What should your paint job cost?

Interior painting cost per square foot

Across Canada, a typical 2026 professional range is about $2–$4 CAD per square foot for walls only, or $3–$5 CAD when ceilings and trim are included. U.S. consumer guides commonly place interior walls near $2–$3 USD per square foot. These rates refer to paintable surface, not the home's floor area.

What an interior quote should include

• Protecting floors, counters and furniture
• Cleaning, hole filling, sanding and spot priming
• Two finish coats unless the scope says otherwise
• Paint, consumables, cleanup and disposal
• Separate line items for ceilings, doors and trim

How to measure interior walls

Add the lengths of all walls, multiply by ceiling height, then subtract about 15 sq ft per standard window and 21 sq ft per standard door. For a 12 × 15 ft room with 8 ft ceilings, the gross wall area is 432 sq ft before openings.

Interior cost drivers

Whole-house interior pricing

Do not multiply the home's floor area by a wall rate. Whole-home projects often gain efficiency, but hallways, closets, stairwells and detailed trim add back time. Measure the scope room by room, then ask painters whether their volume discount is already reflected.

Exterior house painting cost

HomeStars lists a typical Canadian 2026 exterior siding range of $3–$6 CAD per square foot. U.S. ranges vary more widely by siding, height and region. Exterior work can cost more because washing, scraping, caulking, ladders and weather windows all affect production.

Measure an exterior

Multiply the building perimeter by average wall height, subtract large unpainted openings, then add gables separately. Two-storey walls, dormers and intricate trim should be marked as difficult access rather than treated like a flat one-storey wall.

Surface matters

• Wood: inspect for rot, moisture and failing caulk.
• Stucco: cracks and chalky areas may need repair or masonry primer.
• Brick: porous texture uses more coating and is difficult to reverse.
• Vinyl or aluminum: cleaning and compatible paint are essential.

Exterior prep checklist

• Power wash or hand clean without trapping moisture
• Scrape loose coating and feather rough edges
• Repair failed siding before painting over it
• Prime bare wood, metal and repaired areas
• Caulk appropriate gaps but leave drainage paths open
• Confirm forecast, temperature and cure requirements

When the calculator is less precise

Use a wider budget for steep lots, three-storey access, extensive peeling, lead-safe containment, unusual siding or a home with many decorative details. Those conditions need an on-site inspection.

Painting cost by room

Room prices depend on wall area, not just the room label. The ranges below are planning examples for normal prep and two coats; use the calculator with your dimensions for a better estimate.

Why kitchens are not always cheaper

Cabinets reduce wall area, but backsplashes, appliances, corners and short wall sections increase brush work. Cabinet refinishing is a separate specialty job and should not be estimated as ordinary wall painting.

Ceilings, trim and doors

Ceilings are measured as length × width. Baseboards are priced by linear foot. Doors are commonly priced per face or per door because sanding, edging and hardware protection dominate the labour.

One room versus several

A single small room can carry a minimum service charge. Several empty rooms with one colour are usually more efficient per square foot. Ask each bidder to show whether setup, paint and travel are built into the room price.

Rental turnover painting

Confirm who is responsible, the required colour, whether nail holes count as ordinary wear, and whether the lease requires professional work. Keep written approval before changing a rental colour.

Best paint finish by room

Higher sheen usually highlights surface defects but improves washability. Match the finish to the room's wear, moisture and desired look rather than choosing by price alone.

Budget versus premium paint

Premium paint costs more per gallon, but may offer better hide, stain resistance and durability. It does not eliminate prep, and a dramatic colour change can still require primer or another coat.

How much paint do I need?

A common planning rule is 350 square feet per gallon per coat. Divide paintable area by the coverage on the can, multiply by coats and round up. Keep wall, ceiling, trim and door paint separate because they often use different products and sheens.

When coverage drops

• New or unprimed drywall
• Rough masonry, brick or textured walls
• Porous, weathered wood
• Large colour changes
• Spraying with expected overspray

Buying all finish paint from the same tint batch helps avoid subtle colour shifts.

How to hire a house painter

Get at least three written, itemized bids built around the same scope. A quote is easier to compare when it identifies every surface, prep step, product, coat count and exclusion.

Questions to ask

• Who performs the work, employees or subcontractors?
• Can you provide proof of liability insurance?
• What exact paint line and sheen are included?
• What repairs are included, and what triggers a change order?
• How are floors, plants and furniture protected?
• What does the workmanship warranty cover?

Payment terms

A schedule should be written into the contract. Be cautious with unusually large cash deposits, unclear change-order rules or pressure to decide immediately.

Quote comparison worksheet

Use Copy project brief or Download estimate above to give each painter the same baseline. Then record these items for every quote:

• Total price and applicable tax
• Paint brand, line, colour and sheen
• Number of primer and finish coats
• Specific prep and repairs
• Start window and estimated duration
• Cleanup, disposal and warranty

Best value is not always the lowest total. First normalize the scope, then compare contractor experience, communication and evidence of insurance.