How Much Does It Cost To Paint The Interior Of A Home?
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Are you ready to update a room (or two) with a fresh coat of paint but don’t necessarily want to tackle this time-consuming and potentially messy home improvement project yourself? We don’t blame you. There’s a lot that goes into it and in this article, we’ll go over those details as well as discuss how much it costs to have your home’s interior professionally painted, and how to find a reputable painting company.
A DIY guide to painting a room
A fresh coat of paint is a great way to make a dramatic change to any room without breaking the bank. BUT there are several steps that must be completed in order to get the best results.
Planning
Let’s start with the fun stuff first. What color do you want to paint the room? Do you know what type of finish you want? Will your room need to be primed (the answer is usually yes) before you apply the chosen color? And finally do the walls have nicks, dents, or other imperfections that, if not fixed, will not yield great results?
We know, we just threw a lot of questions at you but they are important. Color is a matter of personal taste and personality; you should pick the hue that you love and then test it. In fact, to be sure you’ve chosen the correct color for the room, you may want to grab a few samples and find an inconspicuous place on your wall to try them on for size, if you will.
While performing this experiment of sorts, you should make sure to get the correct finish. If you’re wondering if the finish really matters, the answer is a resounding yes! Here’s a couple of examples why. Let’s say you’re planning on painting the family room. You know the space where your kids hang out with all their friends and where there are likely to be handprints and who knows what on the walls? In that case, you need a finish that can be cleaned easily; we’d suggest a satin finish. If you’re painting the formal dining room, you don’t necessarily need as durable a finish because this area has less traffic. You will want a sheen that makes walls look clean and smooth, perhaps an eggshell finish. There are several types of finish available so we encourage you to spend some time learning about the options.
Another part of planning is evaluating the current condition of your walls. If there are a lot of problem areas, you will need to purchase items such as spackling and compound. You’ll also likely need to decide if primer will be used. Primer looks like paint, however it’s designed to seal surfaces which creates smooth and clean areas for the new paint to bind to. While not every room may require primer, you’ll need to prime if you’re making a drastic change in color, if the walls are glossy or porous, or if the walls are stained.
Once you’ve selected the color and finish and determined if primer will be necessary, you’ll need to make sure you buy enough of both paint and primer to cover the walls. You’ll also need to acquire all the tools of the trade. Here’s a more comprehensive list to help you make sure you get everything.
Spackle, compound, caulk, and tools to apply
Primer, wall paint, and ceiling paint (if applicable)
Paint brushes for cutting in and small spaces
Rollers, extension poles, and trays
Painter’s tape for wall and ceiling edges, trim, molding, etc.
Drop clothes, plastic sheets, rags, and cleaning products
Preparation
Before you can begin painting, you’ll want to prep the walls to get the best results possible. This includes:
Washing off dirt or other buildup
Patching and sanding holes, dents, and cracks.
Taping
Laying down drop clothes and covering furniture, if applicable
Priming & Painting
The wall preparation you complete before primer and paint may take quite a bit of time but the work you put in ahead of the actual painting will be worth it, trust us!
When priming, you’ll want to start by cutting in, or applying primer to edges. Before you start rolling you should also spot prime patches and other areas that need extra TLC before they’ll be ready for paint.
Just one more thing before you can paint. Grab a roller and probably an extension pole and start rolling primer onto your walls. A word of advice on this step, start on one side of the wall and roll from high to low making your way to the other side. You’ll want a nice, even coat which may mean the application of a second coat of primer.
Before you start painting, you’ll want to make sure the primer has completely dried. Drying time varies based on a couple of factors including humidity level and temperature.
When painting, you don’t want to just go at it randomly. If you’re painting the ceilings, start there. That way you won’t have to go back and correct drips and spills on the walls.
For the walls, you’ll want to cut in along the edges as you did with the primer and then use a roller to apply a uniform coat. As was the case with the primer, you should start on one side of the wall and make your way across going high then low. Once the first coat of paint dries, inspect for “islands” and other trouble areas and determine if you’ll need a second coat.
Clean Up
Once you’re satisfied with the painting and everything has dried, remove the painter’s tape carefully, pick up drop clothes, uncover furniture and set the room back to rights. You may need to clean up spills that were not caught by all your efforts.
How much does it cost to have a professional do the job for me?
As you can see from above, painting even a single room in your home can be a lot of work. The alternative is to hire a professional to do the painting for you. Yes, it will be more expensive but the results may be worth the added cost.
If you’re tossing the idea around, we recommend getting an estimate early on. That way you can compare the cost of DIY painting versus professional painting.
In order to provide an accurate estimate for the project, a paint contractor must identify the full scope of the project. Factors that will go into the creation of the estimate includes:
· Measuring the space including walls, crown molding, trim, etc.
· Evaluating the current condition of the walls (dents, wallpaper, stains, etc.)
· Determining what type of paint will be used, how many gallons will be used, and if primer will be necessary
There is not a one size fits all cost for painting an interior room. Quotes will vary by contractor, complexity of the room, and when you want it done among other considerations. Winter time is a great time to reach out to painters because it is typically their slow season. At least that is the case in the Greater Birmingham metro. And of course, you’ll pay more for quality. There are a lot of companies out there that offer this service, make sure you opt for one that you can trust. And on that note, let’s dive deeper into this topic.
Finding a reputable house painter
It is essential that you are comfortable with the painting company you choose- after all, they’ll be working in your home and possibly around your family. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
Schedule a free consultation
A reputable paint contractor should be willing to provide you with a free onsite consultation. In addition to evaluating your space, this will give you an opportunity to check them out more closely. Are they local? Do you feel comfortable having them in your home?
Make sure your estimate is clear and in writing
Your candidate should provide you an estimate in writing. If they do not, move on quickly. Your quote for service should be easy to understand and include the full scope of the projects, payment specifications, timeframes, and guarantee of work as well as any other terms you discussed.
Verify that your paint pro is insured
Sometimes things happen in life, it’s inevitable. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that any contractor you hire for any home improvement project is fully insured. It’s not only okay to ask the question, you should steer clear of any companies that are not willing to furnish you with the information.
Contact Serve One Construction For A Free Consultation!
Serve One Construction is a home improvement company that has been serving Hoover, Mountain Brook, and communities throughout the Greater Birmingham metro area for over 10 years. If you’re looking for a company to paint your kitchen, living room, or other room in your home, please give us a shout. In addition to handyman services, remodeling, deck building and termite damage repair services, interior painting is part of our repertoire and we’d be happy to provide you with a free on-site consultation and quote for the project by clicking on the button below.