How much does it cost to paint a house?

Estimating Painting Costs for Your Home

Painting your house can be a significant investment, whether you’re focusing on the exterior or interior. Here’s a detailed breakdown of national average costs and factors that can influence these expenses.

National Average Costs

1. Exterior House Painting

• Cost Range: $3,014 – $8,117
• Cost per Square Foot: $1.21 – $3.25
• Example (2,500 sq. ft. home in good condition):
  • Brick/Masonry: $4,634 – $7,584
  • Metal Siding: $3,014 – $4,875
  • Stucco: $4,101 – $6,692
  • Wood/Fiber Cement: $4,954 – $8,117

1. Interior House Painting

• Cost Range: $5,401 – $24,282
• Cost per Square Foot: $3.86 – $8.67
• Example (homes 1,400 – 2,800 sq. ft. in average condition):
  • 12 ft. Ceiling, 2,800 sq. ft.: $14,530 – $24,282
  • 10 ft. Ceiling, 2,000 sq. ft.: $9,019 – $15,071
  • 9 ft. Ceiling, 1,600 sq. ft.: $6,679 – $11,162
  • 8 ft. Ceiling, 1,400 sq. ft.: $5,401 – $9,026

Material and Labor Costs Breakdown

1. Exterior Painting Costs

• Brick/Masonry:
  • Labor: $3,075 – $5,005
  • Material: $1,433 – $2,391
  • Equipment: $125 – $187
• Metal Siding:
  • Labor: $2,202 – $3,545
  • Material: $686 – $1,142
  • Equipment: $125 – $187
• Stucco:
  • Labor: $3,253 – $5,302
  • Material: $722 – $1,202
  • Equipment: $125 – $187
• Wood/Fiber Cement:
  • Labor: $3,685 – $6,023
  • Material: $1,143 – $1,906
  • Equipment: $125 – $187

1. Interior Painting Costs

• 12 ft. Ceiling, 2,800 sq. ft.:
  • Labor: $11,902 – $19,891
  • Material: $2,604 – $4,351
• 10 ft. Ceiling, 2,000 sq. ft.:
  • Labor: $7,385 – $12,341
  • Material: $1,619 – $2,706
• 9 ft. Ceiling, 1,600 sq. ft.:
  • Labor: $5,467 – $9,137
  • Material: $1,201 – $2,007
• 8 ft. Ceiling, 1,400 sq. ft.:
  • Labor: $4,420 – $7,386
  • Material: $972 – $1,625

Painting Specific Areas and Rooms

• One Coat, One Color (1,000 sq. ft.):
• Total: $545 – $911
• Cost per sq. ft.: $0.55 – $0.91
• Two Coats, One Color (1,000 sq. ft.):
• Total: $807 – $1,350
• Cost per sq. ft.: $0.81 – $1.35
• Two Coats, Two Colors (1,000 sq. ft.):
• Total: $998 – $1,668
• Cost per sq. ft.: $1.00 – $1.69

Room Painting Costs

• 400 sq. ft.: $324 – $540
• 600 sq. ft.: $486 – $810
• 800 sq. ft.: $648 – $1,080
• 1,000 sq. ft.: $810 – $1,350
• 1,200 sq. ft.: $972 – $1,620

Factors Affecting Painting Costs

1. Type of Paint: High-quality, durable paints can be more expensive but save costs over time.
2. Surface Material: Different materials (e.g., metal vs. stucco) may require specific paints and preparation.
3. Square Footage: Larger areas require more materials and labor.
4. Home Features: More detailed features like trim, doors, and windows can increase costs.
5. Condition of Surfaces: Repairing damage and prepping surfaces add to the total cost.
6. Time of Year: Seasonal demand can affect pricing and availability.
7. Labor Market: Local demand and supply of labor can influence costs.

Tips to Save Money on House Painting

1. Compare Quotes: Get estimates from multiple painters.
2. Use High-Quality Paint: Invest in quality paint to reduce long-term costs.
3. Repurpose Paint: Use the same paint in multiple areas.
4. Schedule Wisely: Plan during off-peak times.
5. Accent Walls: Opt for painting accent walls instead of entire rooms.
6. Buy Paint Yourself: Look for sales on paint.
7. DIY Prep Work: Prepare surfaces and do minor repairs yourself.

DIY vs. Professional Painting

Consider the complexity, safety, and quality of the job. While DIY can save on labor, professional painters offer expertise, safety, and potentially better long-term results. For large or complex projects, hiring a professional may be more cost-effective.

Final Thoughts

Painting your house is a significant project that involves various factors and costs. By understanding the national averages and considering factors specific to your home, you can budget effectively and make informed decisions to enhance your home’s appearance and value.