How much of a painting quote is just prep work and is all that prep really necessary?

In most Metro Vancouver painting quotes, prep work accounts for 40–60% of the total labour cost, and yes, it is absolutely necessary for a lasting result. On a $5,000 interior repaint, roughly $2,000–$3,000 covers prep: filling nail holes and dents, sanding rough spots, caulking gaps around trim and baseboards, cleaning surfaces, priming stained or patched areas, and masking off areas that should not be painted. Skipping or rushing prep is the single most common reason paint jobs fail prematurely. For exterior work, prep is even more critical and costly. A typical Vancouver exterior paint job might include $1,500–$3,000 just for pressure washing, scraping loose paint, sanding, spot-priming bare wood, and caulking around windows and trim. Homes in wetter areas like North Vancouver or Port Moody often have more extensive prep needs due to moisture damage and moss growth. If a quote seems unusually low, check how much prep is included — some painters cut corners by spraying directly over dirty or flaking surfaces, which leads to peeling within a year or two. Drywall repairs are usually quoted separately from standard prep. Small patches (nail pops, minor cracks) are typically included, but larger repairs like water-damaged sections or re-taping seams can add $200–$800 depending on extent. When reviewing quotes, look for a line-item breakdown of prep versus painting. A painter who spends adequate time on preparation is protecting your investment. Ask specifically what prep steps are included and do not hesitate to request that the prep work be inspected before painting begins.

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