A Fresh Coat of Change
Ever looked around your room and felt like it needed a fresh coat of paint? Or perhaps you’ve been itching to try out that new color trend you saw online?
But then, you start to wonder, “How much would it cost to paint a room? Is it better to do it myself or hire a professional painter?”
If you’re in East Hampton, CT, you’re in the right place to find out!
Are you ready to dive into the world of paint, brushes, and drop cloths?
Or would you rather sit back and let a professional painter transform your space?
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of cost, time, and effort for both options.
Plus, you’ll discover how to make your interior painting in East Hampton a success, whether you’re going DIY or hiring a pro.
The Cost To Paint a Room in East Hampton, CT
Before we dive into all the factors that can impact the cost to paint a room, let’s take a quick look at how much you can expect to spend for a typical room size for both options: professional and DIY.
The cost to paint a room can vary widely, depending on its size, accessibility, and complexity.
Cost To Paint A 10’x10′ Room: Professional
In East Hampton, CT, you can expect to pay around $825 for a 10’x10′ room if you’re hiring a professional.
This cost includes labor and may or may not include the cost of paint and other materials, depending on the painters that you hire.
Note: With Clean Cut Painting, this includes the cost of premium Benjamin Moore paint and all additional material costs. The professionals at Clean Cut Painting include all the walls, the ceiling, the door (room-side), a window, and all baseboard moldings in this project cost.
Make sure you ask what is included with any cost estimates you get from professional painters!
Cost To Paint A 10’x10′ Room: DIY
If you’re planning a DIY paint job, your main costs will be the paint and painting supplies.
A gallon of paint can cost between $20 and $100+, depending on the quality.
Primer is usually $20 to $30 per gallon, although some specialty primers can cost as much as $100+.
And don’t forget about the brushes, rollers, paint trays, and other accessories, which can add another $100 to $435 to your total cost.
Assuming you are painting a 10’x10′ room (including the ceiling) and are using a primer and applying two coats of high-quality paint, this means that you will spend about $240 to $300 on paint and about $50 to $60 on primer.
Add another $100 to $435 for additional materials that you may need to purchase (drop cloths, ladders, painter’s tape, etc.), and you are looking at a total DIY cost of $390 to $795 to paint a 10’x10′ room.
Be sure to check out our blog on how to calculate the cost to paint a room for more details on how to determine the painting cost for different areas.
Of course, this doesn’t include the cost of your time or the cost of fixing any mistakes that you might make!
Now that you have a better sense of the cost difference between painting a room professionally and doing it yourself, let’s take a closer look at all the factors that impact the total cost to paint a room and the pros and cons of each.
The Price Tag of Painting: Cost by Square Footage
When it comes to painting, whether it’s a DIY project or a job for a professional painter, the cost is often calculated per square foot.
This means the size of your room plays a significant role in the total cost.
For instance, painting a small bathroom will cost less than giving a large living room a new color.
You can learn more about general interior painting costs in East Hampton here.
But how much paint do you need?
A general rule of thumb is that one gallon of paint covers about 350 to 400 square feet with one coat.
However, for a truly professional look, you’ll likely need two coats of paint.
So, if you’re calculating how much paint to purchase, keep this in mind. Or you can use a paint calculator to determine how much paint you will need for a room.
Economical paint can range from $20-$35 per gallon, average paint from $50-$60 per gallon, and high-quality paint from $80-$100+ per gallon.
The Hidden Costs: Additional Material Costs
Paint isn’t the only thing you’ll need to think about when budgeting for your interior painting project.
There are other paint supplies to consider, such as brushes, rollers, paint trays, and painter’s tape.
And let’s not forget the drop cloths to protect your floor and furniture from paint splatters.
If you’re going the DIY route, these costs can add up.
However, when you hire professional painters, these materials are typically included in the cost.
See the table below to get a better idea of what you might spend on additional materials if you choose the DIY route:
Cost To Paint A Room: Additional Material Costs
| Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Brushes | $3–$20 |
| Rollers | $10–$20 |
| Paint trays | $3–$5 |
| Painter’s tape | $3–$10 |
| Drop cloth | $5–$30 |
| Scraper | $5–$20 |
| Sandpaper | $5–$30 |
| Ladder | $80–$300 |
The Value of Time: Labor Costs
One of the biggest factors in the cost to paint a room is labor.
This includes the time it takes to prepare the area, such as moving furniture, removing pictures from the walls, and covering everything with drop cloths.
Prep work also includes cleaning, sanding, taping, repairing, and priming the surfaces.
If this sounds like a lot, it’s because it is! In our experience, about 80 percent of most painting projects are preparation.
Then there’s the actual painting, which can take several hours or even days, depending on the size of the room and the number of coats needed.
When you hire a professional painter, you’re paying for their time, expertise, and effort.
On the other hand, if you choose to paint the room yourself, you’ll need to factor in the time and energy you’ll spend on the project.
The Price of Perfection: Damage Control
Painting might seem like a straightforward task, but it can be messy and prone to mistakes, especially if you’re not experienced.
Drips, spills, uneven lines, and missed spots are all common issues in DIY painting projects.
If you make a mistake, you might have to spend extra time and money fixing it.
This could involve buying more paint or even hiring a professional to correct the error.
On the flip side, hiring a professional painter from the get-go can help you avoid these issues.
