The cost to repaint a home typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 for professional interior painting, while exterior projects often run $4,000 to $12,000. Home size, surface condition, paint quality, location, and whether trim or ceilings are included drive the estimate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior repaint | $1,500 | $5,000 | $12,000 | About 1,000-2,500 sq ft; walls and basic prep |
| Exterior repaint | $2,500 | $6,500 | $15,000 | About 1,200-2,500 sq ft of living area |
| Interior wall rate | $1-$2 | $2-$4 | $5-$7 | Per sq ft of painted wall surface |
| Exterior rate | $1.50 | $3 | $5+ | Per sq ft of paintable exterior surface |
What a whole-home repaint costs at common sizes
For interior walls, a small 1,000-square-foot home may cost $1,500-$4,000, a 2,000-square-foot home about $3,000-$8,000, and a 3,000-square-foot home roughly $5,000-$12,000. These estimates assume two coats on walls, ordinary ceiling height, standard paint, and minor patching; ceilings, doors, and trim can add substantially.
Exterior pricing depends more on paintable surface area than indoor floor area. A one-story home with sound siding may cost $2,500-$6,000, while a two-story home with detailed trim or extensive prep can reach $8,000-$15,000 or more. Interior and exterior totals are not directly comparable because exterior access and weatherproofing add work.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market contractor rates, standard-quality paint, normal access, and no major repairs.
How paint, labor, and surface preparation shape the quote
Painting estimates commonly combine materials, labor, and job setup. The table shows typical components for a 2,000-square-foot interior repaint; actual bids may combine these charges rather than itemize them.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge | Unit or scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint and primer | $400-$1,200 | Brand, finish, number of coats | $25-$80 per gallon |
| Labor | $2,000-$5,500 | Prep, room layout, access | $25-$75 per painter-hour |
| Surface preparation | $200-$1,500 | Cracks, stains, peeling paint | Project charge |
| Equipment and protection | $100-$600 | Ladders, masking, floor covering | Project charge |
| Trim and doors | $500-$2,500 | Detail, condition, number of openings | Often priced separately |
Labor and preparation usually account for more of the bill than paint itself. A painter may need extra coats over dark colors or stain-blocking primer on water marks. The labor estimate can be checked with ; for example, 60 hours at $45 per hour equals $2,700 before materials and overhead.
Why ceiling height, siding, and repairs change the price
Interior estimates rise when ceilings exceed 8-9 feet, rooms have vaulted areas, or extensive trim requires careful brushwork. Moving furniture, repairing drywall, and changing from a dark shade to a light one can also add labor or coats. A room-by-room scope helps explain why two homes with the same floor area receive different bids.
For exteriors, siding material and condition matter. Smooth, sound siding is generally less costly to coat than rough wood, stucco, or surfaces with peeling paint. Homes above two stories may need lift rental or extra ladder work. Extensive scraping, rot repair, or lead-safe work can push a routine repaint into a larger restoration job.
As a rough benchmark, minor patching may add $200-$800, while widespread scraping and priming can add $1,000-$4,000 or more. Exterior wood repairs are often quoted separately, commonly at $300-$2,000 depending on the damaged area.
How many painter hours does a typical repaint take
A two-person crew may complete a straightforward 1,500-2,000-square-foot interior in 3-5 workdays, including basic prep and drying time. A full exterior repaint can take 4-8 workdays for a small crew, with weather, height, and scraping extending the schedule. These are elapsed workdays, not continuous painting hours.
Contractors may charge by the project, by room, or through an hourly estimate. Interior painter rates often fall around $25-$75 per hour per worker, while minimum service charges can be $300-$800 for a small job. Ask whether the quote includes setup, cleanup, and return visits between coats.
Regional labor rates make the same house cost more
Labor markets and housing styles create meaningful regional differences. Compared with a national mid-market quote, painting in high-cost coastal metros may run 15%-35% higher; lower-cost rural markets may be 10%-20% below it. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional tariffs.
Local climate also affects exterior scheduling and product choice. Humid, rainy, or very hot conditions can narrow the safe painting window, and older homes may need additional surface testing or preparation. Compare bids from contractors working in the same local market and confirm that their scopes match.
Three repaint quotes for realistic home sizes
These examples illustrate how scope changes the total rather than setting a universal rate. Each assumes professional labor and standard materials.
| Scenario | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small interior | 1,000 sq ft; walls only; 35-50 labor hours | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Mid-size interior | 2,000 sq ft; walls and ceilings; 70-100 labor hours | $5,000-$9,000 |
| Two-story exterior | 2,200 sq ft living area; siding and trim; 100-150 labor hours | $7,000-$13,000 |
Adding ceilings, trim, or substantial repairs can move a quote beyond these examples. Ask for separate prices for each added surface so the value of each scope change is clear.
Prep, disposal, and other charges to check before signing
Furniture protection and light patching may be included, but extensive furniture moving, wallpaper removal, pressure washing, caulking, and major repairs often cost extra. Wallpaper removal commonly adds $1-$3 per sq ft, while pressure washing may be $150-$500 for a typical home. Paint disposal or haul-away charges are often $50-$200.
For older homes built before 1978, disturbing lead-based paint can require certified lead-safe procedures, increasing labor and containment costs. Confirm whether permits or inspections apply to unusual exterior work or historic properties; ordinary repainting often does not require a building permit, but local rules differ.
Which repaint choices lower the bill without cutting corners
Limit the project to surfaces that need repainting, choose a consistent color across rooms, and avoid adding trim or ceilings unless they are part of the plan. Doing simple furniture clearing and removing wall decor can reduce setup time, but patching or sanding should be left to the crew if the bid requires a professional finish.
Request at least three written estimates with matching room lists, coat counts, paint products, prep details, and cleanup terms. Standard or mid-grade paint often provides good value when the surface is sound; premium coatings may be worthwhile for high-traffic rooms or exposed exteriors, but are not automatically necessary everywhere. Comparing identical scopes is the most reliable way to identify a genuinely lower price.