Interior Painting Costs: What to Expect

February 24, 20254 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Interior of a House?

Interior painting cost guide: Average pricing, DIY vs. professional services, paint types, and expert tips for flawless home painting results

Planning an Interior Paint Job? Here’s What to Expect

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform your home, making it feel cleaner, brighter, and more modern. Whether you're refreshing a single room or repainting your entire house, knowing the cost upfront helps you budget accordingly.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
Average costs for interior painting
Factors that impact pricing
DIY vs. hiring a professional painter
How to get the best results

If you're ready for a flawless, professional paint job, check out our painting services at localhandymangroup.com/painting


How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Interior?

The cost to paint a house interior depends on square footage, paint type, wall condition, and labor costs. Here’s a general estimate:

  • A 1,000 sq. ft. home typically costs between $2,000 to $4,000.

  • A 1,500 sq. ft. home falls between $3,000 to $6,000.

  • A 2,000 sq. ft. home ranges from $4,000 to $8,000.

  • Homes over 2,500 sq. ft. can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

For a single room, expect to pay between $500 to $1,500, depending on size and paint quality.

The cost per square foot typically ranges from $2 to $5 when hiring professionals. If you choose to DIY, the price can be as low as $1 to $2 per square foot, but it requires significant time and effort.


Cost Breakdown: What Affects Interior Painting Prices?

Several factors impact the final price of an interior paint job:

🎨 1. Size of the Area Being Painted

  • A single room costs between $500 – $1,500, depending on the size.

  • A whole house costs more but may qualify for bulk pricing discounts.

🏡 2. Number of Rooms & Walls

  • Accent Walls: Adding a bold color or design may cost more due to extra prep and precision.

  • Ceilings & Trim: Painting ceilings and baseboards adds $1 – $2 per square foot.

🖌️ 3. Paint Type & Quality

  • Basic Paint: $20 – $40 per gallon (good for rentals or refreshes).

  • Premium Paint: $50 – $80 per gallon (better durability, richer colors).

  • Eco-Friendly Paint: $60 – $100 per gallon (low-VOC, great for health-conscious homes).

🔹 Pro Tip: One gallon of paint covers 250–400 sq. ft.

🏚️ 4. Wall Condition & Prep Work

  • Minor Repairs: Small holes or dings are easy fixes.

  • Major Drywall Repairs: Costs go up if walls need patching or resurfacing. Learn more at localhandymangroup.com/drywall.

👷 5. Labor Costs

  • Most professional painters charge $30 – $70 per hour.

  • Complex jobs (vaulted ceilings, intricate trim work) take longer and increase costs.


DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Painter

Many homeowners wonder if they should paint their home themselves or hire a professional. Here’s what you need to consider:

DIY Interior Painting:
✔ Lower cost, but requires purchasing tools and paint
✔ Time-consuming (may take days or weeks depending on the area)
✔ Risk of streaks, uneven coats, and visible brush marks
✔ Requires extensive prep and cleanup

Professional Interior Painting:
✔ Higher cost but includes labor and high-quality materials
✔ Fast turnaround—1 to 5 days depending on the project
Flawless, even finish with professional techniques
✔ No hassle—prep and cleanup are handled for you

💡 When to DIY: If you're painting a single room with a simple color, DIY might work.
🔥 When to Hire a Pro: If you want a fast, high-quality finish for your whole home, hiring a painter from Local Handyman is the best investment. Get started at localhandymangroup.com/painting


How to Get the Best Results for Your Interior Paint Job

Pick the Right Paint: High-quality paint lasts longer and looks better.
Test Colors First: Paint small swatches before committing to a full wall.
Use Proper Techniques: Always cut in first, roll in a "W" pattern, and apply two coats.
Let Professionals Handle It: A pro painter saves time, effort, and guarantees the best results.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to paint the interior of a house?

  • One Room: 1–2 days

  • Full House: 3–7 days (depending on size & prep work)

2. How often should I repaint my home’s interior?

  • Living Areas & Bedrooms: Every 5–7 years

  • Bathrooms & Kitchens: Every 3–5 years due to moisture & stains

  • High-Traffic Areas: Every 2–4 years

3. Can I stay in my home while it’s being painted?

Yes! Professional painters use low-VOC paints and plan efficiently to minimize disruption.


Final Thoughts: Is Interior Painting Worth It?

Boosts home value (especially before selling).
Makes your space feel fresh & modern.
Increases durability (protects walls from wear & tear).

Whether you need a single-room refresh or a whole-house transformation, our experts at Local Handyman can help.

📞 Get a quote today at localhandymangroup.com/painting

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