What Should Your Interior Painting Project Cost?

Let’s face it—before we get too far into planning a painting project, we all want a good idea of what it’s going to cost. Get a personalized painting estimate in minutes—try the free calculator at PriceMyPaintJob.com

A well-executed paint job can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space, and here is how to get a clear understanding of the costs involved. This article will guide you through the various factors that influence the pricing of interior painting projects, helping you make informed decisions.

Key Factors Influencing Painting Costs

The expenses associated with refreshing the interior of your home can vary widely based on several key elements:

• Room Dimensions: Larger spaces require more materials and labor, which can increase overall costs.

• Quality of Paint: The type and quality of paint you select can significantly impact the price. Higher-end paints may cost more but often provide better coverage and longevity.

• Preparation Requirements: If your walls need extensive prep work, such as patching or sanding, this will add to the labor costs.

• Labor Rates: Hiring a professional painter can vary in price depending on their expertise and your geographical location.

For this article, we will focus on estimating how much space will actually need to be painted without having to break out a tape measure.

Creating a Realistic Budget

Not sure where to start with estimating your painting costs? Use a free cost calculator to get a clearer picture based on your home's unique details.

To establish a practical budget for your painting project, consider the following steps:

1. Obtain Multiple Estimates: Contact several contractors to gather quotes. This will provide a clearer picture of the market rates for your specific project.

2. Assess Your Needs: Identify which areas you want to refresh and evaluate the condition of the walls. This will help you determine the extent of preparation work required.

3. Select Your Paint Wisely: Research different brands and types of paint. Consider factors such as finish, durability, and ease of application.

Sample Cost Breakdown

Estimating Accurately for an Interior Painting Project

To ensure your painting project goes smoothly, keep these final tips in mind:

Measure Wall Height and Width: Use a tape measure to get the height and width of each wall. Multiply them to calculate the square footage for each surface.

• A trick is to take the footprint square footage and multiply that by 2.25 to get total wall area.

Include Ceilings if Applicable: If you’re painting ceilings, be sure to measure and add that surface area to your total.

• Multiply your square footage by 3.25 if you will be painting ceilings, too. Hint: Your floor's square footage will typicyally match your ceiling's — unless you have vaulted ceilings or a dormer or even a skylight.

Subtract Windows and Doors: Don’t forget to subtract the square footage of large windows and doors—they don’t require paint.

• A trick here is to subtract 25% or multiply total surface area by 0.75. This assumes doors/windows/open walls make up for about 25% of any space — which I have found to be a good rule of thumb and will prevent you from buying too much paint.

Account for Multiple Coats: Multiply your total area by the number of coats you plan to apply — typically two. If you're switching from a dark to a light color or vice versa, don't be surprised if a third coat is necessary — even with top quality paint.

• Typcal coverage for most paints is 350 - 400 sq ft (surface area, not footprint) per gallon.

• Although, you may not think it, reds are notorious for third coats. Consider priming with a cheaper product to get closer to the desired color, before applying your more expensive top/finish coat.

Quality of Paint

It is easy to assume paying more for "quality paint" is a suckers move. However, quality paint typically covers better and can even dry faster allowing for you to apply more coats sooner. This will lower your labor costs, as well as limit the total amount of paint necessary to finish the project.

Don't overlook the durability aspect of higher end products — not having to paint your walls 2 years down the line because you have burnishes and scuff marks is labor and material saved, too.

Preparation Considerations

Are you going to be covering the floors to keep carpet or hardwood protected? How about covering/taping baseboards and door trim? Often times, I see DIY projects result in tiny speckled wood all around the home because baseboards or floors weren't properly covered. Account for tape, paper or plastic or whatever you plan to use to protect your home.

Are your walls in rough shape? Filling nail holes, dings, dents, and the hole from the one time the door handle bursted through the drywall all take time to fill — and dry! Don't forget to sand and prime. Take this into account for budgeting your labor.

Choose the Right Contractor

Look for cost-effective painting services that balance value with expertise. When reviewing quotes, consider the painter’s experience — paying slightly more upfront can often lead to higher-quality results and fewer unexpected touch-ups later. There's a whole host of things to be aware of like licenses and insurance — if you want a guide on how to best navigate choosing the right contractor for you, you can read my previous article; The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Reliable Local House Painter.

Conclusion

Interior painting can transform your home, but understanding the costs involved, choosing the right contractor, and knowing whether to DIY or hire a professional are crucial steps in the process. By following the insights and tips provided in this article, you can make informed decisions that will lead to a successful and satisfying painting project. Whether you choose to refresh a single room or undertake a whole-house makeover, the right preparation and knowledge will ensure your project is a success.

If you're interested in a free estimate, you can use the free tool or contact us to set up an in-home appointment for an accurate quote on your next project in the Dakota County / South Metro area.