How to Determine the Cost to Paint a Room

Below, we’ll talk about the cost to paint a room yourself, to have a professional do it, and some pros and cons. So, here we go!  

The biggest factor in determining the cost to paint a room is, of course, how many gallons of paint you’ll need. The rule of thumb here is a bonafide classic: when you buy more things, you spend more money . So how do you buy enough paint without buying too much?

Do what the pros do: find the total area of the wall that’s going to be painted, just like in middle school geometry–the length of the wall multiplied by its height. Then, do the same for all windows, doors, and whatever other features of the wall that aren’t getting painted and subtract those areas from your total. 

Now double it because you’ll want to plan to apply two coats. 

As a frame of reference, the average DIY cost to paint a room in Oregon is $ 1,565.

To paint the room yourself, you’ll have to buy your own painting supplies –dropcloths, primer, painter’s tape, rollers, brushes, and paint trays. Also, probably at least some calk and sandpaper. 

But for many of us, the real cost to paint a room isn’t financial. It’s time, energy, and storage space for all those supplies we won’t need again for a good decade. Will something important have to be sacrificed for the time to paint the room? Do you have the space to store all those supplies?

A professional painter , on the other hand, has the training and experience to, first of all, recommend the right type and/or color of paint. This can save you from paying too much for industrial quality or fashion brands. They can also spot the areas that need special prep work, reach difficult places safely, and prevent imperfections like streaks and drip marks. And then, they take their supplies with them when they leave. It’s rather like the Paint Fairy came.

When you make your calls to get estimates, remember to ask about warranties. Does the painter offer a warranty that’s separate from the one that comes with the paint? How long does the warranty last? A solid warranty ensures that the price you pay for the paint job is the final price. That is, if everything’s not perfect, it can be remedied without additional cost. Fitzpatrick’s 100% satisfaction warranty, for example, lasts for an unprecedented 12 years.

Contact us today for a free estimate and tips on color selection or anything else you may have questions about!