Cost to Paint a House: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

If the idea of saving money through a DIY project seems appealing but not at the risk of finished results, Ebel and Micetich suggest doing the majority of the prep work yourself to minimize the amount of labor you’ll have to pay for. “If you can take down photos or art on the walls or move furniture, it will save the painters work on-site,” Ebel says. Micetich adds that filling holes, sanding, applying painters tape, and laying cloths can be easy tasks that decrease the total cost. “Using this method, you can save money by doing some of the labor yourself without sacrificing the benefits of a professional paint job,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider the following FAQs when planning your home-painting project.

How can you save money when painting a house?

In addition to doing the whole paint job—or even just the prep work—yourself, there are other ways you can offset the cost to paint a house. Ebel recommends that people get multiple quotes and use these to negotiate, should you opt to use a painting company. Using multiple paint colors can increase price, so choosing a more conservative number of hues can shave off a few dollars. Additionally, decreasing the scope of the project can minimize cost. “Consider if you really need certain things painted, such as your ceiling or the inside of your closet,” he suggests.

Does repainting a house add value?

Home painting is among the most common home improvement projects, and for good reason. “A high-quality project will require some investment, but I firmly believe painting is also among the most transformative and cost effective ways to upgrade your space,” Ebel says. “It’s a great investment.” Painting can also increase the value of your home. Though every situation is unique, a 2021 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors showed that 63% of real estate professionals recommend adding a fresh coat of paint to your home before listing it, as it can help a home sell faster and for more money.

How often should you repaint your house?

There is no hard-and-fast rule, but most homes will need to be repainted every 5 to 10 years. Because of exposure to elements, exterior paint often needs to be repainted more often than the interior. Of course, the exact timeline will vary based on type of paint used, wall surface type, and the quality of the job.

Can you paint over old house paint?

While covering up old paint is usually fine, it’s best to use a primer between the old and new layers for the best results. However, there are situations where it’s advisable to remove old paint before going in with something new. If you have existing lead-based paint, this should be properly removed by experts before repainting the surface. You may also want to remove old paint if you’re repainting with vastly different types of paint—for example, replacing an oil-based paint with a water-based paint—if there is damage to your walls, or if the existing paint is chipping and significantly old.