The cost to paint the interior of a house is $1 to $3 per square foot of floor space or $1,300 to $6,300 for an average-size home. The average cost to paint a room is $300 to $1,000, depending on the size and complexity. Prices increase when including the ceilings, baseboards, and trim.

Average Cost

• Interior Door $50 – $200
• 10×12 Room $300 – $800
• 10×12 Room Ceiling $150 – $300
• 14×16 Master Bedroom $700 – $1,300
• Bathroom $200 – $600
• Kitchen $200 – $600
• Living Room $400 – $1,200
• 1,500 SF House Walls $1,300 – $4,400
• 2,000 SF House Walls $1,600 – $5,600
• 2,500 SF House Walls $1,800 – $6,300
• Whole House Interior $2,900 – $8,800

Interior painting is a cost-effective way to add value and boost home appeal. Interior painting has a 107% return on investment (ROI), while exterior painting has a 55% return on investment on average.

Interior walls need painting every three to seven years on average, depending on the room type, traffic and condition, and previous paint job. Ceilings need painting every 7 to 10 years, and baseboards and trim need repainting every 2 to 4 years.

Signs interior walls need painting:

• Paint is peeling, flaking, bubbling, cracking, faded, or chalky
• There are stains and mold on the walls
• The walls are damaged
• The last paint job was longer than 7 years ago
• You're tired of the current color
• You're selling the home and want to increase the appeal

Painting a room takes two to six hours on average. The time it takes to paint a room depends on the prep work, primer requirements, room size, if ceilings need painting, number of coats, and clean up.

Painting an entire house interior takes two to six days on average. The time it takes to paint a house interior depends on the home size, painting team size, prep work, number of coats, and clean up.

Interior house painters do not expect a tip. However, if they go above and beyond or spend more time than expected, a cold drink, hot lunch, or $10 to $20 tip is appreciated. Giving the painter a positive review on HomeGuide, Yelp, or Google is better than a tip.

Start by searching our list of professional interior painters, then compare reviews and costs. Next:

• Get at least three free estimates in-person to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
• Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask if they are part of their local chamber of commerce or any trade associations such as the Painting Contractors Association (PCA).
• Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best interior painters in your area.

When hiring an interior painter, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been a painting contractor?
• How many similar projects have you painted?
• Can I see your portfolio?
• Can you provide me with a list of references?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Are you a member of the BBB, chamber of commerce, or any trade associations?
• Are your painters' employees or subcontractors?
• What qualities do you look for in subcontractors? Do they have professional training?
• What quality of painting materials do you use?
• What is your preparation process before painting?
• How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
• Who's the project manager?
• What hours do you and your crew work?
• How long will the project take?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• How long is your warranty, and what does it cover?
• How much is your cost estimate?
• Can you provide me a written and signed contract with a breakdown of all costs?
• What is the structure of the payment agreements?
• Are financing options available?
• What do I need to provide to get started?