Guides & advice · Painting
Painting: costs, choices and hiring advice
The fastest way to make any home look brand new. Here is what to know before you get quotes.
What it costs
$965–$3,089 (interior)
Interior painting is usually priced by room or square foot. Exterior painting averages $3,178, with most projects between $1,819 and $4,551.
- One bedroom, walls only$240–$720
- Living room$700–$2,000
- Exterior, 2,000 sq. ft. of paintable surface$4,000–$13,000
Choices that change the price
- Walls only or full repaintWalls only is the lowest cost.
- Paint qualityHigher-grade paints usually cover better and last longer, which can save a coat.
Problems and hidden costs to watch for
- Prep and repairsPatching drywall, scraping peeling paint and replacing rotted trim add cost before any paint goes on.
- Lead paintHomes built before 1978 may have lead paint.
- Color changesGoing from dark to light colors often needs primer and an extra coat.
Upkeep and lifespan
- Touch-up paintKeep labeled leftover paint for touch-ups.
- ExteriorWash the exterior and check caulk yearly to make the paint job last.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- How many coats, and what brand and line of paint?
- What prep is included: washing, scraping, patching, caulking, priming?
- Are ceilings, trim and doors included?
- How will you protect floors, furniture and landscaping?
All painting guides
Costs, budgets and timelines
- Painting cost guideNational prices, example budgets and what each price covers
- Exterior House Painting Cost by Home Size and SurfaceExterior painting runs $1.50–$4 per sq. ft. of paintable surface plus $0.50–$2.50 for prep. How size, stories, siding and trim change the total.
Repair, replace or choose
- Painting Kitchen Cabinets vs. Refacing ThemProfessional cabinet painting averages about $940; refacing runs $4,270–$10,200. Which fits your cabinets' condition and the change you want.
Common problems
- Peeling Exterior Paint: Coating Failure vs. Moisture ProblemsPaint that peels from age or poor prep is a painting job. Paint that peels because water is getting into the wall needs the moisture fixed first.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- How to Compare Contractor Estimates (With an Annotated Example)Line up scope, quantities, allowances, exclusions and warranty terms so you compare the same job, not just the bottom line.
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a ContractorA practical checklist for the first call, the estimate visit and before you sign, plus links to project-specific questions.
- How to Verify a Contractor's License and InsuranceWhere to look up a license, how to confirm insurance with the insurer, and what each check does and does not tell you.
- Quote comparison worksheetLine up up to three quotes side by side
Budget tools
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in the cost guide. They are not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.