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Interior Paint Cost Calculator
Interior repaint is highest-ROI cosmetic improvement at $1–4/sf wall area.
Total cost
$14,850
Wall sq ft
6,600
Blended $/sf home
$7
How the math works
Wall sq ft = home × multiplier. Cost = wall × $/sf × (1 + ceiling + trim).
2,200 × 3 = 6,600 wall sf × $1.50 = $9,900 × 1.5 = $14,850 interior paint.
How to Use
- Enter home sq ft.
- Enter wall area multiplier.
- Enter per sq ft wall.
- Enter ceiling premium %.
- Enter trim premium %.
- Read total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interior paint benchmarks?
Walls only (1 coat): $1–2/sf. Walls + ceilings (1 coat): $1.50–3/sf. Walls + trim + ceilings: $2.50–4.50/sf. Heavy prep (drywall repair, wallpaper removal): +$1–3/sf. Color change requiring multiple coats: +20–40%. Finish: flat $0–10/gal premium, satin/eggshell $0–15/gal, semi-gloss/gloss $5–20/gal more. Quality paint (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams Duration): $50–80/gal vs $20–40 basic — better coverage often saves labor. 2,500 sf home: $5,000–11,000 full interior repaint.
How accurate is this estimate?
Material and labor estimates are accurate to ±15% with reasonable inputs but local market conditions vary. Major markets cost 30–60% more than rural. Labor rates regional (union vs non-union, prevailing wage). Material prices fluctuate with commodity cycles. Get 3 contractor bids for any work over $5k. This calculator is a sanity check, not a substitute for actual quotes.
DIY vs contractor?
DIY savings: 40–70% of contractor cost on labor. Realistic skill threshold: painting, basic plumbing, simple electrical, drywall, flooring. Pro required: structural, gas, complex electrical, HVAC, roofing (warranty + insurance), permits. Permitted work without license risks insurance and resale. Time: hobby DIYers 3–5x slower than pro. Tools and learning curve real.
Permit and code compliance?
Permits required for: structural changes, additions, electrical service changes, plumbing rough-in, HVAC replacement, roof replacement (varies), fence (varies). Cost: $50–2,000+ depending on scope. Skipping permit risks: stop work order, fines, forced removal, insurance denial, resale title issues. Always pull permit; cost is small relative to compliance friction.
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