What Should Painting Cost? Your Guide to Hiring a Painter

How much does painting cost?

It’s the question that anyone wanting to refresh their space, do a home renovation, buy or sell a property – is asking.

Should I do it myself?

What’s my budget?

Is it worth it?

Should I paint or replace my cabinets?

How much should I have painted?

Internal or external?

Both?

These are all reasonable things to be asking!

Painting a space can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousands.

Let’s break down the factors that go into pricing your paint job so that you can create a mental estimate before your true estimate.

What Factors Affect Your Painting Cost?

First off, size. The size of the space being painted is probably the biggest factor when estimating the cost.

A 1400 square foot house is going to be priced differently than a 4000 square foot house simply due to the amount of coverage, work and materials needed. Painting a small office is a very different job than painting a large commercial building. So, size is a factor.

Additionally, the condition of the surfaces matters a lot.

Some surfaces have been neglected, are peeling or have holes in them.

This kind of condition requires much more preparation and work to fix up the area and smooth the surface over before it is ready to be painted. Preparation work includes sanding, priming, patching holes, caulking gaps, masking off trim, and protecting your space.

We don’t skip these steps around here because ensuring a smooth surface is the most important part of making a paint job look good and last long – and we want yours to look good and last long!

Once you’ve factored in the magnitude of the space and the condition of the surfaces, it’s also important to consider what type of materials will be used and the surfaces that need to be painted. Walls are one thing, but custom trim, ceilings, and intricate cabinets can require more detail, time, and specific materials to complete. 

Cabinets are a whole project on their own — here’s a breakdown of whether to paint or replace them if you’re weighing that decision!

Another factor to think about is the type of paint you intend to use. Yes, cost is involved.

Higher quality paint covers better and lasts longer, but costs more. Many people factor in VOCs and toxicity when painting places like nurseries or commonly used spaces that need to be occupied shortly after being painted. Low-VOC and zero-VOC paint options are priced higher. So, something to think about.

What Costs are Included in a Professional Quote?

A professional painting quote typically covers four things based on the size, surfaces, labor and timeline. 

1. The prep work (sanding, patching, priming, masking)
   
2. All of the materials (paint, primer, caulk, supplies)
   
3. Labor and amount of work involved for the full painting crew
   
4. Cleanup when the job is complete and timeline
   

If you’re also curious about how long a project typically takes, this breaks down realistic timelines

So What Are We Talking in Numbers?

With all of that said, let’s get to the actual numbers.

Once the size, condition, materials, labor and materials are considered, here’s a general idea of what painting projects tend to cost. Note that these are ballpark ranges based on what we see in our area. Your actual number will depend on your space.

For interior projects, a single room such as a bedroom, bathroom or office can cost anywhere from $500-$1200 depending on what surfaces you want painted.

Kitchens tend to be a bit more intricate and cost around $700-$1500.

A typical exterior can start around $5,000. Houses with wood siding that have been neglected could extend past $10,000 depending on the repairs needed. 

As you can see, there are some big ranges but that’s exactly the point. A fresh coat on a small bedroom in good shape is a completely different job than a full exterior with peeling paint and three stories of scaffolding!

Why Painting Cost Quotes Can Look So Different

You might get multiple estimates from different companies that look very different, which is super normal for this kind of work!

Some things the quotes may or may not account for are the level of prep (some companies like ours do thorough prep, some companies skip steps which require you to paint again very shortly).

Another reason quotes can look different is simply experience level. A business that has years of experience and understands different surfaces and complexities is going to cost a different amount than the solo painter just starting out. Experience matters!

You should pay attention to what all is included in each quote. 

If you’re comparing quotes, don’t just look at the bottom line. Look at what’s in them. These are good questions to ask before you hire anyone.

How to Think About Painting Cost

The cheapest quote is NOT always the best deal. And the most expensive one isn’t automatically the best service, either.

What matters most is that you are getting what you are paying for.

A well-done paint job with quality materials can last up to 10 years, while a rushed job done with cheap paint might start showing wear in one or two. Over time, paying for repairs and maintenance can leave you spending more.

How to Get a Real Number

The best way to get an accurate price for your specific space is with an in-person estimate.

Someone needs to walk through your space to assess the walls, the trim, the layout, and the condition of everything.

That’s what the estimate is for. It’s a chance to walk through your property, talk about what you’re looking for, and get an honest, detailed idea of the scope of work and how much it will cost.

If you don’t yet have your estimate scheduled, you can book one here.

We are looking forward to walking through this with you!