Cost of Interior House Painting

Cost of Painting An Interior Ceiling

One of the most popular projects that calls for professional painters is repainting an interior ceiling. Because of the height, tackling this job as a DIY project can be a serious challenge, and it also requires additional equipment in order to evenly roll paint along the ceiling's surface. On average, expect to pay between $242 and $412 for professional painting services on the ceiling of a 500sf room, a project that should take between five and six hours to complete.

Cost of Painting An Interior Room 

On average, homeowners spend between $1,804 and $2,406 for professional painting projects in the interior of their home. However, that number is an average, and certain rooms will cost more than others. Bedrooms and living rooms, for example, tend to cost more than kitchens because all of the walls are exposed rather than covered up by cabinetry.

Factors That Influence Total Painting Costs

There are a number of different factors that can play a role in the total cost of professional paint services. One, perhaps most obviously, is the cost and quality of the paint itself. Since a single gallon of paint can cover between 300 and 350 square feet, however, it is rare that the cost of materials exceeds even 10 percent of the project. The bulk of the expense will be labor, and the accessibility as well as size of the space will determine the overall cost for the painting service.

Understanding Labor Costs

Because labor is such a large portion of the average cost of interior painting, it is important that property owners understand how contractors arrive at their figures. Depending on the professional, labor can account for 75-85% of the total bill. Painters can charge by the hour or the square foot. However, the most common rate is based on the square footage of the coverage area. Typically, this can be $2 to $6 per square foot, with labor being $1.50 to $4 of that estimate.

In order to provide a fast and relatively accurate appraisal, contractors will submit a bid based on floor space, especially when taking on a large-scale project. These offers tend to run between $5 and $10 per square foot. However, keep in mind that this cost may not take into account any architectural features — such as floor-to-ceiling windows — that could reduce the amount of paintable space. If this is the case in your home, ask to receive a quote based on coverage or the hourly rate.

Finally, painters who charge by the hour tend to fall in the $20 to $50 range, although some may go considerably higher than this. This is rare, and you most likely won’t encounter this type of pricing.

How Materials Play a Role in Pricing

Another important variable in the average cost to paint the interior of a house is the materials. Of course, the quality of the paint or stain is perhaps the largest factor. A standard gallon of house paint can cost between $20 and $30, but designer brands can sometimes run $100 or more per container. Furthermore, a gloss finish is more expensive than a matte one, but only by a small amount.

To paint an entire home interior, the average amount of paint required is six gallons per coat, with two coats being the norm. This means choosing the highest-quality paint could add nearly $1,000 to your expenses. Also, be aware that using multiple colors for accent walls can increase the bill.

Choosing the Right Paint

Since the average cost to paint a room can be high, you will want it done right the first time. This means selecting the right coating for each room. The type of finish you choose should depend on where it will be used and under what conditions. Here is a brief rundown of the various finishes and where they are best utilized:

• Flat/Matte — Good for bedrooms because it doesn’t reflect light
• Eggshell — Best for dining rooms or other spaces that don’t experience much traffic
• Satin — Easier to clean, so works well in children’s bedrooms and other high-traffic areas
• Semi-gloss — A good choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it repels moisture and is stain-resistant
• High gloss — Too shiny for walls, but its extreme durability and ease of cleaning makes this a good choice for doors and cabinets 

Having a clear picture of the costs associated with painting the interior of your home can help you budget for professional services.

Last updated on Jul 2, 2020