Everything you need to know before hiring a painting contractor.
A complete interior repaint of a 2,000 sq ft home (walls only) costs $3,000–$5,500 with professional painters and quality paint. Individual rooms cost $300–$800. Cabinet painting adds $1,500–$4,000. Trim and ceiling painting adds to the total. Price depends on room count, ceiling height, prep work needed, and paint quality.
Exterior painting for a 2,000 sq ft single-story home costs $3,000–$6,000; a 3,500 sq ft two-story costs $6,000–$10,000+. Price varies by siding type (wood requires more prep than vinyl), paint quality, number of colors, and trim detail. Proper prep (power washing, scraping, priming) is critical for durability.
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Find a ContractorQuality interior paint lasts 5–10 years; exterior paint lasts 7–10 years on average. Durability depends on paint quality (premium brands last longer), surface prep, application technique, climate, and sunlight exposure. South-facing exteriors and homes in harsh climates may need repainting sooner.
Flat/matte: hides imperfections, best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Eggshell/satin: slightly washable, good for living rooms and bedrooms. Semi-gloss: durable and washable, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and trim. High-gloss: maximum durability, used for doors and trim. Most professionals use eggshell on walls and semi-gloss on trim.
Painters typically quote by square footage (walls, ceilings, trim separately) or per room. Variables include: surface prep required (patching, scraping, priming), ceiling height, number of colors, paint quality specified, accessibility challenges, and number of coats. Always get a detailed line-item quote — not a vague per-room price.
A thorough painting contract should specify: rooms and surfaces included, prep work (sanding, patching, priming), number of coats, paint brand and sheen level, color selections, start and completion dates, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Painter supplies all materials unless otherwise specified.
Move or cover furniture. Remove wall hangings, switch plates, and outlet covers. Clear rooms to provide full access. Ensure painters can access utilities (water for washing). Address existing damage (water stains from leaks) before painting. Confirm paint colors in advance with color chips against your actual walls.
Paint is opaque and sits on top of the surface, providing color and surface protection. Stain penetrates the wood and enhances its natural grain while providing protection. Stain is typically used for wood decks, fences, and exterior wood elements where you want a natural look. Solid color stains are more like thin paint; semi-transparent and transparent stains show wood grain.
Wait at least 30 days after a fresh paint job before applying additional coats or doing touch-ups — paint continues to cure after it dries to the touch. For previously painted walls in good condition, a light cleaning and scuff sanding is all the prep needed before repainting.
Look for licensed and insured contractors with positive local reviews. Ask for references from similar projects (homes of similar size and type). Get itemized written quotes from at least three contractors. Confirm the crew performing the work (employees vs. subcontractors). A quality contractor won't pressure you to decide the same day.