What You Need to Know
Understanding the square footage of your home and a rough estimate of materials needed will help you avoid bids that are out of line from contractors if you opt to have someone complete your painting project for you.
Step 1:
Take measurements to calculate how many gallons of paint you'll need. As a rule of thumb, you will get 300 to 400 square feet of coverage per gallon, depending on how rough or porous the surface is. Remember to multiply the figure for each coat of paint applied. Use the paint calculator in Resources.
Step 2:
Choose a brand and type of paint. Paint costs can vary widely, but generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Budget paints may not be such a wise choice if you need to do extra coats, or if the paint starts peeling and fading within a couple of years.
Step 3:
Make a list of any repairs or preparation required. This could include drywall patching, making minor carpentry or masonry repairs, caulking, sanding, masking and cleaning surfaces. You'll need supplies for all of these. From masking tape to caulk, the incidental materials costs can add up. Visit a hardware or home store in person or online to estimate material costs for house painting.
Step 4:
Take inventory of your tools and painting equipment. You will need hand tools like scrapers and a caulking gun. You'll also need drop cloths and painting equipment like brushes and rollers. It's worthwhile to buy good quality tools. If you take care of them they will last for years.
Step 5:
Decide whether you will rent or buy larger equipment like ladders and an airless paint sprayer. It may be more economical to rent professional-grade equipment for the few days you'll be using it. Call rental yards and ask for their prices. Often they will give you a better price for midweek rentals.
Step 6:
Add up all the costs you've compiled. Now you have a basic estimate for your house painting project. If it seems high, bear in mind that many of the tools and supplies you purchase can be used on future paint jobs. Subsequent projects won't require as big an initial expenditure if you clean and store the paint, materials and tools properly.
Tips & Warnings
- When you hire a painting company, the cost of materials and paint account for only 15 to 25 percent of the total estimate. The rest of the house painting cost is for labor.
- Consider hiring a professional painter to do portions of the paint job that are challenging, like very high ladder work.
