Applying a new coat of paint makes everything look like it came out of the box yesterday. However, fresh starts don't come cheap. The cost to hire a professional painter to paint the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot, two-story home is around $4,000, while the cost to paint the interior is around $5,500. Hourly prices for painters can vary from $20 to $60, with the average in major cities being closer to $40.
Both were hiring a professional painter, and performing the work yourself can be done affordably with some forethought and planning.
Estimates of Price
According to the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, a trade group, below are some ballpark figures for having a professional paint the exterior and interior of a home, including labor and materials.
The Cost of Painting a House, Broken Down According to Steve Skodak, executive director of the PDCA, the price of a house varies based on "what material you're covering, what product you're using, and what region of the country you live in." Two broad types of costs dominate most budgets
Compensation for Work Expenditures Labor is the most expensive component of any project. In order to ensure that the paint will adhere properly and that the job will last, the painter will spend the majority of their time on surface preparation. The time a professional painter spends cleaning, repairing, sanding, caulking, and painting is where you may expect to see the most savings.
Ann Arbor native and business owner Brian Bancroft say, "I'm costly; the paint is cheap." Bancroft Painting is a family business operating for over a century.
Price of supplies for painting
Paint is typically the second largest expense in home renovation projects, with costs ranging from $20 to $70 per gallon. This variation in price depends on the paint's sheen, quality, and specific features you may choose for your walls. Some paints are designed to inhibit mold growth, others to reduce unpleasant odors or require fewer coats, and some even come with a lifetime warranty. However, it's worth noting that a paint warranty may not always justify the higher cost.
Consumer Reports' tests, which simulated nine years of wear and tear, show that few exterior paints and stains with lifetime warranties actually perform well. As Bancroft explains, “you'll get tired of the tint long before the quality paint fades.”
When selecting paint, the recommendation of the painter you hire can be influential. Bancroft prefers to use mid-quality acrylic paint for most projects due to its balance of cost, effectiveness, and durability. He remarks, “If you're painting your garage or finishing your basement, you may be downgrading.”
The cost estimate provided by painters typically includes tarps, tape, brushes, rollers, and other necessary equipment and supplies, though these can also be itemized separately. If you are looking to buy a home and need financing, entering your zip code below can connect you with a reputable lender quickly. For example, for those in the 46000 neighborhood, just input your zip code to start finding a customized lender match.
How to cut down on the price of house painting
Most of your budget will go into paying for the painter's time, so limiting their workday will yield the greatest savings. Additional savings opportunities exist as well. Read on for more expert advice on how to cut costs.
Get multiple bids first. Freeman recommends getting many quotes from painters before making a final decision. Look for painters in your area who have been suggested by others or who are members of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America; PDCA members must be licensed and insured in states where such requirements are in effect.
Inquire about the total amount of time spent on preparation and painting, the brands of paint used, the number of coats that will be applied, and the price for additional coats.
Please get involved and do it yourself, at least in part.
Doing the work on your own can save you a tonne of money. Paint is the single most expensive component of a DIY project. Expenses beyond labor include caulk, priming, brushes, rollers, tarps, ladders, and scaffolding that must be purchased or rented. According to Freeman, paint should be applied using brushes, not a sprayer. Overspraying causes "damage that is not easily rectified," he warns. This includes over-spraying the window frames, roof, walkways, and front brick.
Reduce the size of the project
Review the terms of the contract carefully before agreeing to them to see if there are any methods to save costs without sacrificing the quality of the work. Rather than repainting the ceiling or the inside of the closets, for instance, you might skip these tasks to save money and time.
You should color-plan for maximum effect. If the surface is in good shape, you may only need one coat of paint rather than two if you recoat your existing colors rather than switching them.
