The Average Cost of a Home Interior Paint Job

Painting a room is a quick and cost-efficient way to give any home a fresh, updated look. However, the job can be complicated for large houses or oddly shaped rooms. If you want to revive the appearance of your home with a new paint job, you may benefit from hiring a professional. There are various factors that determine how much a professional will charge for any interior paint job.

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When comparing the fees of painters, it’s important to understand what is covered. In most cases, the paint and other supplies are included in the estimate. You may be able to request certain supplies, such as better quality paint rollers, but you will have to pay more. Some professional painters also allow the customer to choose the paint brand. This will affect your overall cost as well.

One of the main considerations when calculating costs is the size of the room being painted. Many painters charge per square foot. You may find a professional who charges a flat hourly rate, but most will present you with a bid that is equal to their base fee. If you have an exceptionally large room to be painted, or if the room has high ceilings, you may be charged on the higher end of the scale.

The cost of a paint gallon varies depending on the quality of the product. Expect to pay between $10 and $50 per gallon. A professional paint job typically includes two coats of paint for each area. If you select a less expensive brand, it may be thinner and will need an additional coat. The painter may need to use a primer as well. Primers are also often necessary for covering stains or any existing paint that is exceptionally dark.

Before you obtain any estimates for your interior paint job, you will need to know the square footage of the rooms being painted. This will give you a rough idea of what to expect. The cost per square foot can range from $1.25 to $2.75. On average, you will pay between $200 and $400 per room. Some professionals offer discounts on additional rooms, so it pays to have several jobs handled by one person.

Experienced painters will perform prep work prior to painting any room. This will affect your overall cost. You can do the preparations yourself, but a professional will likely do a more thorough job. Preparations include moving or covering furniture, taping any molding and removing small objects from the work area. For an average size room, you will generally pay $200 to $400 more for prep work.

Seasoned professionals typically supply the drop cloths, tape, brushes, rollers and other materials. They will include the prices for these items in their estimates. However, if you are expected to pay for the supplies separately, it can add up to $50 on your total costs. When getting any estimates, be sure to ask the painter to clearly break down every fee so that you know what you’re paying for.

Where you live may affect the price of the interior paint project as well. The cost of living in each area determines what many professionals charge. Living in a larger city may mean higher costs. In addition to location, the extra labor required will affect final fees. High ceilings, wainscoting, baseboards, crown molding and other detail work may require an additional fee. The price can go as high as $200 per room.

You may be able to get certain discounts to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. If you hire a painter during the winter or late fall, you may see significant savings. Some painters also offer a price reduction if you agree to have your project completed in between other jobs. You may also save money by hiring a novice who charges by the hour and allows you to purchase all the materials. Hourly rates range from $25 to $50.

Before hiring anyone, get several estimates and request references. You may also inquire about seeing the painter’s work. Ask what types of paint and brushes will be used as well. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the paint, speak up. Cheaper paints usually don’t last as long as high quality products, which means you may need to repaint sooner than expected. To further protect your wallet, ensure that the painter is licensed and insured in your state.