| Project | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time (Pro Crew) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single room | $75–$200 | $200–$600 | 3–6 hours |
| 3-BR interior | $500–$1,200 | $2,000–$4,500 | 2–3 days |
| 4-BR interior | $700–$1,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | 3–4 days |
| Exterior (1-story) | $600–$1,500 | $2,500–$5,000 | 2–4 days |
| Exterior (2-story) | $800–$2,000 | $3,500–$7,000 | 3–5 days |
| Full interior + exterior | $1,200–$3,000 | $5,000–$10,000+ | 5–8 days |
Interior painting costs $2–$6 per square foot of wall space. The main variables are number of rooms, ceiling height (9-foot ceilings have 15% more wall area than 8-foot), how much trim and door painting is included, and whether ceilings are being painted (add 30–40%). Two coats of quality paint on clean, smooth walls is a straightforward job. The complexity increases with textured walls, wallpaper removal, extensive patching, or color changes from dark to light which may need 3+ coats.
Exterior painting costs $1.50–$4 per square foot of exterior surface. The main cost drivers are number of stories (each story above ground level adds 20–30% for ladder and scaffold time), siding material (wood requires more prep than vinyl or fiber cement), and condition of the existing paint. Exterior prep work includes power washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, and protecting landscaping. This prep work is 30–40% of the total job cost and is the difference between a paint job that lasts 3 years and one that lasts 10.
Get 3+ written estimates that itemize prep work, number of coats, paint brand and product, and timeline. Verify the painter has liability insurance and workers compensation (ask for certificates). Check online reviews and ask to see completed projects in your area. Be wary of quotes that are 30%+ below the average — they are likely cutting corners on prep or using thin, cheap paint. A good painter will walk the property with you and point out specific prep needs before giving a quote, not just eyeball it from the driveway.