
Painting the interior of a house is a great way to increase its value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint can increase a home's value by an average of $4,000, with a return on investment of over 100%. The cost of painting the interior of a house varies depending on factors such as location, size, paint type, and labour costs. On average, painting the interior of a house can cost around $2,000 to $4,750, with a range of $300 for DIY projects to over $20,000 for extensive professional jobs. The price per square foot typically ranges from $1 to $6, with additional costs for painting ceilings, trim, doors, and baseboards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost | $2,000 to $4,750 |
| Cost range | $350 to $20,000 |
| Cost per square foot | $1 to $8.79 |
| Cost per room | $300 to $1,000 |
| Average cost per room | $400 to $950 |
| Average cost per bedroom | $350 to $850 |
| Average cost for a primary bedroom | $650 to $1,400 |
| Average labor cost per room | $180 to $650 |
| Average cost with walls, trim and ceilings included | $4.70 per square foot |
| Average saving with DIY | $1,000 |
| Average increase in home value | $4,000 |
| Recommended repainting schedule | Every 7-8 years |
| Recommended paint colors | Neutral colors like white, off-white, beige, tan, gray, taupe, and light gray |
| Additional costs | Setup, cleanup, drywall repair, taping, and labor for unique architectural designs |
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What You'll Learn

DIY vs. hiring a professional painter
Painting the interior of your home is a great way to increase its value. Whether you decide to paint your home's interior yourself or hire a professional painter, there are several factors to consider.
DIY
Painting your home yourself can save you money on labour costs, which can account for 70% to 85% of the total cost of hiring a professional painter. The cost of painting a room yourself is $100 to $300, requiring two gallons of paint. However, you will need to purchase all the necessary painting supplies, such as brushes, rollers, primer, paint cans, and dishes, which can add up quickly. Additionally, painting always takes longer than expected, and it can be challenging to achieve crisp edges and avoid paint drips. If you are painting a majority of your rooms with similar colours, you can save money by doing it yourself, as it will not require multiple coats or double the time.
Hiring a Professional Painter
Hiring a professional painter can ensure a more polished and lasting finish. They have the skills and experience to handle intricate woodwork, such as trimming around windows or doors, and can achieve a neat and precise result. The average cost of hiring a professional painter is $4,750 for various sizes and types of projects, ranging from $300 for small DIY projects to more than $20,000 for extensive professional jobs. The price per square foot is typically $1 to $3, and the average labour cost per room is $180 to $650. When hiring a professional painter, it is essential to do your research, ask for references, and get at least three quotes from reputable contractors.
Whether you choose to paint your home's interior yourself or hire a professional, it is important to consider the scope of the project, your budget, and the level of expertise required. While DIY can save you money, hiring a professional can save you time and ensure a high-quality finish.
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Cost of paint and labour
The cost of paint and labour for a home interior painting project can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the area to be painted, the type of paint used, the complexity of the job, and your location.
Size of the Area
The bigger the area to be painted, the higher the cost. Painters typically charge per square foot, with prices ranging from $1 to $6 per square foot. An average room is 10-by-12 feet, and the cost to paint a 12' x 12' room can range from $400 to $950. For a larger space, such as a 1,500-square-foot home, the cost can range from $3,750 to $8,750.
Type of Paint
The type of paint used can also affect the cost. Oil-based paints, for example, contain higher volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than latex paints and may require additional protective measures during application, increasing labour costs.
Complexity of the Job
The complexity of the job can also impact the cost of labour. If your home has unique architectural features such as archways or columns, the increased attention to detail required will result in higher labour costs. Additionally, if you plan to paint ceilings, trim, doors, and baseboards, you can expect prices to fall on the higher end of the range.
Location
Labour costs can vary depending on your location and the local cost of living. Painters' rates may also be influenced by the season, with off-peak periods potentially offering better rates.
Additional Costs
There may be additional costs beyond paint and labour, such as work to prepare the worksite, protect existing structures, and repair or modify surfaces or fixtures. If a general contractor is supervising the project, this can add 13% to 22% to the total cost.
When budgeting for a home interior painting project, it is essential to consider these factors and obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors to ensure you are getting a fair price.
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Increasing your property value
Painting your home's interior is a cost-effective way to increase your property's value and appeal to potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint can transform the look and feel of a room, making it appear brighter, cleaner, and well-maintained. It can also help cover any blemishes, such as marks or holes, providing a clean blank canvas for buyers to envision themselves in the space.
When it comes to choosing a colour, neutral shades like white, off-white, beige, tan, grey, taupe, and light grey are generally recommended. These colours create a sense of spaciousness and allow potential buyers to imagine their own style and decor in the room. That being said, colour psychology plays a big role in how buyers feel, and certain colours can evoke specific emotions. For example, blues and greens can create a feeling of calmness or serenity, while warmer tones like reds and yellows can make a room feel more energetic and lively.
