Why Don’t Perth Painters Charge Per Square Metre?

Paint tins, colour swatches and a calculator laid out for estimating painting costs

You’ve probably noticed something when getting quotes for your house painting project: some Perth painters quote per square metre, while others work differently. At Hammer and Brush, we take a different approach, and there’s a good reason why.

The Problem with Per-Square-Metre Pricing

The truth is that not all square metres are equal in workload. A freshly plastered wall in a new build is vastly different from weathered timber cladding on a 1960s home in Mount Pleasant. One might need a quick sand and two coats, while the other could require extensive prep work, repairs, and specialised primers before we even think about the topcoat.

Charging by the square metre assumes every surface is the same. It ignores the reality of what makes each painting project unique – the condition of your surfaces, the complexity of the work, and the level of finish you want.

How We Actually Price Your Project

We base our quotes on time and expertise, which are half-day and full-day rates that reflect the actual work involved.

This is because, aside from covering walls with paint, we’re also:

  • Assessing surface conditions and determining the right preparation approach
  • Repairing cracks, filling holes, and addressing any underlying issues
  • Selecting appropriate primers and paint systems for your specific surfaces
  • Applying our years of experience to achieve that unmistakably professional finish
  • Working around your furniture, protecting your floors, and leaving your home spotless

This approach means you’re paying for what your project actually needs rather than an arbitrary calculation based on wall size alone.

Every Job Is Tailored to You

When Carolyn visits your home for a consultation, she’ll measure the relevant surface. However, she’ll also work towards understanding your vision, assessing your surfaces, and determining exactly what’s required to deliver exceptional results.

A heritage home in Nedlands with ornate cornices and period features needs a completely different approach than a modern build in Wellard. Your colour consultation, surface preparation, and application techniques are all tailored to your specific situation.

This personalised approach is impossible to capture in a per-square-metre rate.

What You Get for Your Investment

Our time-based pricing reflects the full scope of professional painting:

  1. Expert colour consultation using the latest technology to sample your existing furnishings and recommend complementary tones that work throughout your home.
  1. Meticulous surface preparation, including washing, sanding, filling, repairing, and priming – the foundation of any quality paint job.
  1. Professional application by fully qualified, insured painters who understand different surfaces and exactly which products and techniques to use.
  1. Complete project management, from protecting your furniture to ensuring proper ventilation to thorough clean-up.
  1. Peace of mind knowing the job will be done right, with no hidden costs or surprises.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

We’ve seen what happens when painting companies focus solely on square metres and low prices – rushed prep work, inappropriate paint selection, and corners cut to meet an unrealistic quote.

The result is a paint job that looks acceptable from a distance but won’t stand up to Perth’s harsh sun and coastal conditions. One that starts failing within months rather than lasting years.

Quality painting is about understanding your surfaces, using the right products, and applying the expertise that comes from years of experience across every style of Perth home.

When you contact Hammer and Brush for a quote, we’ll discuss your project in detail, visit your property to assess the work required, and provide a transparent estimate based on the time and expertise needed to deliver exceptional results. Reach out to get started!

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