Planning & EstimatingQuestion 78 of 100
Why should surface prep be estimated as a separate labor item?
a.Prep can take as much or more time than painting and varies greatly with surface condition
b.Prep never takes any time
c.Prep is always exactly 5% of the job
d.Prep is included free by the paint manufacturer
Explanation
Preparation such as scraping, sanding, patching, and cleaning varies widely with the condition of the surface and can equal or exceed the painting time. Estimating it separately produces a realistic bid and protects the contractor's margin. Underestimating prep is a leading cause of unprofitable paint jobs.
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