Interior painting is one of the most popular ways to redecorate a home. A fresh coat of paint is a quicker, simpler, and more affordable way to refresh your home than other complicated renovations. However, the average cost of a painting project is $1-$3 per square foot of surface area. This amounts to $350-$850 per room, proving costly for some homeowners. The good news is that you can save on interior painting costs. This post looks at factors that affect interior painting costs and shows how you can save money on the project.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Interior Walls?
The average cost per square footage of interior painting may vary depending on several factors, including:
Size of the project
How many rooms require painting? Are you hiring professional painters for a couple of rooms of the entire home's interior? The amount of painting work ultimately determines the cost of a paint job. Of course, the bigger the project, the more costly the project will be.
The layout of the Rooms
The height, shape, and other features of different rooms also affect the painting costs. For example, too much trim, tight spaces, high ceilings, and built-ins in dining rooms could incur extra costs.
Type of Paint and Paint Finishes
Deciding color is not the only choice you have to make when painting interior spaces. You also have to consider the different types of paint, including:
Latex paint costs an average of $15-$50 per gallon. It is long-lasting and great for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
Oil-based paint: It costs $20-$60 per gallon. While prone to chipping, oil-based paint performs exceptionally against moisture and water damage. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathroom walls.
Paint finishes also affect the cost of your project. Depending on the nature of your paint job, some of the choices include;
Eggshell and satin paints cost $11-$60 per gallon. Interior painters use them as an all-around option because of their durability and cost.
Flat Paint: Costs $10-$70 per gallon and is excellent for low-moisture areas.
Semi- and high-gloss paint: It costs an average of $12-$80 and is best for features like baseboards and trim.
Amount of Prep Work Needed
Painting companies have to prepare surfaces before they start painting because it impacts the quality of paint coating. The painting contractor will charge a higher hourly rate if your house interior requires more time and materials to deal with scuff marks and other imperfections.
Tips to Save on Interior Painting Costs
Share Supplies
Ceiling paint may have an expiration date, but that's not the case with paint supplies. You can reuse paint brushes, rollers, plastic drop cloths, painter's tape, and other supplies multiple times. Get the supplies from your last interior painting project from storage, or borrow some from a neighbor or friend.
Offer to do Some of the Prep Work
There are saving opportunities at the prep work stage of any painting project. Tasks like rolling up carpets, removing accent wall hangings, and centering the furniture are necessary. They help painters have a clear workspace that's easy to maneuver around. However, they take time and cost money. So why not offer to do them in advance? You can offer to do some work in advance, saving the interior painters some time and yourself some money.
Push the furniture to the center of the room and cover it. Next, use canvas drop cloths to cover the floor and protect it from spills. You'll also need to set all the essential tools and equipment at a convenient location.
Invest in Quality Paints
Cheap paints may seem like a good idea at first, but they will cost you in the long run. Most bargain-based paints are thin and require at least two coats of paint to cover dark walls. This doesn't mean you have to spend a premium on wall paint. Look for paints in the suitable price range that offer features like self-primer and promise a certain level of quality. Mis-tint paint might also be a worthy investment. The term refers to paint tinted to order, but the final color isn't what the customer had in mind.
Know Amount Paint You Need
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is buying a lot of paint for home projects. It would be best to calculate the surface area that needs painting before buying paint. Knowing how many gallons you need beforehand ensures that you don't lose money on excess paint that goes to waste.
Timing is Everything
You can enjoy a lower cost to paint during "slower seasons." Areas that experience all four seasons attract a lower interior painting cost during the winter months. March and November offer great saving opportunities for exterior painting. August and the days around major holidays are great for other painting projects.
Repaint More Often
It may seem counterintuitive, but more frequent touch-ups can amount to significant savings in the long run. Regular maintenance can protect your house and prevents costly repairs. On the other hand, if you wait too long, you increase the risk of significant paint deterioration, dry rot, severe water damage, and wood cracks.
Want to Transform Your Home's Interior? GoPro Painters can Help
While a DIY approach can help you cut down on the total cost of a paint job, a professional has more to offer. They have more painting experience and, as such, will do a better quality job. The paint will last for a long time, and you'll only need to do touch-ups every five years or so. The team at GoPro Painters Inc. can help you give your house a fresh look. Whether you need us to paint ceilings or the walls in a single room, we'll do a super job from start to finish. Give us a call at 408-960-4646 to discuss your project or request a free estimate.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/cost-to-paint-a-room/
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/interior-house-painting-savings
https://www.mydomaine.com/how-much-to-paint-the-interior-of-house-5119272
https://www.networx.com/article/painting-your-home-5-ways-to-save-money
https://seasidesundays.com/budget-painting/