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Interior Painting Scope of Work Template

Download a free interior painting scope of work template. Covers wall prep, priming, painting, trim, ceilings, and cleanup for interior painters.

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Interior Painting Scope of Work Template
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What's Included

Interior painting is one of the most common home improvement projects — and one of the easiest to scope poorly. A good scope of work spells out which rooms, how many coats, what's included in prep, and what the finished result should look like. This template covers the full interior paint process: prep, prime, paint, and cleanup. It works for repaints and new construction. Adjust it for your job and you'll avoid the color-change arguments.

Project Overview

This scope covers interior painting including surface preparation, priming, painting walls, ceilings, trim, and doors. Applicable to residential and commercial interiors.

Typical Projects Include:

  • Whole-house interior repaint
  • Single room or accent wall
  • New construction interior paint
  • Commercial office repaint
  • Apartment turnover painting
  • Cabinet and millwork painting

Scope of Work

Prep

TaskDescription
Furniture & ProtectionMove furniture to center of rooms and cover with drop cloths. Protect floors and fixtures.
Surface RepairFill nail holes, patch drywall dings, sand rough spots, and caulk gaps at trim.
CleaningWipe down walls to remove dust, cobwebs, and grease (especially in kitchens and baths).
MaskingTape off trim, windows, and areas not being painted.

Painting

TaskDescription
PrimingPrime patched areas, stains, and any surfaces with significant color changes.
CeilingsPaint ceilings with flat ceiling paint (if in scope). Apply 1-2 coats as needed.
WallsCut in at edges and roll walls with the specified color and finish. Apply 2 coats minimum.
Trim & DoorsPaint baseboards, crown molding, window trim, door frames, and doors.

Cleanup

TaskDescription
Touch-UpsInspect all painted surfaces. Touch up missed spots, drips, and tape lines.
Remove ProtectionRemove all tape, plastic, and drop cloths. Reinstall outlet covers and hardware.
Final CleanClean any paint drips or overspray. Leave the space ready for use.
WalkthroughWalk each room with the client. Address any concerns before final payment.

Timeline & Milestones

A typical whole-house interior repaint takes 3-7 days depending on size and prep needed.

PhaseDurationDescription
Prep1-2 daysRepairs, cleaning, masking, and protection.
Painting2-4 daysPriming, ceilings, walls, trim, and doors.
Cleanup0.5-1 dayTouch-ups, protection removal, and walkthrough.

Roles & Responsibilities

Property Owner

  • Select all paint colors and finishes
  • Remove personal items from walls and shelves
  • Provide access to all rooms being painted
  • Process payments per the agreed schedule

Painting Contractor

  • Provide all labor, paint, and supplies
  • Prep surfaces and protect the home
  • Paint to a professional finish
  • Clean up and leave the home ready for use

Materials & Equipment

Paint

  • Interior wall paint (specified brand, color, finish)
  • Ceiling paint (flat white or color)
  • Trim paint (semi-gloss or satin)
  • Primer

Prep Supplies

  • Spackle and wood filler
  • Caulk
  • Sandpaper
  • Painter's tape

Application

  • Rollers and brushes
  • Sprayer (if specified)
  • Drop cloths and plastic sheeting
  • Ladders

Quality Control Standards

Even Coverage

Full, consistent coverage with no thin spots, holidays, or lap marks.

Clean Lines

Cut lines are straight at ceilings, trim, and color transitions.

Smooth Finish

No drips, sags, brush marks, or orange peel (unless texture matched).

Safety Protocols

Ventilation

Keep windows open or fans running for adequate ventilation while painting.

Ladder Safety

Use stable ladders and never overreach. Move the ladder instead.

Lead Paint

Test for lead in pre-1978 homes. Follow EPA RRP requirements if lead is present.

Project Documentation

  • Signed contract and scope of work
  • Room-by-room color schedule
  • Paint product specifications
  • Before and after photos
  • Lead test results (pre-1978 homes)
  • Leftover paint labeled by room

Financial Terms

Payment Structure

Interior painting is typically billed with a deposit and final payment.

Terms & Conditions

  • Deposit due at contract signing (typically 30-50%)
  • Final payment due after walkthrough and completion
  • Paint and materials included (or itemized)
  • Additional rooms or color changes are change orders
  • Payment due within 30 days of invoice

Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off

The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:

  • 1All specified rooms painted in the agreed colors
  • 2Even coverage with no thin spots or missed areas
  • 3Clean, straight cut lines
  • 4Trim and doors painted smooth
  • 5No drips, runs, or brush marks
  • 6Space cleaned and ready for use

Frequently Asked Questions

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