Project Overview
This scope covers exterior painting including surface preparation, power washing, scraping, priming, painting, and cleanup. Applicable to residential and commercial exteriors.
Typical Projects Include:
- Whole-house exterior repaint
- Commercial building exterior
- Trim and accent color repaint
- New construction exterior paint
- Garage or outbuilding painting
- Deck and fence staining
Scope of Work
Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Washing | Power wash all surfaces to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Allow surfaces to dry before painting. |
| Scraping & Sanding | Scrape loose and peeling paint. Sand rough edges for a smooth transition. |
| Repairs | Fill cracks, replace rotted wood, and caulk gaps around windows, doors, and trim. |
| Masking & Protection | Mask windows, doors, and hardware. Cover landscaping, walkways, and outdoor furniture. |
Painting
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Priming | Prime bare wood, repaired areas, and stain-prone spots with exterior primer. |
| Body Paint | Apply 2 coats of exterior paint to siding and body surfaces. Brush, roll, or spray per specification. |
| Trim & Accent | Paint all trim, fascia, soffits, window frames, and door frames with the trim color. |
| Doors & Shutters | Paint or stain entry doors, garage doors, and shutters (if in scope). |
Cleanup & Closeout
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Touch-Ups | Inspect all surfaces and touch up any missed spots, drips, or overspray. |
| Remove Protection | Remove all tape, plastic, and masking. Clean any paint from windows and hardware. |
| Landscaping Restore | Remove drop cloths from landscaping and clean any paint drips from walkways or plants. |
| Walkthrough | Walk the exterior with the client. Address any final touch-up items. |
Timeline & Milestones
Most residential exterior paint jobs take 4-10 days. Weather delays are common — plan accordingly.
| Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 2-4 days | Power washing, scraping, repairs, and masking. |
| Painting | 2-5 days | Priming, body paint, trim, and doors. |
| Cleanup | 0.5-1 day | Touch-ups, remove protection, and walkthrough. |
Roles & Responsibilities
Property Owner
- •Select paint colors for body, trim, and accents
- •Move vehicles and outdoor furniture from the work area
- •Trim bushes and trees away from the house (or pay painter to do it)
- •Process payments per the agreed schedule
Painting Contractor
- •Provide all labor, paint, and supplies
- •Prep surfaces thoroughly
- •Paint to a professional finish
- •Protect landscaping and property
- •Clean up and restore the site
Materials & Equipment
Paint
- •Exterior body paint (specified brand, color, finish)
- •Exterior trim paint
- •Exterior primer
- •Caulk and wood filler
Supplies
- •Drop cloths and plastic sheeting
- •Painter's tape and masking paper
- •Rollers, brushes, and sprayer
Equipment
- •Power washer
- •Ladders and scaffolding
- •Scrapers and sanders
- •Extension poles
Quality Control Standards
Adhesion
Paint adheres well with no peeling, bubbling, or lifting within the warranty period.
Coverage
Full, even coverage with no thin spots, lap marks, or holidays.
Clean Lines
Color transitions between body and trim are clean and straight.
Safety Protocols
Ladder & Height Safety
Use proper ladder placement and fall protection. Never overreach or work on wet ladders.
Lead Paint
Test for lead on homes built before 1978. Follow EPA RRP Rule if lead is found.
Power Washer Safety
Use proper technique to avoid injury and surface damage. Never point at people or windows.
Project Documentation
- Signed contract and scope of work
- Color selections (body, trim, accent)
- Paint product specifications
- Lead test results (pre-1978 homes)
- Before and after photos
- Warranty information
Financial Terms
Payment Structure
Exterior painting is typically billed with deposit, progress, and final payments.
Terms & Conditions
- •Deposit due at contract signing (typically 30-50%)
- •Progress payment after prep is complete
- •Final payment due after walkthrough and completion
- •Weather delays do not change the price
- •Additional wood repair beyond scope is a change order
Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off
The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:
- 1All specified surfaces painted in the agreed colors
- 2Full, even coverage with 2 coats on body and trim
- 3Clean, straight color transitions
- 4No drips, runs, or overspray
- 5All masking removed and property restored
- 6Landscaping undamaged
Frequently Asked Questions
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