Pressure Washing/Painting question

[Todd]

I have a guy that subs me work and wants me to write up an estimate on a 750sqft cender wall for a publix grocery store. It needs to be cleaned(pressure washed) then painted with primer/sealer and then painted. If this was just a cleaning I could handle the bid no problem, But I have no clue what to charge for the painting portion. I have already priced all the supplies and equipment I will need for the job. I just need help with the cost of labor.The wall is rather tall and will require me to ladder the building for at least half of the painting. I hate to turn down any money esp. during the winter months. If any one can help me I would appreciate it. Also whats an acceptable percentage cut I should allow my partner that subs me work take? I know some moneys better than no money, but I wont work for labor wages.

Thanks,

Todd
B&B PRESSURE WASHING
Charleston,SC

 

[Larry B]

You would most likely have to give the wall 2 coats to cover the wall, even with primer. We would be in the neighbor hood of $800- $1500 depending on the dimensions of the wall and any taping, windows etc.. If this is a simpe straight wall you could probably use a roller and extension and get it all form the ground and cover it faster than from a ladder. You would only need to do the cut in from the ladder.

 

[Todd]

The wall has no windows and the only area I will need to tape off is the 1 connecting corner. Its located in the back off the store. The reason they need the wall sealed/painted is the condensation is leaking through the wall in to the store. I dont think they really care to much about the looks just the practicality and the need. Besides that its in a ran down part off town...(side arm required at this job site). Now you said in the ballpark of $800-1500. Is that for the total cost? I will definitly get the roller extensions. Ive estimated that the job should only take me 5 - 6 hours (not including the drying time). How important is it to pressure wash before sealing and painting it? Any suggestions on % cut my partner should get? Is 35% to much? This will be the first job he will sub to me. I dont want to sound ungrateful for the work but like I said before..I wont work for labor wages either..esp since I'm doing all the work. I didnt get into this business to make other people all the $$$.

Todd Barnett
B&B PRESSURE WASHING
Charleston,SC

 

[Larry B]

The blocks are going to absorb a lot of water. I don't think you can wash and paint them in the same day. Make sure you use a top quality primer/sealer as well, if not the moisture will come back in and it might anyway unless the other side is sealed as well. I would discuss this with them and look at doing it if needed.
How many gallons of materials do you plan on using? I would think around 7-10 gallons of primer and about the same in paint.
Is there effloressence on the blocks? You would need to remove it before painting. That stuff will keep growing and ruin the paint if not removed. Depending on how much there is will determine how mcuh work it will be to clean it.
How much you pay the partner depends on your relationship to him. 35% is pretty high, I like about 20% unless you are using his name and reputation on this job then he would want more.
I figure about $300+ for materials and go from there. $800 is cheap but $1500 is much better and if you do it right is worth it.

 

[Todd]

Thanks for the info Larry. I didnt see any effloressence on the cinder block wall but I wasn't aware of the potential problem until I did some research on the net about it. I didn't even think about trying to sell the inside of the store. Any suggestions on what kind of sealer to use on cinder blocks that have never been treated or painted? I've read just about every thread on this site and most are talking about driveways and such. I too think 35% is a bit steep and will talk business with him in the near future. I need to figure out how he's getting these jobs in my area and keep all the profit for myself. He lives over 2hrs away and plans on hitting alot of the commercial jobs here. If anyone else reading these posts have any suggestions...post them. I'll probly post a new thread on this topic anyways.

Thanks,

Todd
B&B PRESSURE WASHING
Charleston,SC

 

[Doug T]

Todd,
My take on this is if "he wants you to give him an exttimate".. then you give him the price you will charge him for the job. He will then mark it up to the end customer to get whatever $$$, so 20% or 35% is a moot point. You get your price and he gets his, assuming the customer agrees with him.

Sorry can not help on the paint part.
Doug