It's also worth noting that the size of your home and the size of individual rooms will impact the cost of your interior painting project. Larger rooms, rooms with high ceilings, and open-plan spaces can be more challenging and costly to paint. However, a fresh coat of paint in these areas can make a significant difference in the eyes of potential buyers, as they know they won't have to put in the effort or money themselves.
While painting your home's interior is a relatively affordable project, it's still a significant investment. The average return on investment (ROI) for interior painting is around 107%, adding anywhere from $2,140 to $16,050 or more to your resale value. This means that even if you spend $4,000 on a new coat of paint, you can still expect a substantial return.
In addition to the financial benefits, a well-painted interior can create a positive perception of your property. It conveys a sense of cleanliness, attention to detail, and care, which can influence buyers' perception of value. This can lead to higher offers and a faster sale.
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Choosing the right paint
Painting the interior of a house is a great way to give it a new look and increase its property value. The cost of painting the interior of a house varies depending on factors such as location, size, and type of paint. The average cost is $2,021, with a range of $350 to $5,800. When choosing the right paint for your home, there are several factors to consider.
First, it is essential to sample paint colours before committing to one. Lighting changes how paint colours look, so it is crucial to test colours in the room you will be painting and view them in different lighting at various times of the day. You can get free paint samples from your local home improvement store or purchase sample sizes to test on your walls. This will help you avoid the costly mistake of choosing the wrong paint colour and having to repaint.
Second, consider the design and aesthetic you want to achieve. You can use colour to create a cohesive look throughout your home or to emphasise certain features such as mouldings, mantels, or built-in bookcases. The 60-30-10 rule is a classic interior design principle that can help you create balanced spaces. According to this rule, 60% of a room should be a dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour. Walls are typically the dominant colour, with upholstery or flooring as the secondary colour, and accessories or artwork providing the accent colour.
Third, choose colours that you love and that reflect your personal style. You can start with colours from an existing object in your home, such as a piece of artwork, a pillow, or a scarf. You can also use colour wheels to quickly generate colour scheme ideas or draw inspiration from magazines, catalogues, and online sources such as Pinterest and Instagram.
Finally, consider the type of paint you will be using. Oil-based paints contain higher volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than latex paints, so if you choose an oil-based paint, ensure proper ventilation and wear respiratory protection during application. Additionally, be mindful of any unique architectural features in your home, such as archways or columns, as these may affect the cost and complexity of the painting project.
By following these tips and considering factors such as colour, design, and paint type, you can choose the right paint for your home interior painting project and create a beautiful and cohesive space.
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Preparing the worksite
Inspect the Surfaces
Before starting any painting project, carefully inspect the surfaces you plan to paint. Look for cracks, holes, dents, peeling paint, flaking paint, or any other imperfections. Make a list of the materials you will need to repair these issues. It is essential to ensure that the surfaces are smooth and properly prepared before applying paint.
Protect the Furniture and Floors
Remove all furniture and fixtures from the room, or at least move them away from the walls and cover them. Use drop cloths to protect floors and furniture from paint spills and splatters. If you cannot move heavy furniture, cover it with plastic sheets or drop cloths to avoid getting paint on them.
Repair and Smooth the Walls
Use a putty knife and lightweight spackling compound to fill and repair holes and imperfections. Allow the compound to dry following the manufacturer's instructions, and then use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth the repaired areas, ensuring they are flush with the surface. Sanding is also essential for removing dirt, grime, or excess paint from walls, especially in areas with a lot of wear and tear.
Apply Painter's Tape
Use painter's tape to mask off areas you don't want to paint, such as trim, baseboards, windows, doors, doorknobs, power outlets, and other fixtures. Press the tape firmly in place to prevent paint from seeping underneath. If you have a textured ceiling and are only painting the walls, run a screwdriver along the ceiling's edge to create a small, texture-free surface for the tape to adhere to.
Ventilate the Area
When working on an interior painting project, it is crucial to ensure the area is well-ventilated to limit your exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in paint. Open all windows and doors, and use fans to improve air circulation. Additionally, wear respiratory protection, such as a respirator mask, and avoid the painted area for at least 72 hours after painting.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin painting, gather all the tools and materials you will need to streamline your work and avoid interruptions. This includes brushes, rollers, paint sprayers, paint trays, stir sticks, and, most importantly, enough paint to complete the job.
Remember, proper preparation is key to achieving a professional and lasting finish for your interior painting project. Taking the time to prepare the worksite will make the painting process more efficient and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of painting the interior of a house can vary depending on the location, size, and type of paint used. On average, it can cost between $2,000 and $4,750, with a range of $350 to $5,800.
Painters typically charge between $1 and $6 per square foot, depending on the location and the project's complexity.
Yes, there may be additional costs for labour, preparation, and protection of existing structures, finishes, and materials. Painting unique architectural features, such as archways or columns, may also increase the cost due to the additional labour required.
It is recommended to repaint the interior of your house every 7-8 years. However, this may vary depending on factors such as whether you have children or pets that may damage or scratch the walls.











































