Depending on the city, you will find that several factors can affect how much it would cost to paint the interior of a house. So, if you’re trying to get a fresh coat on your home’s interior, you need to take many considerations, such as labor rates, materials, and the specific areas to be painted, as the costs may vary.
Interior Painting Costs: Things to Consider
Many things may change the expenses needed to paint the interior of your house. Here are some of the top ones that you must consider:
1. Area Size
The area size is the first thing you need to determine for a painting project. It’s one of the top factors that may change the cost of painting the interior of a house. In Charlotte, painting wall interiors may cost between $2.75 and $6. However, if you have larger walls, intricate fittings, and ceilings included, it may drive the cost up.
2. Average Labor Costs
Labor will account for a large portion of your expenses for interior painting. In Charlotte, the average cost to hire professional painters ranges between $20 and $50, depending on experience and the complexity of the project.
If you have a simple painting job that doesn’t need a lot of prep, labor will cost you around $20 to $30 hourly. On the other hand, more complex cases that need more prep work, such as sanding and patching, will cost you $35 to $50 per hour.
When accounting for labor, though, keep in mind that some painters charge an hourly rate, while others prefer project-based pricing.
3. Paint Type and Finish
The type of paint used significantly impacts the overall cost. Different home areas will have different paint types and finishes that work best.
Flat and matte paints are usually the cheapest, with prices around $15 to $40 per gallon. Meanwhile, eggshell and satin finishes can cost anywhere from $20 to $60 per gallon. Lastly, semi-gloss and gloss paints may cost $30 to $80 per gallon.
Of course, the cost of paint will also be affected by brand. Higher-end, high-quality paint brands may cost more at first, but in the long run, using them will lower your need to repaint frequently.
4. Prep Work
A paint job starts with prep work. Proper preparation is essential to ensure that the paint sticks on well and dries with a smooth and durable finish.
Prep work includes surface repairs, where the painters will need to patch up holes, cracks, and dents. It may also involve sanding the surface and priming.
On average, wall repairs will add another $50 to $200 to the overall cost per room, depending on how complex and how much work needs to be done. Sanding and priming may also add another $100 to $500.
If your room has wallpaper or old paint that must be removed before painting, you may have to shell out another $1 to $4 per square foot.
5. Room Types Involved
Different parts of the house need different paint and prep work, which may affect pricing.
For example, low-traffic rooms, such as bedrooms, can use the least pricey paint finishes, flat or matte, driving the costs down compared to other rooms. High-traffic rooms, such as the kitchen, which is also filled with fixtures that may complicate the process, will be more labor-intensive and require more durable but pricier paint finishes.
Homes with vaulted ceilings, intricate crown molding, or extensive trim work require additional labor, which can drive up the cost.
Painting vs. Repainting: Is There a Cost Difference?
Is there a huge difference in cost when you paint a newly constructed housing interior or repaint?
Painting a New Interior
You should expect that painting the interior of freshly built houses will cost you more.
When you have new drywall, paint professionals must prepare the surface for the paint to stick properly. This process includes priming, sanding, and sealing. While more labor intensive, having them results in a smooth finish for your rooms.
In addition, new drywall tends to absorb paint quickly. This means you will need two coats, minimum, for full coverage, driving up the cost of the paint and labor.
Because of these extra steps, painting a brand-new interior typically costs between $3.50 and $6.00 per square foot, which is higher than a standard repaint.
Repainting an Existing Interior
Repainting hurts your wallet less than painting for the first time—usually. This is due to a number of reasons.
For most repaint jobs, the walls will usually already have a base coat. If the existing paint is still in good condition, it will make things much easier and less expensive.
However, there will be cases where repainting might become more expensive. Drastic color changes can easily drive up the price. Changing from a dark color to a light one will require more primer coats to prevent the old color from peeking through.
Repainting may also be costlier if extensive paint or wall repairs are needed. In bad peeling and chipping cases, paint professionals may need to do more prep work, increasing labor costs.
On average, repainting an interior costs between $2.00 and $4.50 per square foot, making it more budget-friendly than painting a home for the first time.
Tips for Interior Painting Projects
What can you do to have high-quality interior painting projects done efficiently? Here are some tips involving saving on expenses, deciding on how it should be done, and what you should do in the long run:
1. Consider Seasonal Pricing
The time of year can affect painting costs. Usually, contractors will adjust their rates based on demand. In Charlotte, the spring and summer months are the busiest for professional painters, leading to higher prices and longer wait times.
Homeowners who want to save money should schedule their painting project during the fall or winter when demand is lower. During those months, painters are more likely to offer discounts or flexible pricing.
2. Multiple Quotes for Best Pricing
You should get three quotes from different painting contractors. This way, you can compare costs and quality of service and choose the best one. A detailed estimate should include a breakdown of labor and material costs, information on the type and brand of paint used, and an estimated timeline for project completion.
3. DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Many homeowners will think about painting their interiors themselves to cut costs. However, you should weigh the benefits and disadvantages of doing this.
Yes, you can grab a roller and paint your walls, but will it look good in the end? Additionally, doing your own painting job will cost between $200 and $600 per room for paint and supplies, but you will need to invest a significant amount of your own personal time.
Meanwhile, hiring a professional costs between $600 and $1,500 per room, but it ensures high-quality results and saves time. Mistakes made during a DIY project, such as uneven coats or paint drips, can lead to costly touch-ups or the need to redo entire sections, which may ultimately make hiring a professional the better option.
4. Moving Furniture and Protecting Floors
Before painting begins, furniture must be moved, and floors must be covered to prevent paint spills. Some painters include this service, while others charge an additional fee. If the painting company does not provide furniture moving, homeowners may need to do it themselves or pay an extra $50 to $200 per room.
Professional services usually include Floor and fixture protection, but for extensive measures, such as covering delicate fixtures or custom flooring, costs may range from $100 to $300.
5. Paint Warranty and Longevity
Reputable painting companies offer warranties to guarantee the durability of their work. With proper maintenance, a standard interior paint job should last between seven and ten years.
Higher-end paints and professional application techniques can extend this lifespan to 15 years before another coat is necessary. When hiring a painter, homeowners should ask about warranty options and whether the company provides free touch-ups within a certain period after completion.
Expecting Costs
The cost of an interior paint job should be considered, along with the quality of work contractors offer. They work together to ensure that you have the best-looking painted walls in your home.
Are you seeking cost-effective painting services for your home? Let Queen City Painting, a Charlotte painting company, help you out. Call us at 704-996-9266 or contact us online for a free quote today!