Have you ever stared at your walls, wishing they could have a fresh coat of paint? Are you considering an interior painting project but worried about the costs involved?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that determine the interior painting cost and help you estimate how much you should spend to paint your Glastonbury, CT, home’s interior.
After reading this blog, you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to bring new life to your interior walls without breaking the bank!
How Much Does It Cost To Paint a House Interior?
Interior Painting Costs By Square Footage
The cost of an interior paint job typically depends on the square footage of the area you want to paint.
On average, professional painters charge between $5 and $9 per square foot. This range includes both the paint and labor costs.
Keep in mind that the total cost may vary based on factors such as the quality of paint, wall condition, and the complexity of the project.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Interior Painting
There are many factors that affect the cost of interior painting.
Here are some of the most impactful:
Paint Quality
The type of paint you choose will significantly impact your interior painting project’s cost.
High-quality latex paint is typically more expensive but lasts longer, provides better coverage, has a better spread rate, and is typically washable–a considerable advantage, especially if you have kids or pets!
Using a cheaper paint may save money initially but could require more coats, leading to increased labor costs and a less durable finish.
Walls With Lots Of Windows And Doors
When it comes to painting interior walls, less square footage doesn’t always equal less effort!
Rooms with numerous windows and doors can be more challenging to paint, as painters need to work around these features.
This extra effort may increase labor costs, even if the overall wall space is smaller.
Drastic Color Changes
If you’re planning a significant color change, your interior painters may need to apply multiple coats or use a primer to ensure proper coverage.
This additional work can increase both paint and labor costs.
Creating An Accent Wall
Accent walls add a pop of color and visual interest to a room, but they may also require more prep work and special techniques, which can increase the overall paint job cost.
Condition Of The Area To Be Painted
In our experience, approximately 80 percent of most painting projects are preparation.
Protecting areas that aren’t getting painted, removing hardware, making minor repairs, and preparing surfaces for painting are just some of the tasks that need to be completed before we even pick up a brush or roller.
This means that if the area you want to be painted is in bad condition, you can expect to pay more for the paint job since the painter will need to do more prep work.
Cost Of Interior Painting By Room
The average cost to paint a room depends on its size and features.
However, there are several caveats to keep in mind when calculating painting costs per square foot:
*Although the square footage of a room is a good starting point for estimating the cost, the height of the ceiling can drastically change the amount of surface that actually needs to be painted.
*The range in prices reflects different ceiling heights and condition issues.
*The more total surface area we are painting, the lower the cost per square footage.
Here’s a rough breakdown of interior house painting costs by room:
Bedroom
- Small (110 sq. ft.): $774 – $825
- Medium (216 sq. ft.): $1,125 – $1,375
- Large (400 sq. ft.): $1,537 – $2,322
Living Room
- Small (300 sq. ft.): $1,152 – $1,743
- Medium (400 sq. ft.): $1,537 – $2,322
- Large (600 sq. ft.): $2,355 – $3,337
Bathroom
- Small (55 sq. ft.): $385 – $413
- Medium (70 sq. ft.): $490 – $525
- Large (110 sq. ft.): $774 – $825
Kitchen
- Small (110 sq. ft.): $774 – $825
- Medium (216 sq. ft.): $1,125 – $1,375
- Large (400 sq. ft.): $1,537 – $2,322
Dining Room
- Small (216 sq. ft.): $1,125 – $1,375
- Medium (400 sq. ft.): $1,537 – $2,322
- Large (600 sq. ft.): $2,355 – $3,337
Stairways
- Small (50 sq. ft.): $350 – $375
- Medium (110 sq. ft.): $774 – $825
- Large (216 sq. ft.): $1,125 – $1,375
Closets, Pantries, And Nooks
- Small (25 sq. ft.): $175 – $188
- Medium (50 sq. ft.): $350 – $375
- Large (110 sq. ft.): $774 – $825
Hallways And Entryways
- Small (50 sq. ft.): $350 – $375
- Medium (110 sq. ft.): $774 – $825
- Large (216 sq. ft.): $1,125 – $1,375
Cost Of Interior Painting By Surface
The cost of painting different surfaces in your home’s interior can vary based on the complexity and materials needed.
Here’s a rough guide to help you budget:
Walls
Expect to pay between $5 and $9 per square foot for professional painters to paint interior walls.
Ceilings
Some professional painters will charge more for ceilings because painting a ceiling can be more challenging and time-consuming if you use the traditional roller and brush technique.
However, here at Clean Cut Painting, we utilize a more efficient spraypainting technique that keeps costs between $1.50 and $3 per square foot.
That being said, you can expect to pay between $6 and $9 per square foot at most painting companies.
Trim
Trim painting requires precision and attention to detail, which can increase labor costs.
Expect to pay between $6 and $9 per linear foot.
Doors
Painting doors is relatively straightforward, and the cost typically ranges from $65 to $75 per door, depending on the style and material.
