How Much Does It Cost to Paint House Interior in Australia?

According to The National Institute of Painting and Decorating, the average cost to paint house interior in Australia ranges from $10 to $60 per square meter. The price includes a single undercoat and two finish coats, and factors such as minimal prep work, number of colours, high ceilings, and extensive prep work can affect the cost.

My take on the Interior house painting cost 

As an experienced professional painter, I agree with the typical cost range quoted by the National Institute of Painting and Decorating. However, I always advise my clients that pricing can vary based on the specifics of each unique job.

• While $10-$60 per square meter accounts for standard preparation, multiple coats, and a single colour, that may not tell the whole story. The condition of the walls, need for repairs, choice of premium paints, and complexity of colour schemes can dramatically affect cost.
• A luxury bedroom with high ceilings, crown moulding to paint around, and a complex accent wall could push the cost toward the top end or beyond.
• I always strive to educate my customers on all the elements that influence interior painting costs rather than just present numbing dollar figures. My goal is for you to understand exactly what work a quote entails and determine what fits for your unique home improvement needs and financial situation.

Factors Influencing Interior Painting Costs

Property type and size 

The size and layout of your property play significant roles in determining the cost of the painting job. Larger houses require more paint and labour, driving up the costs. 

Even if a house is small, intricate spaces such as staircases can increase the charges due to their complexity.

Additionally, if you need more than one level of your home painted, additional labour fees will be included to cover the transportation of materials from floor to floor.

Paint type and quality 

The type and quality of the paint you choose are critical cost determinants. High-quality paints are more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run with their superior coverage and durability, often requiring fewer coats than budget-friendly options. 

Additionally, different finishes and brands affect the price. Your choice is reflected in your final bill, from matte to high gloss or economy grade to high-grade paints. Specialised coatings such as fire-retardant or waterproof paints may add to your total costs.

Preparation work 

The preparation work needed is another crucial factor. If your walls require extensive prep like patching holes, sanding, or priming, expect to pay more. Similarly, unique features like decorative plaster ceilings or high ceilings can add to the cost due to the complexity of the work involved.

Multiple paint colours 

When multiple shades are involved, the process typically includes cleaning and changing the painting equipment for each colour. This requires additional time and resources, increasing the labour cost. Additionally, using multiple shades may require purchasing a larger quantity of different paints, which can contribute to higher materials costs.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of colours to use should be based on the project’s specific requirements, the desired aesthetic, and the available budget. 

Lastly, don’t forget the cost of painting supplies if you’re considering a DIY job. Brushes, tape, drop cloths, trays, rollers, and ladders all add up. So, make sure to factor these into your budget when planning your interior painting project.

How Professional Painters Calculate Their Rates

To understand your quoted rates, it’s vital to know how professional painters calculate their charges. They don’t just pull numbers out of thin air; there’s an established process that helps them determine what they’ll charge for each job. 

The height and type of home, the substrate condition, any hazardous materials present, the style of windows, doors, and trims, and the house style are all taken into consideration.

Here is how they break it down:

1. Area Measurement: Painters start by measuring the area to be painted. They’ll measure the walls and the ceiling, then calculate the square footage. This forms the basis of their charge.
2. Material Costs: Next, they factor in the cost of paint and supplies. They’ll estimate how much paint will be needed and any necessary supplies like brushes, rollers, and drop cloths.
3. Labour Costs: This is where the painter’s skill and experience come into play. They’ll estimate how many hours the job will take, and factor in their hourly rate.
4. Additional Services: If the job requires extra work like repairing drywall or removing wallpaper, these costs are added on top.

To get an accurate estimate for your project, it’s best to contact local painting contractors and request quotes. Provide them with detailed information about your project, including room measurements, desired paint colours, and any additional services you require. This will help them provide you with an accurate cost estimate.

Cost of Painting Rooms

Let’s move on to the costs of painting different rooms in your house. You’re likely wondering about the financial side of refreshing your living room, bedroom, kitchen, or dining room with a new coat of paint. The price varies greatly depending on the room, so we’ll break each one for you.

Painting per room cost

Professional painters in Australia rarely quote on a per-room basis because:

1. Room size: The size of rooms can vary greatly, so pricing per room may not accurately reflect the amount of time, materials, and effort required to complete the job. Larger rooms may require more paint and take longer to complete, while smaller rooms may be quicker and require less paint.
2. Complexity: Rooms with intricate designs, high ceilings, multiple angles, or tight spaces may require more time and skill to paint, resulting in a higher price. Pricing per room may not account for these factors.
3. Preparation work: Before painting, professional painters typically spend time preparing the surfaces, such as cleaning, sanding, patching holes, and priming. This prep work can vary significantly from room to room, and pricing per room may not consider the additional time and materials required for preparation.
4. Additional services: Professional painters may offer additional services such as wallpaper removal, trim painting, or surface repairs. Pricing per room may not account for these additional services, and it is more common for painters to provide a comprehensive estimate based on the project’s specific needs.
5. Customisation: Some homeowners may have specific requests or customisations for their rooms, such as accent walls, special finishes, or unique colour schemes. Pricing per room may not take into account these customisations, and a more detailed estimate is necessary to accurately reflect the desired outcome.

Overall, professional painters provide detailed estimates based on factors such as room size, complexity, preparation work, additional services, and customisation.

This allows them to assess the project requirements accurately and provide a fair pricing structure for their services. 

Average estimates for different rooms

As I mentioned earlier, professional painters look at the entire interior painting job holistically rather than quoting on a per-room basis. But to give you a general idea, here are typical ballpark ranges:

Living Room

The cost of painting a living room can range from AUD 800 to AUD 3,000, depending on factors such as the size of the room, the number of walls, the height of the ceilings, and any additional features like trim or crown moulding.

