How Much Will It Cost to Paint My House?

That is ultimate question, isn’t it? You call up a painter or handyman, give them the square footage, and – boom – you get a quote, right? You might get a quote right off the bat, but if you’re looking for a quality professional painter, calculating the cost of painting an interior of a home is not that simple. So be wary of the painter that gives you a quote without seeing your home first.

Most professional painters agree that the amount of preparation and patching of walls needed affects the cost the most. The second most important factor that affects your price to paint is wall height and ease of access in each room of the house. And then the total square footage being painted and whether the ceilings and trim are to be painted, too.

It’s More Than Just Paint

Preparation and repair work does increase the price of painting, but if you want the job done right, it is necessary. Unless you live in a museum, patching holes, repairing drywall cracks, concealing seam lines, and replacing corner tape should all be expected. And all of those things take time. Time not just to complete the work, but time to dry or cure properly so it can be painted. Do not be tempted to ignore or rush preparation, you will regret it in the long run. Yes, these steps take time and money, but they are essential to achieving a quality finish.

Accessibility

Things like stairways, foyers, multiple landings, and lofted rooms make painting those areas more difficult (and sometimes dangerous), adding to the cost. Stairways and landings often need scaffolding or precarious ladder placement just to gain access, and two-story foyers or vaulted ceilings add an extra layer of complexity to the job.

Closets, pantries, and other nooks sometimes pose a challenge if they are small, awkwardly placed, or otherwise not easily accessible. They generally do not add a whole lot to the cost, but you should at least anticipate the possibility of them costing a little more.

Cost of Painting Ceilings and Trim

Ceilings sometimes require just as much prep work as walls. They are susceptible to cracks just like walls plus are more likely to have water damage from roof leaks and overfilled bathtubs.

Water damage and fixing cracks in ceilings is often a costly necessity. The added cost is due to the difficulty of performing prep work like sanding, patching, and priming an overhead surface and safe ladder work.

Another surprising fact when it comes to painting costs is that adding trim painting to any wall or ceiling job can actually save you money.

Similar to adding ceilings, painting the trim makes for easier touch-ups and straighter lines where walls and trim meet. Painting the trim also allows for a full seal of any gaps or cracks that exist. Learn more about the full suite of painting services offered by Lauro Painting.