If you’re estimating the cost of your next interior painting project, you may need to get the measurements of your space. This may sound overwhelming and is where many people just opt for a rough estimate or go a different route. However, it may be simpler than you might think.
Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we've been helping folks in the Omaha area transform their homes for 27+ years. We believe in accurate measurements and transparent pricing to get painting projects done right.
In this article, we will go over the steps to measuring a room for painting. By the time you finish reading this guide, you'll know how to get a rough estimate for your project all on your own.
Before we begin, you may be wondering, "How accurate do I really need to be?"
Don't stress if your measurements aren't perfect to the millimeter. The goal is to get a good estimate, not to recreate the blueprints of your house. As long as you're in the ballpark, you'll be in good shape.
After all, a painter should take measurements themselves for large projects to ensure they will give an accurate quote.
Let's make sure you have everything you need:
Let's start with the walls - they're the main event in your painting project.
For example, let's say you have a 10x12 room with 8-foot ceilings:
Pro Tip: Don't subtract the area of doors and windows from your measurements. Painters typically include these in their calculations because they still need to prep and work around these areas. It's like when you're making a sandwich - you still count the bread even if it has holes!
If you're planning to give your ceiling a makeover (and why not? It's like the fifth wall of your room!), you'll need to measure it too.
Using our 10x12 room example:
In our 10x12 room:
These elements might seem small, but they can have a big impact on your painting project.
This one's pretty straightforward, Each door in the room counts as one. So if you've got a closet door and an entry door, that's two doors. Keep in mind, that the price will reflect painting both sides of the door.
Now, door casings are where things get a little tricky. Door casings are the frame around your door. Here's how to count them:
Let's say you have two doors in your room. That would give you:
Pro Tip: Keep in mind if you only want one room painted, you should only count for one door casing.
When it comes to window trim, we count per opening.
So, if you have two standard windows and one bay window in your room, you'd count that as:
Why do we count like this? Because each window opening, regardless of its style, requires similar prep work and painting time.
Now that you've got your measurements, there are many ways to use them for your painting project.
While we're on the subject, here are a few nuggets of painting wisdom we've picked up over the years:
With this direction, you're ready to get accurate painting estimates and make informed decisions about your interior home improvement project.
Measuring your room is just the first step in transforming your space. If you find yourself overwhelmed or just want to ensure a professional finish, that's where we at Brush & Roll Painting come in.
We've been helping Omaha homeowners bring their vision to life for years, and we'd be thrilled to help you too. Just click the button below to get started on your project.
Ready to see what your project might cost? Take the guesswork out of your budgeting by using our easy-to-use interior painting pricing calculator. With just a few clicks, you can input your room's dimensions and any additional details to receive a personalized estimate tailored to your specific needs.
This tool is designed to give you a transparent view of potential expenses, helping you plan effectively and confidently before you start painting. Click the button below to discover what your dream transformation will entail financially and bring your vision to life.