-A fresh coat of paint can always enhance the look of a house, whether it's for renovation or to increase the value of the property before putting it on the market. However, it's essential to determine the cost of painting a house.
Homeowners are usually required to pay between $967 and $3,076 to paint the interior of the house. On average, it costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, depending on the interior structures included, such as ceilings, trim, and walls.
Exterior house paints are expensive, costing between $1,189 to $4,551. On average, it will cost $3,178. Moreover, labor costs and the type of siding can bring a large difference in price.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Painting a House
Here are some factors that affect the cost of painting a house.
Size of the house - Size is one of the important factors because painters usually charge per square foot. Therefore, larger houses tend to cost more in comparison to small houses.
Paint type and quality - The selection of a certain type and quality of paint significantly influences the cost. For example, high-quality, durable paints will have a greater upfront cost. However, they cover surfaces more effectively, using less paint, which lasts longer. High-quality paint can be a wise investment which can help save money in the long run.
Labor costs - Labor cost is a major part of the total cost of painting projects. However, these costs depend on factors such as the job's complexity, the painter's experience level, and the estimated time to complete the project.
Preparation work - Prep work plays a big role in a successful painting job. It includes multiple tasks, like repairing the drywall, removing wallpaper, or priming surfaces. These tasks can add to the total cost of painting.
Location:-
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Exterior paint: Prices differ with different locations. For example, painting a house in New York is more expensive than in other places as the living expenses and services are high over there.
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Interior paint: The cost of interior paint also varies with location. For example, it costs $2,297 in Washington and $1,862 in Georgia.
Cost Estimation to Paint a House
Interior Painting
Homeowners should expect to spend around $1,000 to $6,000 per 1,000 square feet for interior painting of the house. Following are some cost estimates to hire a professional for the interior painting, based on the size per square foot.
| House Size | Interior Painting Cost |
| 1,000 Square foot | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| 1,500 Square foot | $3,000 - $9,000 |
| 2,000 Square foot | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| 2,500 Square foot | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| 3,000 Square foot | $6,000 - $18,000 |
Exterior Painting
Homeowners may have to spend around $1,500 to $4,000 per 1,000 square feet for exterior painting of the house. Following are some cost estimates for hiring a professional for the exterior painting as per the size per square foot.
| House Size | Exterior Painting Cost |
| 1,000 Square foot | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| 1,500 Square foot | $2,250 - $6,000 |
| 2,000 Square foot | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| 2,500 Square foot | $3,750 - $12,000 |
Cost Breakdown for Painting the House
Here is the cost breakdown for both interior and exterior painting of a house.
Interior Painting
Type of Room - The cost of a room may differ depending on various features like sinks, closets, and toilets.
| Room | Average Cost |
| Bathroom | $140 - $420 |
| Bedroom | $240 - $720 |
| Dining Room | $600 - $1,200 |
| Living Room | $700 - $2,000 |
| Kitchen | $300 - $960 |
Type of Surfaces - Being aware of the cost of the type of surfaces helps homeowners plan their budgets better. For example, plan to refresh the walls, revive ceilings, and add a new style to trim.
| Surface | Average Cost to Paint |
| Baseboard and trim | $1-3/ linear foot |
| Hard-to reach areas | $6/ square foot |
| Smooth ceiling | $1-3/square foot |
| Walls | $1-2/ square foot |
Paint Type - The cost of paint type ranges from $15 to $40/ gallon, depending on the brand and paint finish. Long-lasting paint, High-Gloss paint, etc., are generally expensive.
| Paint Type | Average Cost / Gallon |
| Primers | $10 |
| Flat Paint | $13 |
| Semi-gloss interior paint | $17 |
| High-gloss enamel paint | $35 |
| VOC - free paint | $35 |
Exterior Painting
The number of stories - Multiple stories cost more due to extra footage area, as well as more labor and equipment requirements.
| Number of Stories | Average Cost (with labor) |
| 1 | $1,000 - $6,000 |
| 2 | $3,500 - $8,000 |
| 3 | $5,000 - $12,000 |
Paint Type - Different paint types are suitable for specific materials. Thus, ensure to use the type of paint that matches the material of the house.
| Type of Paint | Average Cost / Gallon |
| Latex | $20 - $70 |
| Acrylic | $20 - $70 |
| Oil | $30 - $90 |
Paint Finish - Paints with higher gloss need a greater resin count, which increases the cost.
| Paint Finish | Average Cost / Gallon |
| Flat | $20 - $40 |
| Eggshell | $30 - $60 |
| Satin | $30 - $60 |
| Semi-gloss | $40 - $80 |
| High-gloss | $50 - $90 |
Siding Material - It also significantly affects the cost. Different materials, such as stucco and brick, are expensive.
| Siding Material | Average Cost / Square foot |
| Vinyl | $1 - $2.50 |
| Wood | $1 - $3 |
| Concrete | $1 - $3 |
| Aluminium / Metal | $1 - $4 |
| Brick | $2.5 - $5 |
| Stucco | $3 - $5.5 |
Conclusion
Painting the house is an interesting as well as challenging task. However, if you have the right knowledge of the estimated cost, the painting journey gets easier. With the different costs discussed in this article, you will be able to set aside the budget for the painting project.
