What is the Cost of Painting a House in 2023?

The standard expense for painting the inside of a house hovers around $2,000, while the average cost for painting the exterior is slightly above $3,000.

Applying a fresh coat of paint can significantly revitalize and modernize your residence. Though many homeowners opt for a do-it-yourself approach, hiring a professional is also an option.

As per Angi, the typical price range to paint the interior of your home is between $967 and $3,041, with the average homeowner spending around $1,985. This typically translates to an average cost of $2.75 to $4.70 per square foot, factoring in walls, trim, and ceilings in the project scope.

If you decide to tackle an interior painting project independently, your primary expenses will include primer, paint, and equipment. Generally, a gallon of primer ranges between $20 and $75, while paint prices usually fall between $15 and $60 per gallon. According to Lowe's estimates, one gallon of paint typically covers 350 to 400 square feet of interior space, while a gallon of primer is usually required for 200 to 300 square feet. Material expenses vary; certain brushes and rollers are inexpensive, while a quality ladder may exceed $100.

Interior Painting Cost Estimates

For every 1,000 square feet of interior space, an estimated expense ranges between $1,000 and $7,000. The average homeowner, according to Angi, spends approximately $1,986 on painting the interior of their home.

Here are some estimations regarding the cost of hiring a professional to paint the interior of your home based on its square footage.

Estimating Exterior Painting Costs

On average, for every 1,000 square feet of exterior space, one might anticipate expenses ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. As per Angi, the typical expenditure for homeowners to paint their house's exterior lands around $3,141.

Outlined below are estimates indicating the costs associated with hiring a professional to paint the exterior of your home, considering its square footage.

Analyzing the Expenses of House Painting

The majority of expenses can be categorized into two primary areas:

Labor Costs

The most significant expense relates to labor. A substantial portion of the painter's time is dedicated to surface preparation, ensuring proper paint adherence and durability. Efficient management or reduction of the time spent by a professional painter on tasks such as cleaning, patching, sanding, caulking, and painting can potentially result in substantial savings for you.

Cost of Paint and Materials

Following labor, the next major cost is attributed to paint and materials. The price range for paint varies widely, spanning from $15 to $60 per gallon or even higher. This pricing depends on factors such as the paint's finish, the quality level chosen, and any specialized features it may offer. Some paints boast mold resistance, odor suppression, or require fewer coats for coverage. There are also paints with lifetime warranties, although the additional cost for such warranties might not necessarily equate to their value. Consumer Reports' tests, simulating approximately nine years of use, revealed that only a few exterior paints and stains with lifetime warranties maintained satisfactory performance.

Painters often recommend specific paints they trust. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Painting Contractors Association, members frequently purchase paint from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, brands they rely on for quality.

Additional materials such as tarps, tape, brushes, rollers, and various equipment and supplies are usually encompassed in the overall bid without being individually itemized by cost.

Tips to Cut Down House Painting Expenses

Given that labor constitutes the most substantial cost, effectively managing the duration a painter spends on the task can lead to significant savings. Additionally, there are several other strategies to minimize costs associated with house painting. Here are some professional tips aimed at optimizing your savings:

Undertake Some or All of the Work Yourself

Taking on the labor yourself can result in substantial savings. The primary DIY expenditure often involves purchasing paint, alongside acquiring or renting necessary supplies and equipment such as caulk, primer, brushes, rollers, tarps, ladders, or scaffolding.

Consider Premium-Quality Paints

Although higher in initial cost per gallon, premium paints offer superior coverage and durability compared to their inferior counterparts. This efficiency enables you to use less paint and complete the project more swiftly, ultimately saving money.

Self-Preparation of the Space

When engaging a professional painter, extensive preparatory work can inflate project expenses. To potentially reduce labor costs, inquire whether you can undertake certain tasks yourself, such as:

• Trimming shrubs
• Rearranging furniture and clearing designated areas for painters
• Removing and re-installing outlet covers, switch plates, and doorknobs
• Performing prep work like patching, sanding, and scraping, provided you possess the necessary skills

Obtain Multiple Bids

Before finalizing a painter, obtaining multiple estimates can help identify the most cost-effective option. Seek recommendations from acquaintances, explore online resources for licensed and insured painters in your vicinity, and consider review platforms like Yelp or Angi. You may also visit local paint stores for suggestions. Request painters to specify the time allocated for preparation and painting, the products to be used, the number of coats applied, and any additional costs. Once your choice is made, solidify the agreement with a written contract.

Streamline the Project Scope

Before signing the contract, review it meticulously to identify areas of the project that may not be essential to you. For instance, you might opt out of repainting ceilings or closet interiors to economize on paint and labor costs.

Timing Consideration

Timing plays a crucial role in securing the best deal. Hiring professionals during off-peak seasons may yield cost benefits, but consider potential labor cost increases during adverse weather conditions, such as hiring during the harsh winter months in the Midwest.