The unit everyone quotes in
What a per-square-foot painting rate does and does not tell you.
Almost every painting quotation in Bengaluru is expressed as a rate per square foot. It is a useful unit and a misleading headline, because two contractors quoting the same rate can be quoting completely different work.
Reviewed 6 September 2026.
At a glance
Is a per-square-foot rate a reliable way to compare quotations?
Only when the scope behind it is identical. The rate covers whatever that contractor has decided to include — the preparation depth, the number of coats and the product grade all sit inside it. Two quotations at the same rate can differ substantially in what actually gets done to your walls.
Which square feet are being counted
The first thing to establish is whether the rate applies to your carpet area or to measured paintable area. They are very different numbers. Paintable area counts wall and ceiling surfaces; carpet area counts floor. A multiplier from one to the other is a budgeting shortcut, not a measurement, and it varies with layout and ceiling height.
In order of impact
What moves the number.
Listed largest first. If a quotation is silent on the ones near the top, that silence is itself the answer.
What preparation is inside the rate
A rate covering a wash and two coats is not comparable to one covering full putty, levelling and priming. This is the single largest difference between quotations and the one most often left unstated.
Number of coats
Two coats or three changes both material and labour. A quotation should state the count rather than say 'as required'.
Product grade
Emulsion grade and washability move the material cost significantly, and the difference is invisible on a rate card.
Whether ceilings are in or out
Ceilings are often quoted separately or excluded entirely. Check which.
Height and access
Anything beyond ladder height brings equipment and time that a flat rate rarely reflects.
Condition of what is already there
A sound previously painted wall and one with failing coats need different work at the same measured area.
Method
How we build the quotation.
There are no figures here because none has been approved for publication. What follows is the sequence, so you can check anyone's quotation against it.
- Surfaces are measured on site — each wall and ceiling, less large openings.
- Each surface is assessed for condition, and the preparation it needs is recorded against it.
- Preparation is priced as its own line rather than absorbed into a rate.
- Products and coat count are specified per surface type.
- Access, protection and any out-of-hours working are added.
- Exclusions are listed explicitly, so nothing is discovered later.
Painting Cost per Square Foot — your questions.
Why will you not publish your rate?
Because a published rate would be wrong for most properties and you would find that out only after someone measured. Our quotations are built from measured area and assessed condition, which is the only basis that survives contact with your walls.
Should I just choose the lowest rate?
Compare what each rate includes first. If one quotation is markedly cheaper, look at its preparation scope and coat count before concluding it is better value. A low rate over skipped preparation costs more within a few years.
How do I convert carpet area to paintable area?
Multipliers exist and are fine for a rough budget, but they assume a typical layout and ceiling height. Two homes with the same carpet area can differ substantially in wall area. Use a multiplier to set expectations, not to accept a price.
A measured quotation costs nothing.
We measure the property, assess the surfaces and issue an itemised quotation you can hold us to. There is no charge and no obligation.
- We call you back the same day to get a picture of the property and the surfaces.
- We agree a time and come out for the free inspection.
- You get the written scope and itemised quotation.
- Nothing starts until you approve it.