Bedroom

Painting a bedroom may cost between AUD 500 and AUD 2,000, depending on similar factors mentioned above. If the room has intricate designs or wallpaper that needs to be removed, the cost may increase.

Bathroom

The cost of painting a bathroom can range from AUD 400 to AUD 1,500. Bathrooms are typically smaller in size, so the cost may be lower compared to larger rooms. However, if there are additional surfaces to be painted, such as cabinets or vanities, the cost may increase.

Kitchen

Painting a kitchen can cost between AUD 800 and AUD 3,000, or even more if there are extensive cabinets or intricate designs to be painted. Kitchens often require more preparation work due to the presence of grease, so this can affect the overall cost.

These estimates provide a general idea of the costs involved, but it’s important to note that prices can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned earlier and the specific details of your project. It’s recommended to obtain a quote from painters in your area to get a more accurate estimate based on your requirements.

Apartment vs house painting

When considering the cost of painting a room, it’s important to understand that factors such as the type of dwelling – apartment or house – can significantly impact the price. For instance, painting three rooms in an apartment might cost differently from doing the same in a house. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Size Matters: Generally, apartments are smaller than houses, so you’ll need less paint and fewer hours of labour. This saves you money.
2. Complexity: Houses often have more complex architectural features, like high ceilings or detailed mouldings, which can increase painting costs.
3. Access: In an apartment, logistics can be trickier. Tight spaces, parking restrictions, and rules about working hours may add to your cost.
4. Prep Work: Houses may require more preparation, like repairing drywall or removing wallpaper, which will increase your final bill.

How much to paint 3 rooms?

Painting 3 average-sized rooms in Australia can range from AUD 2,500 to AUD 6,000.  

How much to paint 2 rooms?

Expect to pay AUD 1,500 to AUD 4,000 for two average Australian rooms. Beyond size, conditions like poor wall finish requiring extra smoothing increase charges. Consider room complexity and painter skill, too, when budgeting.

Cost of painting 1 room

AUD 500 to AUD 2,000 is now the typical range for one room based on size. Smaller ones on the lower end of around AUD 500, with more intricate or larger rooms costing upwards of AUD 2,000. 

How much does it cost to paint 4 rooms?

Assuming mid-range pricing for the average sized room, 4 rooms would land around AUD 5,000 total. However, if the rooms vary significantly in size, have high ceilings, intricate trimwork or other premium finishes, the overall job cost could easily exceed AUD 8,000+.

As always, specifics related to room dimensions, current wall condition, choice of paints, the complexity of colour patterns, and painter skill level can all push pricing in either direction.

Wall Painting Costs

When considering wall painting costs, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional. The average cost of painting interior walls can vary greatly, depending on several factors.

Average cost of painting a single wall in Australia

DIY route

When estimating the cost of DIY painting for a single wall, you’ll need to consider the cost of paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and tape. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs for these items:

1. Paint: The cost of paint will depend on the brand, quality, and the size of the wall. On average, a liter of paint in Australia can range from around AUD 10 to AUD 30. For a single wall, you might need approximately 2 to 4 liters of paint, depending on its size and the number of coats you plan to apply.
2. Primer: Primer is used as a base coat to improve paint adhesion and provide a uniform surface. The cost of primer is similar to paint and can range from around AUD 10 to AUD 30 per liter. You’ll typically need around 1 to 2 liters of primer for a single wall, depending on the surface condition and the type of paint you’re using.
3. Wall Patch Filler: Wall patch filler is used to fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections on the wall surface. The cost of wall patch filler can vary depending on the brand and quantity. A tub or tube of wall patch filler suitable for small repairs can cost around AUD 10 to AUD 30.
4. Putty Knife: A putty knife is used to apply and smooth out wall patch filler. The cost of a putty knife can vary based on the size and quality. A basic putty knife suitable for small repairs can cost around AUD 5 to AUD 15.
5. Sandpaper: Sandpaper is used to smooth and blend the patched areas. The cost of sandpaper varies depending on the grit and quantity. A pack of sandpaper suitable for wall preparation can range from around AUD 5 to AUD 15.
6. Brushes and Rollers: The cost of brushes and rollers can vary based on their quality and size. For priming and painting a single wall, you’ll need a separate set of brushes and rollers. A basic set of brushes and rollers suitable for the job can cost around AUD 10 to AUD 30.
7. Drop Cloths: Drop cloths are used to protect the floor and furniture from paint drips and spills. The cost will depend on the size and material. A vinyl or canvas drop cloth suitable for a single wall can cost around AUD 10 to AUD 30.
8. Tape: Painter’s tape is used to create clean edges and protect adjacent surfaces. The cost of painter’s tape varies depending on the brand and quantity. A roll of painter’s tape suitable for a single wall can range from AUD 5 to AUD 15.

Considering the above estimates, the total cost for DIY painting a single wall can range from approximately AUD 90 to AUD 195, depending on the specific products you choose and their prices in your area.

Remember that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size of the wall, the quality of materials purchased, and local market conditions. It’s a good idea to visit local hardware stores or check online retailers to get specific prices for the products you plan to use.

Professional wall painting cost

When hiring a professional to paint a single wall in Australia, you can expect the price per square meter to be higher compared to painting a larger area or an entire room. This is because the painter needs to allocate time and resources specifically for that single wall, which may not be as cost-effective for them.

The average cost for professional painting of a single wall in Australia can range from approximately AUD 200 to AUD 500, depending on various factors such as the size of the wall, the complexity of the job, the location, and the specific painting contractor hired.

That’s a wrap on interior painting rates in Australia! With this guide, you have the inside scoop of what to expect.

While it might seem like a tall order, understanding these costs can help you efficiently budget your painting project. So, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, you’re now equipped to make informed decisions.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and transform your home? Happy painting!