In the first-ever HomeStars Reno Report published in 2019, we learned that interior painting is the most popular home improvement project among Canadians. With good reason – it’s relatively inexpensive, usually can be completed in a day or two and causes minimal disruption to the household. It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint can brighten any room. Plus clearing room clutter before the job begins gets rid of accumulated knick-knacks and other junk. It’s truly a win-win: an uncluttered room with a fresh new colour!
We Consulted the Pros
To get accurate costs, in May 2020 we contacted six expert painters who are based in Toronto. A short description of each company is listed at the end of the article. Thanks to each of them for sharing their insight and expertise. All six companies are Verified by HomeStars, and have earned great reputations thanks to dozens of satisfied customers who have written reviews on their quality workmanship.
Cost Estimates from Six Painting Pros
Our six painting professionals were asked to estimate the cost to prepare and paint a good-sized 10’x12’ bedroom with 8’ ceilings (about 350 square feet of wall space). We asked them to assume the following:
- The walls need minor wall preparation to fill in small holes then sandpaper (but no major cracks or holes to repair.)
- Apply one coat of primer followed by two coats of latex paint.
- The room has one door and one window, so include the cost to paint the door and trim around windows and baseboards with semi-gloss enamel paint.
- The room is uncluttered without art, furniture or knick-knacks and is ‘ready to paint.’
Based on these assumptions, the average of the six quotes we received was $1,013 before tax , and their quotes ranged from $700 to $1,400. Labour costs accounted for about 70-80% of the total estimated cost.
How Much Will Your Project Cost?
To provide you with an accurate quote, your prospective painter will need to know specifics about your job. To develop a good cost estimate they may ask for your guidance on these items:
Room Size
This is the most important factor in determining the cost. The larger the area of the walls, the more time and paint are required. To provide a cost estimate, painters will need to know the surface area of the room’s four walls (each wall’s length times its height) and deduct space for windows and doors. Add the ceiling area if you want that painted too.
Painting Trim
They will add the cost to paint doors, plus trim around windows, baseboards and crown mouldings. Since trim serves a decorative purpose, the best trim paint should accentuate the details, so satin, semi-gloss or high gloss are all suitable.
Amount of Paint
The average large can of paint (3.78 L or 1 U.S. gallon) covers about 400 square feet of wall space. Cost of paint varies between brands, but for higher-end brands expect to budget between $30 and $70 per gallon. If you’re covering a dark colour with a lighter shade, more coats of primer and paint will be needed. And a textured wall requires more paint and time than a smooth wall of the same size. Be sure to specify the type of textured wall (stucco, textured drywall, or bare wood like knotty pine) when asking for a quote.
Wall Preparation
Any holes need to be filled and dried beforehand. Small holes from nails for hanging picture frames can be filled more easily than larger holes or wall cracks. If there’s wallpaper, it has to be fully removed then sanded before applying the first coat of primer. Wallpaper is harder to remove if it has been painted over or if the wallpaper glue is difficult to remove.
Labour
In general, labour accounts for about 70-80% of the total cost of interior painting jobs. On average, most painters should be able to cover about 100 to 120 square feet of flat surface in an hour. How much time is required for a first coat to dry before a second coat is applied? Drying time can be anywhere from one to 48 hours depending on the paint, and it may require them to make multiple trips to and from your home, which add to the labour cost. For example, oil-based paints take longer to dry, which increases labour time.
Tips to Help Your Painting Crew
According to Shayan Taheripoor, owner of Chromatist Painters there are some common-sense things you can do to help your interior painting project go smoothly:
- Ensure there is free parking in your driveway or close by
- Provide a place to store tools and paint at the end of every day
- Ensure all areas are accessible and wall hangings are removed
- Provide special instructions for your furniture or antique items
- Declutter any areas where furniture is to be moved
- Keep pets and children away from work area
- Where to dispose of garbage
- Please make progress payments on time
- Express your level of satisfaction before the job is finished
- If you want to change the project, please contact the project manager right away
Ready to Request a Quote?
Now that you know about the average costs involved in painting an interior bedroom, it’s time to request a quote. Use HomeStars to research and browse company profiles and read their reviews from past customers. If you’re ready to get started now, click on the green Get Quotes banner on this page. Simply enter in a few details about your project and we’ll send your request to verified companies in your area. You’ll have a freshly painted room in no time!
About Our Expert Panel
Special thanks to our expert panel of painters for sharing their insight and expertise. All six companies are Verified by HomeStars. Each has won the Best of HomeStars award and have lots of satisfied customers who’ve written reviews on their quality workmanship.
- House & Condo Painters has over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial painting and wallpaper. Before starting the job, they provide free in-home colour consultation and their professional opinion on the best colour and finish combinations.
- York Painting Group focuses on the process of preparation and attention to detail to guarantee successful results. Through every step, their well-organized team supports clients to achieve their vision within budget.
- Gilani Painting has built their business around trust, integrity and respect for clients and their homes. From basic to more intricate jobs, they treat every project like it’s their own home. They stress open communication with clients to create a safe, healthy and rewarding environment to produce great results.
- Clean Cut Painting & Decorating is a family-owned business committed to exceeding their client’s expectations with service excellence and quality workmanship. It was originally founded by George Giavanoglou in 1972. Since 1994 it has been run by his son, Peter, who learned business ethics and painting techniques from his father.
- Painthor understands the unique demands of Torontonians in both residential and commercial spaces. They consistently deliver game-changing results, utilizing conventional painting methods as well as spray paint finishing of kitchen cabinets, walk-in closets, and staircases/railings.
- Chromatist Painters is a small boutique home painting and decor company, serving Toronto. Owner Shayan Taheripoor likes to integrate art principles into simple house painting projects. In his words, “We really love bold, creative projects that add unique beauty and function to a space, making it your own.”