Home Painting Cost Estimator

Home Painting Cost depends on whether you are painting interior or exterior, the total area, paint quality, and whether you hire professionals or DIY.

Interior painting costs:

DIY costs:

• Paint: $25-50 per gallon (covers 350-400 sq ft per coat)
• Primer: $15-30 per gallon (if needed)
• Supplies (tape, rollers, brushes, drop cloths): $50-100 per room
• Total DIY: approximately $0.50-1.50 per square foot

Professional costs:

• Labor: $2-6 per square foot (varies by region)
• Paint included: some painters include paint, others charge separately
• Typical room (12×12, 8ft ceiling): $300-800 professional, $80-150 DIY
• Whole house interior (1,500 sq ft): $3,000-8,000 professional, $500-1,500 DIY

Exterior painting costs:

DIY costs:

• Exterior paint: $30-70 per gallon (covers 250-400 sq ft per coat)
• Primer, caulk, supplies: $100-300
• Total DIY: approximately $0.75-2.00 per square foot

Professional costs:

• Labor + materials: $2-6 per square foot
• Typical 1,500 sq ft home exterior: $3,000-8,000
• Two-story homes cost 20-50% more due to ladder/scaffolding needs

Factors that increase cost:

• High ceilings (above 9 feet) add 20-30%
• Extensive trim and detail work adds 15-25%
• Dark-to-light color changes may need extra coats
• Lead paint abatement (pre-1978 homes) adds significant cost
• Wallpaper removal before painting adds $1-3 per square foot

Paint quality tiers:

• Economy ($20-30/gallon): fewer solids, less coverage, shorter lifespan
• Mid-range ($30-50/gallon): good coverage, 5-7 year lifespan
• Premium ($50-80/gallon): excellent coverage, 10-15 year lifespan, better washability

Number of coats: Most jobs need 2 coats of paint. Add a primer coat if painting over dark colors, new drywall, or stained surfaces.

Coverage formula: Gallons = (Wall Area × Number of Coats) / Coverage per Gallon