Kansas City can vary significantly throughout the year, the paint you use on the building’s exterior will endure a lot of wear and tear. So, it makes sense to do multiple coats, including a base primer layer.
As you can imagine, every new coat will double the initial price because the added square footage and labor hours will be the same (or nearly identical). Two coats work for most situations, but you can also talk with your paint professional for a recommendation.
Surface Condition
Not all surfaces are as easy to paint. For example, metal requires specialized paint and primer so the color doesn’t bleed or run, especially whenever it rains. Similarly, masonry requires different paint and materials than Stucco or drywall. However, it’s not just the type of surface that matters. If some areas are worn down, dirty, or require repairs, that can cause expensive delays. Sometimes, you may have to rebuild parts of the building before the painters can do the job.
In rare cases, you may have to pay separate contractors to fix any problems before painting can begin. If this happens, you may look at a much longer project than anticipated.
Flourishes
Typically, the exterior of a commercial building can have a uniform paint color. However, what if you want your business to stand out? You can request flourishes like your company name, color scheme, or abstract designs.
Every flourish will increase the cost because of the amount of labor involved. Painting designs or facsimiles of people can take much longer than painting a wall one uniform color. Also, the painter must keep other supplies on hand to tackle the project.
Other Factors That Can Affect the Total Cost
While we’ve covered the fundamental elements that go into calculating the total cost of a commercial paint job, other factors can affect how much you pay. These conditions can include:
- Delays – Delays can occur for various reasons, such as bad weather, interpersonal conflicts, or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., one street adjacent to the building getting shut down).
- Repairs – Monitoring the outside of your commercial building is hard, particularly if you have other tenants. In some cases, you may be unaware of sections that need repair. For example, there may be a hole in the wall that needs patching before painting can resume.
- Equipment Needed – How tall is your building? If you work in a skyscraper, the painters will need specialized equipment to finish the job. However, if you work in a single-story business, the painter won’t need as much hardware, such as ladders, spray brushes, etc.
Get the Best Commercial Painting From Luke Kush’s Painting
One other factor that can cause you to pay more for commercial exterior painting is working with a subpar contractor. Luke Kush is the premier commercial painting company in Kansas City, MO, and we offer the best pricing for each project.
We understand how vital it is for your business to have a high-quality exterior, and we only use top-tier materials to ensure the paint will last as long as possible. Schedule your consultation today and see how affordable commercial painting can be for your business.