What does painting cost?
The cost of painting varies a great deal by property, facade or building. Rather than a fixed price per m² that is often misleading, here we explain which factors actually determine the price — and why we only give a concrete quote after a free, no-obligation assessment.
- Always a free assessment first
- No-obligation quote, no commitment
- Transparent about what affects the price
- No surprises afterwards
Why we don’t publish prices per m²
Online you’ll often find a fixed indicative price per square metre for painting. In practice such a figure says little, because the condition of the substrate differs so much from property to property. A window frame that just needs a fresh coat costs far less than one with wood rot that needs repair first. To avoid misleading you with a number that may not apply to your situation, we prefer to give a price only after seeing it.
That doesn’t mean we stay vague about what determines the price. Below are the main factors, so you have a clear picture upfront of what drives the cost of your project.
What determines the price of painting?
These factors play a role in almost every painting project, from a single window frame to a whole building.
Surface area and number of elements
The more square metres of facade, or the more frames, doors or walls involved, the more material and hours are needed. This is usually the biggest factor in the price.
Condition of the substrate
A well-maintained surface that just needs a fresh coat costs considerably less than woodwork with flaking paint, wood rot, or damaged plasterwork that needs repair first.
Accessibility and working height
Work reachable from the ground or with a ladder is cheaper than work requiring scaffolding or an aerial platform. For taller buildings this often weighs heavily on the price.
Number of coats and paint system
Bare or heavily discoloured surfaces often need a primer plus several finishing coats. The chosen paint system, and brand, affects both the price and how long the result lasts.
Wood repair
If wood rot or other damage is found, repair or partial replacement is added to the job. The earlier this is addressed, the smaller — and cheaper — the repair usually is.
Type of client
Painting a single home differs in planning and scale from planned maintenance for a whole apartment block. On larger properties, phasing and resident communication also play a role.
How the quote process works
We always start with a free, no-obligation on-site assessment. There we evaluate the condition of the woodwork, facade or rooms involved, and discuss your wishes. Based on that we prepare a clear quote covering the work, the approach and the price. Only once you approve it do we schedule the work.
Spreading costs on larger projects
For larger properties, such as apartment blocks or an extensive facade renovation, it can be worthwhile to phase the work. Linking painting maintenance to a long-term maintenance plan (MJOP) avoids everything having to happen at once, and spreads the cost over several years.
Costs by type of painting work
Want to know what’s relevant for your specific project? See our service pages for more on the approach per type of work: exterior painting, interior painting and VvE & property maintenance. For work where speed matters, see our page on urgent painting needs.
Frequently asked questions about costs and quotes
Why isn’t there a fixed price or price per m² anywhere on this site?
Because the cost of painting varies a great deal by property and situation. A fixed price per m² would be misleading: the same surface area can turn out very differently depending on whether the woodwork has wood rot. That’s why we only give a concrete price after an on-site assessment.
Is requesting a quote free and non-binding?
Yes, always. Requesting a quote costs nothing and commits you to nothing. You’ll receive a clear quote and decide yourself whether to proceed.
Does the on-site assessment cost anything?
No, the assessment where we evaluate the condition of the woodwork or facade is part of the quote process and is free and non-binding.
Can you give an indication without an assessment?
We prefer not to give a standalone estimate without having seen the situation, since the condition of the substrate has such a large effect on the final price. Photos in advance, for example via WhatsApp, do help us form an initial picture.
Why do quotes from different painters sometimes vary a lot?
That’s usually because something different is included: the number of coats, the paint brand used, whether wood repair is included, and how much preparation is involved. When comparing quotes, always ask exactly what is included.
Is scaffolding charged separately?
Yes, scaffolding is a separate line item. If scaffolding is needed, we arrange it cost-effectively through GoedkoopSteigerHuren.nl, part of the same organisation, so you don’t need to find a separate scaffolding contractor.
Can delaying maintenance end up costing more?
Often, yes. Deferred maintenance — for example wood rot that keeps spreading — usually leads to a larger, and therefore more expensive, repair than if it had been addressed in time.
Can I have the work phased to spread out the cost?
Yes, we’re happy to discuss this. Especially for larger properties or VvE maintenance, phasing the work over several years, aligned with a long-term maintenance plan, is a common way to keep costs manageable.
Do I pay more for urgent work or a faster planning slot?
Even for urgent work we always start with a concrete, no-obligation quote after an assessment — so you know where you stand upfront, including for urgent repairs.
Do I get a discount for combining several services?
Combining, for example, exterior painting with wood rot repair or a scaffolding request in one job often saves on separate call-out costs and coordination in practice. We’re happy to look at this per situation in the quote.
What does maintenance painting cost compared to major repair?
Periodic maintenance on otherwise healthy woodwork is usually cheaper than a project that first requires extensive wood rot or facade repair — which is exactly why timely maintenance tends to pay off.
Does this also apply to VvE’s and property managers?
Yes. For VvE and real estate projects we build the quote on the same factors, plus planning, phasing and, where relevant, alignment with the long-term maintenance plan.
Can the quote align with our long-term maintenance plan (MJOP)?
Yes, we’re happy to align the approach and planning with an existing MJOP, so painting maintenance becomes a predictable line item rather than an unexpected cost.
How quickly will I receive a quote after the assessment?
We always try to turn this around as quickly as possible. Get in touch for a concrete estimate for your situation.
Is the quote a fixed price or an indication?
The quote you receive is a concrete price for the described work, based on the assessment. If the scope changes during execution — for example unexpected wood rot is found — we always discuss that with you first.
Curious what your project will cost?
Request a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll schedule an assessment and give you a clear, concrete price — no surprises afterwards.