Here at Clean Cut Painting, we will apply two coats on a standard 6-panel door for that price.
Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are more complex to paint and may require special techniques or products.
Painting an entire kitchen’s worth of kitchen cabinets will typically run you between $3,500 – $9,000, depending on the size of your kitchen.
In our experience, the average kitchen typically costs between $5,600 and $6,200.
Here at Clean Cut Painting, we pride ourselves on our unique cabinet painting system that utilizes automotive refinishing tools and techniques to produce an incredibly smooth and durable finish for your kitchen cabinets.
The Cost Of DIY Interior Painting
If you’re considering a DIY interior painting project, you’ll need to factor in the costs of paint, supplies, and your time.
While you may save money on labor costs, you’ll need to invest in paint brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and other necessary equipment.
Additionally, consider the value of your time, as painting can be a time-consuming task.
How To Calculate Interior Paint Material Costs
Cost Of Paint Gallons
- To estimate the amount of paint needed, first measure the square footage of the area you plan to paint.
- Multiply the length and height of each wall in the room you plan to paint and add all those totals together to get your total square footage.
- Divide the total square feet by the paint’s coverage rate (usually found on the paint can) to determine the number of gallons needed.
- Then take the number of gallons needed and multiply that by 1.7 to calculate your second coat coverage.
- Multiply the total number of gallons needed by the cost per gallon to find the total cost of the paint.
*Note: Don’t forget to calculate your primer costs as well!*
Cost Of Painting Supplies And Equipment
Factor in the cost of paint brushes, rollers, drop cloths, painter’s tape, and other necessary supplies.
These costs can vary, but budgeting around $200 to $300 for a typical project should be sufficient.
Cost Of Your Time
Consider the value of your time when weighing the pros and cons of a DIY paint job.
If you have limited time or experience, hiring a professional painter may be a better investment.
Professional vs. DIY Interior Painting: Pros And Cons
When it comes to interior painting, homeowners often face the decision of whether to hire professional painters or take on the project themselves.
Each option has its pros and cons, which we’ll explore below to help you make an informed decision.
Professional Interior Painting
Pros:
- Quality and Efficiency: Professional painters have the experience, expertise, and equipment to tackle even the most challenging projects, ensuring a smooth and durable finish. They can also complete the job more efficiently than an amateur painter, saving you time and potential frustration.
- Less Stress and Responsibility: When you hire professionals, you don’t need to worry about purchasing supplies, prepping the surfaces, or cleaning up afterward. They’ll handle everything, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Hiring professional painters can be more expensive than a DIY project, as you’re paying for their labor, expertise, and materials. However, the investment may be worth it for the high-quality results and time savings.
- Scheduling: When working with a painting company, you may need to work around their schedule, which could be inconvenient if you have a tight timeline for your project.
DIY Interior Painting
Pros:
- Cost Savings: Taking on the project yourself can save money on labor costs, as you won’t need to pay professional painters. If you’re on a tight budget, a DIY paint job may be an attractive option.
- Personal Satisfaction: A DIY project can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to learn valuable skills and take pride in the finished product. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and customization, as you’ll have complete control over the project.
Cons:
- Time and Effort: Painting your home’s interior can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, especially if you’re inexperienced. You’ll need to invest time in prepping surfaces, purchasing supplies, and learning proper painting techniques.
- Potential for Mistakes: Without professional experience, there’s a higher risk of mistakes, such as uneven paint coverage, drips, or damage to your home. These errors could lead to additional costs for repairs or repainting.
By considering the pros and cons of each option, you can determine which approach best fits your needs, budget, and desired results.
Interior Painting Costs FAQs
How much does it cost to paint the interior of a small home?
The cost to paint the interior of a small home (approximately 1,600 sq. ft.) typically ranges from $8,000 to $10,000, depending on factors like paint quality and the number of rooms.
How much does it cost to paint the interior of a large home?
The cost to paint the interior of a large home (approximately 3,000 sq. ft.+) typically starts at $12,000, and goes up from there, depending on the factors mentioned above.
How long does it take to paint a room?
The time it takes to paint a room depends on the room’s size, the number of coats required, and the painter’s experience.
On average, it takes about 1-2 days to completely finish painting a room, including preparation and drying time.
However, keep in mind that the paint finish can take up to 2 weeks to completely cure. You should avoid washing the walls until the finish is completely cured.
What is the best paint for high-traffic areas?
For high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, we love Benjamin Moore’s Scuff-X.
In our experience, it is the most durable architectural paint for residential projects.
Contact Clean Cut Painting For All Your Interior Painting Needs
The cost of an interior painting project varies based on factors like room size, paint quality, and the surfaces being painted.
By understanding these factors, you can create a realistic budget and make informed decisions about your home’s interior transformation.
At Clean Cut Painting, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, professional paint jobs at competitive prices. Let us help you bring new life to your home’s interior.
Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call to get started on your dream paint project!