Painting your home on your own can be a fulfilling project, whether you are looking to update or add a personal touch to your living space on a budget. However, careful planning and organization are essential to save you time and money down the road. In this guide, we’ll go through some of the factors that can affect your interior painting costs and helpful tips for planning your project. 

Scoping Your Interior Painting Project

Before you buy any paint materials, create a detailed plan that includes your timeline, budget, and a list of all the rooms you intend to paint. Be as detailed as possible; for instance, think about whether you plan to paint only the walls or include the inside of the closets. Starting with one or two priority areas can be a manageable approach, allowing you to continue the project as your budget allows.

Creating a Storage Plan

During the painting process, your belongings will need a temporary home. Plan where to store and access your items during the project. Designate a spare room for storage or consider buying a storage unit if necessary. Having a well-thought-out storage plan will streamline the painting process and minimize disruptions to your daily life.

Selecting the Paint

Paint can definitely be one of the considerable costs in an interior home painting project. Deciding on the paint color is only half the battle; you also need to choose the type of interior paint that suits the areas you want to paint. Consider whether you need a paint that’s washable and stain-resistant for high-moisture or high-traffic areas. If you prefer to avoid VOCs or volatile organic compounds (the ‘new paint’ smell), then opt for no or low-VOC paints. 

Once you’ve tested the paint color and are now certain with it, it’s time to measure the square footage of the surfaces to be painted such as walls, ceilings, and trim. Keep in mind that certain applications such as painting over darker colored walls with light colored paint may require additional paint coats and priming, which should also be factored into your cost estimate. 

Preparing the Surfaces

You may need to budget for additional supplies to prepare and prime your surfaces to help the paint adhere flawlessly. This can include cleaning supplies to wipe down dust and grime; stain removers to remove those pesky stains; wall surface repair products to patch holes and cracks, as well as sanding paper to sand uneven surfaces. 

Planning for Complex Areas

If your project involves complex architectural features, such as custom cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, and ceilings with beams, these may add to your project costs, so plan accordingly for extra time and effort. Some features such as trims and baseboards take more time as they require more meticulous paintwork. 

Identifying Direct & Indirect Costs

Aside from the standard tools like paint brushes, rollers, painter’s tape and drop cloths, you may need to rent or purchase other equipment such as a ladder or scaffolding to protect sensitive areas and reach extra high ceilings. Research and compare prices from different suppliers to stay within your budget. 

In creating your cost estimates, include other indirect costs such as permits or licenses that you may require, insurance, transportation, paint disposal, as well as time and convenience costs due to the limited access to the painted areas during the project. 

When It’s Time to Hire Professionals

While DIY projects can be rewarding, hiring professional interior home painters like Hemlock Painting ensures that your project will be completed efficiently and with an expert touch. Professional painters can save you the time and trouble from costly mistakes as they work methodically, and finish the project faster, minimizing the disruption to your daily life. 

When hiring a professional painting service, don’t compromise on quality. Avoid automatically selecting the least expensive service, as they may not offer the best value. Choose a painting company that understands your vision, provides accurate pricing, and ensures a seamless painting experience. Hemlock Painting offers professional interior house painting services with all these and the willingness to go the extra mile to make your vision come to life!