House painting: How much does it cost?

A fresh coat of paint is always a great idea if you wish to give your home a facelift and make it more welcoming and appealing. Repainting can update its look, especially if you have peeling, chalky residues and bubbling paint. 

However, repainting a house can be a major task involving various costs. This guide explains the typical house painting costs so you can prepare your budget well, avoiding unnecessary expenses. 

How much does house painting cost in the UK?

Hiring house painters can cost from £800 to £6,000. Of course, the price might go higher or lower depending on various factors, including the condition of the walls, the materials used and the size of the house. 

The type of paint job you’ll need can also significantly dictate the prices. Here’s a breakdown of the average prices for painting a home’s exterior and interior. 

Painting indoor spaces like kitchens or bathrooms can lower house painting costs. (Source: iStock)

The cost to paint the interior of a house can be less as it may require little trim work, only a number of paint supplies or equipment, and few paint colours, but that still depends on the project. 

Meanwhile, the cost of painting a house exterior may seem expensive upfront, but you may only paint your house exterior every five to seven years, depending on its material and your location’s weather conditions. This makes it cost-effective and economical.

What are the factors affecting house painting costs?

How much it costs to hire a house painter depends on many variables. Here are some of the cost factors you need to consider.  

Location

House painting services are around £14 to £20 per hour, depending on where you live. For instance, the cost of painting a 3-bedroom house is £2000 on average and can be more expensive in London than elsewhere.

Condition of the area

To kick off a painting project, the painter or decorator will first examine the condition of the walls. This is important as it will determine if additional preparations and repairs are needed before applying a fresh layer or paint. 

Additionally, a clean and smooth canvas will ensure that the new paint will last longer and preserve the quality. These are the common issues painters need to note when inspecting the paint area: 

• Damaged or flaky paint
• Cracks and holes in the wall
• Dirt, stains, or residues present in the wall 
• Accumulated moulds, algae and mosses

Of course, initial preparations also come with a price. If scaffolding is needed, expect this to ramp up the cost of painting a room, for instance.

Surface area

The larger the paint area and the more rooms inside, the higher the cost. For instance, painting a three-bedroom house costs around £2,000 to £3,000, while a two-bedroom house or flat only costs from £1,300 to £2,000. Not only will you need more paint, but the job duration will also be longer, adding to the labour costs. In most cases, you might need more than one painter to finish the job.

Type of rooms

The cost to paint a bedroom, living room and dining room might be more expensive than a bathroom or kitchen. Be sure to let your painter know which rooms you want to paint for a more accurate quote.

Roof and ceiling height

Painting the exterior of houses with higher roofs and multiple stories may need additional equipment, such as scaffolding, which can increase costs. In the same way for the interiors, having ceilings painted may also require a ladder or an extended paintbrush and extra time to complete the work.

Detail

Do you have wooden French windows, and do the ceilings have moulded cornices? These variables may drive up the cost of your paintwork in addition to the house's age and style. Think about the kind of windows, ceilings, and architraves your house painter may encounter. 

Access

Consider the accessibility of the areas when determining what can incur additional costs. If your house is fully furnished, has hard-to-reach spaces, or has little room to work in, it may require the painter to use a ladder or additional painting tools. These considerations could drive up how much it costs to paint a house.

Exterior house painting costs more due to extra gear like ladders or scaffolding. (Source: iStock)

Type of paint to be used

Paint comes in a variety of finishes. Know that the average house painting price can be influenced by the quality and shade you want. So, choose the finish and colour that communicates your aesthetic. 

• Flat or matte. As its name suggests, flat or matte paints are the least shiny among all types. It covers imperfections such as bumps and holes in the wall or ceiling. However, it’s the least durable and can get damaged with typical household cleaners. 
• Gloss or semi-gloss. In contrast to flat or matte, gloss and semi-gloss paints add shine but remain durable. It is perfect for areas with high friction and can withstand being wet, scrubbed, and frequently washed - ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. However, these can be more costly.
• Eggshell or satin. Lastly, eggshell or satin provides the coverage of flat or mattes and the durability and washability of gloss paints. Eggshell has a slight shine but is not as reflective as gloss, and satin gives that polished velvety look. These paint types are ideal for walls in bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways.  

Hire a skilled house painter at Airtasker

Knowing the average price to paint a house has prepared you to hire a house painter! Consider posting a task at Airtasker to easily connect with a handyman near you. Just make sure to add the following information to your listing when creating a task to find a skilled house painter:

• Your budget
• Your location
• Size of your house (how many bedrooms, levels, etc.)
• Number of rooms to be painted
• Type of painting job
• Your schedule

Once you're done, Taskers will contact you and give you proposals. Review them carefully to choose the best option based on your budget and specific needs. 

Ensure smooth and lasting painted surfaces with Airtasker.