Painter Costs

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way, both on the exterior and the interior of your home. Not only will it breathe new life into the space, but it will provide protection for your walls, siding, and other painted surfaces. Painting is also an easy way to increase the resale value and curb appeal of your home.

However, painting any area in your home is a big investment. There are a lot of things to consider and plan in order to get the best outcome. From choosing the right paint products to getting the best color for your space, you have a lot of decisions to make. If that list of decisions includes choosing a professional painter, this cost guide can help you get an idea of what to expect to pay.

Exterior painting jobs are usually priced by the square foot. Some painters still charge hourly rates for exterior work, but this is rare. If you are charged an hourly rate, make sure that it is comparable. Interior painting jobs generally charge by the hour. Rates will vary depending on your location, the experience of the painter, and the type of project being done. The season can also affect how much you pay for painting labor.

Hiring a painter: in determining the total cost of hiring a painter, you have to factor in all of the materials and steps in the process, as well. Paint costs between $20 and $100 for two gallons. If you choose optional textured finishes, expect to pay an additional $2-$4 per square foot for all materials and labor.

Other considerations and costs

• Permit fees are not included in the estimates.
• You may be required to pay landfill disposal fees of $20-$50 per ton.
• Drywall repairs and mold or mildew cleaning will not be included in the painting estimate. These are charged separately and can cost up to $380 for drywall repairs and anywhere from $500 to $30,000 for mold remediation.
• If you rent your home, you may need to repaint before moving out, so factor that into your painting costs from the start.

Check out our guide if you need a loan for your home improvement project.

DIY considerations

• If you are painting high ceilings or exterior siding on your own, ladders and scaffolding will need to be added to your budget. You can usually rent these from home improvement stores or equipment rental services.
• DIY projects will save you on labor costs but can double the man hours required for the job.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Websites.