Professional painters have the skills and experience to do the job right the first time, saving you from potential headaches.
When to Call in the Pros
There are certain situations where hiring a professional painter is the best option.
For example, if you have especially high ceilings or if your walls are in poor condition, a professional can handle these challenges safely and effectively.
Similarly, if you’re planning to use a specialty finish or if you need to strip old paint (especially if it’s lead-based), a professional painter will have the necessary tools and knowledge to handle these tasks.
The Cost of Convenience: Hiring an Interior Room Painter
The cost of hiring a professional painter can vary widely, depending on several factors.
These include the size of the job, the condition of your walls, the quality of the paint, the painter’s experience, and your region of the country.
In East Hampton, CT, you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,400 per room.
A small bathroom might fall on the lower end of that range, while a large living room that requires substantial wall repairs could be on the higher end.
Remember, the cost of paint may or may not be included in the price.
Most mid-tier to premium gallons of paint are priced between $50 and $100, but you can spend less for lower-quality paint and significantly more for high-end paint.
Note: Clean Cut Painting is proud to use premium Benjamin Moore paint for all our interior painting projects.
The Pros of Hiring a Professional
- You’ll get a professional look. The paint job should be neat and even, with clean lines and edges.
- Hiring a professional saves you time. Instead of spending hours or days painting, you can relax and let the pros handle it.
- It’s safer. Painting can be physically demanding, especially if you have to climb ladders or bend over to paint baseboards. With a professional, you don’t have to risk injury.
The Cons of Hiring a Professional
- The cost. It’s generally more expensive than doing it yourself.
- You’ll have less control over the project. You’ll need to trust the painter to do the job to your satisfaction, and you’ll have to work around their schedule.
The DIY Route: Costs and Considerations
If you’re considering a DIY paint job, the costs are generally lower.
The biggest expense is the paint itself, which can range from $20 to $100+ per gallon, depending on the quality.
You’ll also need to buy primer, which usually costs $20 to $30 per gallon, and painting accessories like brushes, rollers, paint trays, and gloves.
Painting accessories can add another $100 to $435 to the total cost.
The Pros of DIY Painting
- Doing it yourself can be a cost-effective way to refresh your space. You’ll spend less money.
- You’ll have complete control over the project. You can choose exactly how many coats of paint to use, when to work, and how to handle any issues that arise.
The Cons of DIY Painting
- Low-quality paint job. Unless you’re an experienced painter, it can be difficult to achieve a professional look.
- The difficulty of the painting process. The process can be time-consuming and physically demanding.
- It’s risky. There’s a risk of injury, especially if you’re painting high ceilings or other hard-to-reach areas.
Quality Tools for a Quality Job
Whether you’re hiring a pro or going DIY, using quality tools is essential.
As the saying goes, “You’re only as good as your tools.”
Investing in good-quality brushes, rollers, and other painting tools can make a big difference in the final result.
To DIY or Not to DIY: That is the Question
So, should you paint the room yourself or hire a professional painter?
The answer depends on several factors, including your budget, your skill level, your physical ability, and how much time you’re willing to spend on the project.
Consider all these factors carefully before making a decision.
And remember, whether you choose to DIY or hire a pro, the goal is the same: to give your room a fresh, new look that you’ll love.
The Time Factor: DIY Vs. Hiring a Pro
One of the biggest differences between DIY painting and hiring a professional is the time commitment.
If you’re painting the room yourself, be prepared to spend several hours or even days on the project. You’ll need to prep the room, paint, and then clean up afterward.
On the other hand, if you hire a professional painter, they’ll take care of everything for you.
You won’t have to lift a finger (except maybe to point out which walls you want painted!).
This can be a huge advantage if you’re busy or if you simply don’t enjoy painting.
The Final Verdict: DIY or Hire a Pro?
So, should you paint that room yourself or hire a professional painter?
The answer depends on your specific situation.
If you enjoy painting and have the time to do it, a DIY paint job can be a satisfying and cost-effective option.
But if you’re short on time, not physically up to the task, or simply want a professional-quality paint job, hiring a professional painter might be the better choice.
Clean Cut Painting: Your East Hampton, CT, Painting Pros
If you decide to go the professional route, consider Clean Cut Painting.
We’re a team of professional painters based right here in East Hampton, CT.
We have the skills, experience, and tools to give your room a fresh, new look.
Whether you’re updating a small bathroom or a large living room, we’ll handle the job with precision and care.
We’ll take care of everything from prepping the area to painting and cleaning up afterward.
Plus, we’ll work with you to choose the perfect paint color and finish for your space!
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Whether you’re ready to dive into a DIY painting project or you’re looking to hire a professional painter, we hope this guide has been helpful.
Remember, the goal is to create a space that you love, and there’s no one right way to do that.
If you’re in East Hampton, CT, and you’re ready to transform your room with a fresh coat of paint, we’re here to help.
Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call.
We can’t wait to help you create the room of your dreams!
Chris Soules is the owner of Clean Cut Painting and Power Wash, a professional painting company serving Middlesex, Hartford, and Tolland counties since 2009. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Chris specializes in residential painting, epoxy coatings, fine finish spraying, and wood care. He brings a commitment to clean lines, durable finishes, and no shortcuts. Before founding Clean Cut Painting, Chris worked as a lead painter in the auto body industry. Today, he continues to raise the standard for home improvement professionals across Connecticut.