Professional Painting Cost Guide
When you are considering hiring a professional painter to tackle your home or commercial project, it is important that you understand the average costs so you know what you can afford. On top of that, when you know the average rate, you can make sure that you are getting a fair quote. Here are the costs for the common painting projects:
- Paint per room: $800-$3000
- Paint per square foot (for smaller jobs): $2-$6 per square foot.
- Typical cost per hour: $20-$50 per hour. It can be $100 or more for more intricate work.
- Ceiling painting: $150-$350
- Fence painting costs: $750-$4000
- Painting exterior of the home: $1800-$4000
- New construction cost: $2-$4 per square foot.
- Cost to repaint an apartment: $1000-$3000 on average.
- Commercial painting: $2-$6 per square foot.
Tips For Hiring Professional Painters
Consider these useful tips when looking for a professional painter. Don’t go with the first person you find. Instead, make sure to do your research.
Use Good Sources To Find The Best Professionals
There are many painters in the world, but not all are created equal. In order to find a qualified professional that will be there to deliver a high-quality product, you’ll want to do your due diligence. Start by looking on Best of the Web and contains painting professionals found here for free estimates.
Take the time to read over several of their customer reviews and see what other people think of them. Also, look at some of their portfolios and pictures of their previous work to see if it meets your standards.
Questions to Ask Painters During An Estimate
Unless you are only expecting them to paint a small room, it is wise that you have the painter come to your home to have a closer look at the project and give you an estimate of the cost for the final product. When you have a painter over for an estimate, you will want to have all of your questions ready to go. Questions like:
- How long have you been painting houses?
- How long will the project take to complete?
- Do you pick up all of the trash at the end?
- What kind of prep work is included in the price quote?
- What do you need me to do before you start?
- How experienced is your crew?
Once you have your questions answered and the painter gives you a price quote, make sure to get it in writing. This is important so you can ensure that you are not surprised when the bill arrives, and you can make any disputes if necessary.
Know What To Expect During The Estimate
During the estimate, at least one representative from the painting company will come to look at your project. When they do, they will complete a full inspection where they look at the condition of your walls and current paint as well as check for obstacles that might get in the way. The pro might also make suggestions for what type of paint to use and what color to choose, which you can either use or ask for an alternative.
As the client, make sure that you have all of your information ready, including exactly what parts of the premises will need to be painted, the square footage of the space, dates when you will be available, etc.
Ask Painters What Materials They Use
If the painter does recommend a type of paint, then ask about the quality of the product and how long it should last. Keep in mind that interior and exterior jobs may require different paint. Remember that different paints have their own grades and lifetimes before they may crack or fade, so if you want a better product, then don’t be afraid to ask.
Make Sure They Provide a Warranty
Even though your paint may have a limited lifetime, your contractor should have their own warranty for their work. You’ll want to have a warranty of at least one to three years because if the painter used inferior products, then defects will likely show in the first year. If you have a warranty, you can call them to come back to fix the issues.
You should also ask about the terms and conditions of their warranty, so you don't do anything to void the policy. If the painter provides any documentation, then keep it and read all of the fine print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions that you may have when looking for a professional painter:
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Professional Painting?
Although your painting professional may give you some guidance for how to prepare for their arrival, there are some things that you can do on your end to prepare for the start of the project.
For instance, you will want to remove any furniture from the rooms(s), especially items that are in front of the areas that need to be painted. If you cannot remove the items completely, then at least move it to the center of the room, so it is out of the way.
If you have any outlets in the room, then consider removing the outlet covers and switch plates, so you don’t have to worry about them during the project. This is especially important if you have expensive or decorative outlet covers that you don't want to get ruined. While you do that, take the time to clean off any of the dirtier walls with a mixed solution of water and mild detergent. This is important because dust or other imperfections will show through the new paint.
Does a Painter Need to be Licensed?
Although in most states, it is required by law that the painter has a license, it is not necessary everywhere, so check out your local guidelines. Do not be afraid to ask if your potential painter has their credentials in order.
It is worth noting that there are advantages to hiring a licensed painter. For instance, if the painter does not complete the job, then you can file a claim with your state contractors' board. Also, licensed painters must also have liability insurance, which means that you can be reimbursed in the unfortunate situation where property damage occurs. Finally, a licensed professional will have workers’ compensation insurance, so you will not have to pay if they are injured on the job.
How Long Does it Take to Paint a House Interior?
Many people want to know how long it can take to complete their painting project so they can schedule accordingly or otherwise know how long they may be unable to use a particular room. In general, it will typically take a professional two to four days to paint an average-sized room, even if you have removed all of the items from the space before they arrive. This time is typically spent prepping the space, priming all necessary areas, and properly applying at least one coat of paint, so it looks flawless.
If you are having them paint multiple rooms, then you should multiply that time accordingly so you can have a realistic expectation of the project time.
