Interior painting quote comparison worksheet
Use this worksheet to compare interior painting bids against the same scope, assumptions, and project conditions.
Planning range $1,500 - $8,500 per project Use the range as context, then compare each bid line by line.
Keep every bid on the same assumptions
Start with the same project description, cost drivers, expected materials, access notes, and timeline for each contractor. The biggest drivers for this project are painted area, room scope, surface condition, and ceiling and trim scope.
Scope comparison
| Assumption | Question to ask | Bid 1 notes | Bid 2 notes | Bid 3 notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project scope | What is included in each interior painting bid, and what would be billed separately? | |||
| Painted area | How does each contractor account for painted area? | |||
| Room scope | How does each contractor account for room scope? | |||
| Surface condition | How does each contractor account for surface condition? | |||
| Ceiling and trim scope | How does each contractor account for ceiling and trim scope? |
Bid terms to compare
| Bid item | What to compare | Bid 1 notes | Bid 2 notes | Bid 3 notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Included work | Labor, standard materials, preparation, cleanup, and disposal included in the price. | |||
| Allowances and exclusions | Items priced as allowances, excluded work, or conditions that could change the final price. | |||
| Permits and code work | Permit handling, inspection requirements, code upgrades, and who pays for surprises. | |||
| Schedule and payment terms | Start date, timeline, deposit, progress payments, final payment, and cancellation terms. | |||
| Warranty and cleanup | Labor warranty, material warranty, site protection, cleanup, and haul-off responsibilities. |
Before you choose a contractor
Ask each contractor to price the same scope, materials, cleanup, warranty, and change-order rules. A low bid is only useful when you know what is included and what can change later.