Introduction
Painting the interior of a new home construction project is one of the last steps to finishing the house, but it is a very important step that can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the home. When budgeting and planning for a new home build, it’s important to understand what goes into interior painting costs so you can allocate the right amount of money for this expense. This article will examine the key factors that influence interior painting costs for new construction and provide estimated price ranges.
Average Cost per Square Foot
The most common way interior painting costs are estimated is based on the square footage of the areas being painted. According to most sources, you can expect to pay an average of $1 to $3 per square foot for interior painting in a new home construction project. This would include a basic one-coat application of neutral wall paints and white ceiling paint throughout the house. Here is a breakdown of the average price per square foot based on the type of paint:
- Standard latex wall paint: $1.00 – $1.50 per square foot
- Higher-end latex paint: $1.50 – $2.50 per square foot
- Ceiling paint: $0.75 – $1.25 per square foot
- Trim and door paint: $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot
So for a 2,000 square foot house, you may pay around $2,500 to $5,000 or more for interior painting using mid to high-end paints. The square footage used in the estimate should include all interior wall space, ceilings, doors, trims, closets, etc. that will be painted.
Factors That Impact Cost
There are several variables that can influence the total cost of interior painting for new construction.
Type of Paint
The brand and quality level of the paint is a major cost factor. Paint prices per gallon can range from $20 for basic latex paints to $50 or more for high-end designer brands. Higher-end paints often provide better coverage and may require fewer coats.
Number of Colors
Using multiple colors adds time and complexity versus using just one or two neutral colors throughout the home. It takes more time and materials to cut in edges and protect other surfaces when working with multiple colors.
Number of Coats
Most interiors are painted with two coats for proper coverage and durability. Applying three coats will increase labor and material costs but provide better finish results.
Prep Work Required
Prepping surfaces is crucial for successful painting but adds labor costs. New construction typically involves a smooth drywall finish requiring minimal prep. But if walls need repairs, sanding, or priming, this prep work can add hours of labor.
Height of Ceilings/Walls
Painting tall walls or high ceilings is more difficult and may require equipment like ladders or lifts to reach. This can slow down the painting process. Rooms with high ceilings also have more square footage to cover.
Trim and Doors
Painting all the trim, moldings, doors and cabinets throughout a home is time-consuming precision work and may be charged at a higher rate than walls.
Location and Accessibility
It takes longer to paint small rooms with more edges to cut in versus large open spaces. Difficult to access areas also add time and effort.
Additional Costs
Beyond the basic wall painting, there are some other interior painting costs to factor for a new home:
- Paint supplies – brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths, etc. This can be $200 or more.
- Paint touch-ups – After other construction is done, painters will need to return to fix any damages, which takes additional time. Touch-up costs can range from $300 to $1,000.
- Debris clean-up/disposal – Removing paint cans, cleaning brushes, and proper debris disposal may be included or add around $200.
Conclusion
Interior painting is a significant expense when building a new home but well worth the investment. Expect to pay an average of $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type of paint and specifics of your job. Carefully evaluating the key cost factors outlined above will help you create a realistic interior painting budget for your new home construction project. Hiring professional painters is recommended to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting paint finish.