The cost to paint your house's interior varies depending on factors like size, paint type, and whether you DIY or hire a pro. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Average Costs
- National Average: ~$1,896
- Typical Range: $954–$2,893
- Cost per Square Foot: $2–$6
- 1,200 sq. ft.: $900–$4,500
- 2,300 sq. ft.: $4,000–$11,000
- 3,000 sq. ft.: $2,700–$10,000
Cost Factors
1. Room Size
Larger homes require more paint and labor. High ceilings or trim painting can also increase costs.
2. Regional Costs
- Midwest (e.g., Cincinnati): ~$1,539
- Northeast (e.g., NYC): ~$2,147
- Northwest (e.g., Portland): ~$2,010
- Southwest (e.g., Phoenix): ~$1,933
- Southeast (e.g., Miami): ~$1,881
3. Paint Type and Finish
- Flat Paint: ~$13/gallon
- Semi-Gloss Paint: ~$17/gallon
- High-Gloss Paint: ~$35/gallon
- VOC-Free Paint: ~$35/gallon
4. Labor Costs
- Hourly Rate: $20–$50/hour (up to $75 in some areas).
- Square Foot Rate: $2–$6/sq. ft.
5. Extra Services
- Trim/Baseboard Painting: Add ~$1–$3/linear foot.
- Wall Repairs: ~$50–$200 for patching/sanding.
DIY vs. Professional Painting
DIY Costs
- Materials: ~$200–$300 (primer, paint, brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths).
- Time: 3–5 days for a full house.
Professional Painting Costs
- Efficiency: Faster and cleaner work.
- Cost: ~75% of the total expense goes to labor.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---------------------------|------------------|
| Primer and Paint | $15–$35/gallon |
| Drop Cloths | $2–$20 |
| Brushes/Rollers | $10–$17 (kit) |
| Painter’s Tape | $3–$18 |
| Labor (Professional) | $20–$50/hour |
Tips to Save Money
- DIY Smaller Rooms: Save labor costs by tackling small projects yourself.
- Buy Paint through Contractors: Professionals often get discounts.
- Share Tools: Borrow or share supplies like drop cloths and brushes with neighbors.
- Bundle Projects: Paint baseboards and deep-clean while covering furniture.
FAQs
1. Should I DIY or hire a pro?
- DIY: Cost-effective for small spaces and straightforward jobs.
- Pro: Best for large areas, detailed work, or if you’re short on time.
2. What’s the best paint type for interiors?
- Flat Paint: Best for low-traffic rooms.
- Semi-Gloss: Ideal for easy-to-clean surfaces.
- High-Gloss: Durable but more expensive.
3. How can I reduce costs?
- Reuse supplies (e.g., drop cloths, rollers).
- Do prep and cleanup yourself.
Painting your home’s interior is an impactful upgrade with a great ROI. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, a fresh coat of paint can bring new life to your space!
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