How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House? 2025 Cost Guide

Homeowners typically commission or carry out their home’s interior and exterior paintwork every four to five years—it all hinges on the humidity level, UV ray exposure (paint fades/discolours), and the house’s layout. Paintwork is one of the best ways of keeping a home looking fresh and aesthetically pleasing.

If you have neither the time nor the means for paintwork, your best option is to hire a professional painter. How much should you budget for residential paintwork? Should you hire a professional house painter or a student painter for a more budget-friendly approach? What factors should you consider before contacting painters?

This article details a slew of useful information to have on hand before contacting a house painter.

How Much to Budget for an Interior and Exterior Home Painting Project?

Source : Peinture Fortin inc.

In that table, we will present some examples of prices for different rooms:

How Much Does a Painter Charge to Paint a Room? (Per Sq. Ft. & Per Hour)

How Much Does It Cost to Repaint a House in Canada?

Source : Soumission Rénovation

The total cost of a painting project largely depends on the painter's level of experience. However, other factors also play a role, such as the need to move furniture, repair walls, or account for ceiling height. Some painting services charge an hourly rate, while others offer a service bundle or fixed price based on square footage.

A professional painter charges a minimum of $30 per hour (up to $80/hr). As for student painters, hourly rates range from $15 to $25 per hour. However, note that inexperienced workers may be slower than professional house painters.

Beyond experience level, the following will affect overall project costs:

• Painter's reputation

• Timeline (if you want work done quickly, it’ll cost more)

• Peak or off-season work (Did you know that renovation work is often more affordable in the winter?)

Factors Affecting Residential Painting Quotes

Source : Soumission Rénovation

Wall Cleaning and Repairs

The walls must be cleaned before they can be coated in paint but, in some cases, they must be repaired too. This applies to minor or major cracks that must be filled with a spackling compound before paint is applied.

Woodwork and Moulding

Woodwork like door and window frames, as well as any other sort of trim on the walls, call for meticulous attention to detail, extending the project’s timeline depending on the level of detail each entails. The hired painter is likely to spend more time working on and around these details, which will inevitably impact your project's final invoice.

Number of Paint Coats

If you choose bright or dark colours, the painter has to apply several coats of paint to achieve the desired shade. Ideally, opt for quality paint to limit the number of coats needed.

Ceiling Height

For some high-end or heritage homes, the height of the ceilings can outscale that of traditional homes by several feet. As such, scaffolding is required, increasing the risks of workplace accidents.

Drying Time

After every coat of paint, a specific amount of time is dedicated to allowing said layer to dry. As such, the more coats of paint applied, the longer the drying time, thereby increasing the hired painter's invoice.

Moving Furniture

The need for moving furniture and appliances increases overall project costs, especially if the painter hires additional labourers to complete this step.

Before undertaking a house painting project, check out this article: What Are the Ideal Conditions to Paint Outside?

How to Hire a Professional House Painter

Source : Soumission Rénovation

As stated, the cost of hiring a house painter hinges on their level of experience, as is the case for most home improvement projects. Moreover, note that your decision will be based on the square footage to paint. If you plan on having your living room or kitchen painted, then hiring a professional painter who can guarantee quick and flawless results is ideal.

On the other hand, if your project solely entails painting a small room or garage, then perhaps you’ll want to consider hiring a student painter. While they may not have the skills or speed of an experienced professional, they charge budget-friendly rates.

Need some help finding a professional house painter? Check out our article: How to Find a Good House Painter.

Before Hiring a Professional Interior Painter

There’s nothing tricky about simply wanting to undertake a house painting project, but you still have to know exactly what you want. Effective planning is key to successfully carrying out any renovation project. As such, determine the number of rooms and square footage to paint, the desired paint colour, and the allocated budget.

Once you have this information on hand, start requesting quotes from painters to compare project proposals. Then, everything hinges on choosing the right contractor; one who offers the most budget-friendly rates. Also, feel free to dig a little deeper, and look for reviews left by former customers. If the project bidders have a company Facebook page or a website, take a look at the work presented, areas of expertise, and all services offered.

Consider the Following Before Signing a Painting Project Contract

Start by ensuring that the hired company truly exists and is a registered enterprise. To do so, check provincial registries, such as Quebec’s Enterprise Register or Ontario’s Business Registry. Then, depending on where you live, check whether the painter has all the necessary licences like an RBQ licence, as is mandatory in Quebec.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask prospective hires for work references from their former customers. It’s the best way to vet the professional in question and assess the actual quality of their work. Lastly, carefully read over the contract before signing it, looking for the following:

• Work description

• Timeline (project start and finish dates)

• Terms and conditions of the contract

• Payment policy

• Estimated project cost

Want to know how much to budget for your house painting project? Try our cost estimator!

House Painting: Investing in Aesthetics and Durability

The cost of painting a house hinges on several factors, including square footage, the type of paint, the state of the walls, and whether you hire a professional house painter or opt for the DIY approach. Asses and plan your budget according to your specific needs. By prioritizing quality materials and meticulous application, you can refresh your home while shielding it from untimely wear and tear. In the long run, it's worth the investment as it not only enhances the value of your home but helps preserve its appeal.

FAQ About House Painting Projects

How long does a house painting project take on average?

The duration of a house painting project hinges on the total surface area and project complexity. For a standard 10 x 12-foot room, plan for anywhere between one to two days to prep the surfaces, apply two coats of paint, and allow for proper drying time. More complex projects, such as painting high ceilings or detailed moulding or trim, can take longer.

How can I pick the right paint colour?

Choose a colour based on the room itself and its exposure to natural light. Light colours, such as white or beige, tend to visually enhance rooms, while darker shades add warmth and instill a sense of privacy. Feel free to sample colour swatches on your walls!

How can I figure out the amount of paint needed for my project?

To determine the amount of paint needed, measure the surface area you intend to paint (length x height of walls), then subtract windows and doors. Divide the total surface area by the volume of paint in the can. On average, a gallon of paint covers roughly 350 to 400 square feet.

How can I clean a freshly painted wall?

Allow the paint to dry completely before moving furniture around or cleaning freshly painted surfaces (typically 7–14 days). Avoid scrubbing freshly painted surfaces for a few weeks. To prolong the paint’s appeal, clean the painted surface using a soft rag and lukewarm water, and avoid abrasive cleaners.