Painting your house is one of the easiest ways to give it a fresh, updated look, but figuring out the cost can be a bit tricky. Prices can vary depending on a few key factors, like the size of your home, the type of paint you choose, and how complex the job is. Whether you’re boosting curb appeal, maintaining your home, or getting it ready to sell, knowing what to expect can help you budget properly and avoid any surprise expenses along the way.

Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House

The cost to paint the exterior of a home can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the size of the property, the complexity of the surfaces, and any necessary preparation work. These factors can impact the amount of time and materials needed, which in turn influences the overall cost. Below is a breakdown of typical costs for different home sizes:

Home Size	Estimated Cost
Small homes (2-3 bedrooms, 80-120 sqm)	$3,000 – $4,000
Medium homes (4 bedrooms, 120-160 sqm)	$4,000 – $6,000
Larger homes (200+ sqm)	$6,000 – $12,000+

Cost to Paint the Interior of a House

The cost of painting a home’s interior is influenced by several factors, with the most significant being the size of the property. Larger homes require more materials and labour, and in some cases, additional preparation or intricate detailing may increase the overall cost. Below is a general cost guide for painting the interior of homes based on size:

Home Size	Estimated Cost
Small Homes (2-3 Bedrooms, 80-120 sqm)	$1,000 – $3,000
Medium Homes (4 Bedrooms, 120-160 sqm)	$3,000 – $5,000
Larger Homes (200+ sqm)	$6,000+

What Factors Impact the Cost of Painting a House?

The cost of painting a house can vary significantly depending on several key factors.

Size of the House: The size of your home is one of the biggest factors that will impact the price. A larger house means more paint and more time to get the job done. For example, painting the interior of a three-bedroom house will generally cost less than a four-bedroom house because there’s simply more space to cover.
Type of Paint: The kind of paint you choose can make a big difference in price. High-quality paints, especially those that offer better durability or special finishes like matte, satin, or gloss, will usually cost more than basic paints.
Interior vs. Exterior: Painting the interior of your home is usually cheaper than painting the exterior. Exterior jobs require more work due to things like scaffolding, different surfaces, and exposure to the elements. These extra steps drive the price up.
Surface Condition: If your walls or exterior surfaces need a lot of prep like sanding, patching, or priming, the cost will increase. Any additional preparation work adds to the overall expense.
Labour Costs: This can vary depending on where you live and how experienced the painters are. For example, painters in cities like Melbourne or Perth might charge different rates based on local demand or the cost of living.
Complexity of the Job: If your home has lots of intricate details, such as detailed trims, shutters, or arches, the cost can go up. Also, if your house has multiple stories, extra time and equipment will be needed to get the job done, which can add to the price.

What House Painters Can Do

Painters provide a variety of services to enhance and protect your home, whether you’re refreshing interiors or maintaining exterior surfaces. Their expertise covers:

Interior Painting: This includes painting walls, ceilings, doors, trims, and cut-ins, such as where the wall meets the ceiling, windows, and floors.
Ceilings: Painters can refresh and repair ceilings to ensure a clean and polished finish.
Trims: Painters often handle the corner mouldings around doors, windows, and ceilings to give your space a finished look.
Colour Consulting: Many painters offer expert advice on choosing the right colours to complement your interior.
Wallpapering: Some painters also specialise in wallpapering, providing a stylish and functional option for certain spaces.
Exterior Painting: It’s recommended to repaint your home’s exterior every five years or more frequently if you live near the coast, as outdoor elements can wear down the paint faster.
Timber and Fence Painting: Protect and maintain outdoor timber surfaces like decks, fences, and pergolas.
Roof Painting: Requires specialists equipped with the right tools and safety protocols to reach high areas and ensure a durable finish.
Special Finishes: Some painters provide creative services like spray painting, offering a unique, professional finish for specific effects.

How to Save on House Painting Costs

Painting your house is an investment, but that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank. One of the easiest ways to save money is by doing some of the work yourself. If you’re confident with a paintbrush, tackling interior rooms can cut down on labour costs. It’s also a good idea to get multiple quotes from reputable painters before making a decision. Prices can vary, and shopping around ensures you’re getting the best deal.

Timing can also make a difference. Painting during the off-season, like in fall or winter, can sometimes get you a lower rate since demand is usually lower. Another way to save is by choosing standard paints instead of high-end options. While premium paints have their benefits, there are plenty of high-quality standard options that will still give your home a fresh, polished look without the extra cost. A little planning can go a long way in keeping your painting project within budget!

Getting Painting Quotes and Selecting the Right Painter

Finding the right painter at the right price doesn’t have to be a hassle. Start by gathering multiple quotes from reputable painters so you can compare prices, experience, and the services they offer. Not all painters are the same, so take the time to check reviews, ask for references, and make sure they’ve handled similar projects before.

When reviewing a quote, don’t just look at the final price, make sure it includes everything, from prep work and materials to labour costs. A cheaper quote might seem like a bargain, but if it leaves out key details, you could end up paying more in the long run. Taking these steps will help you choose a painter who delivers quality work at a fair price, giving your home the fresh new look it deserves!

FAQs

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?
The cost of painting the exterior can range from around $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the size and condition of your home. For smaller homes (2-3 bedrooms), you’re looking at about $3,000 to $4,000. Medium homes (4 bedrooms) will be between $4,000 and $6,000, while larger homes or those needing extra prep work could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000 or more. The main factors are surface area, prep work, and paint quality!
How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house?
Interior painting costs can vary based on the size of your home. For a small house (2-3 bedrooms), you might pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. A medium-sized home (4 bedrooms) will likely cost between $3,000 to $5,000. If you’ve got a larger home, especially with multiple stories, the price could easily go over $6,000. These prices will cover labor, prep work, and materials, of course.
How long does it take to paint a room?
Typically, painting a single room can take anywhere from 5.5 to 10 hours, depending on the experience of the painter. If you’re doing it yourself, you might find it takes a bit longer—up to 3 hours extra! Professional painters know all the tricks to speed things up without sacrificing quality, so if you’re working to a deadline, they can definitely help.
How much do painters charge per hour?
While most painters charge by the square metre rather than per hour, you can expect hourly rates to be between $40 to $60. Just keep in mind that the total cost will depend on how much area needs to be covered. It’s always a good idea to ask about both hourly and square metre rates when you’re gathering quotes!
How expensive is paint, and how much do I need?
Paint typically costs between $30 and $80 per 10L, depending on the brand and quality. To figure out how much you’ll need, you can use this simple formula: wall length x height, minus areas like windows or doors. If you’ve got a large area to cover, it might be worth getting a professional estimate to make sure you’re ordering enough.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House?