A comprehensive guide with an Auckland perspective.
How much do painters charge to paint a house interior? The cost of painting a house interior in Auckland depends on many factors. We have developed a comprehensive guide on how the painting cost is estimated. The prices mentioned here are for reference purposes only since any painting company would require more details to give you an accurate quote for your home. The size of the house, the amount of furniture, the volume of work required to achieve a great paint job – all of these are the crucial factors that your painter will consider when coming up with a cost of painting a house interior in Auckland. If you’re located in North Shore, Auckland, we’ve put together a page just for these homeowners here – painters north shore auckland – check it out.
How do painters estimate painting costs?
Let’s start by looking into what goes into calculating the cost from the painter’s perspective. Of course, this process might differ from one company to another, but we believe it would give you a good general idea on how painters come up with a quote.
Step 1: Measuring and counting what needs painting, including all related prep work and clean up. It includes measuring the size of the rooms to be painted, including all surfaces such as doors, kitchen cabinets, trims, etc.
Step 2: Calculating how much time and resources are needed to complete the project.
Step 3: Adding the cost of paint and materials.
Did you know?
For interior, based on the condition of the house, if the house is covered in black mold, We recommend the GIB to replaced even if mould killer is used, it does not 100% kill off the mould and thus it will re-surface. For high moisture areas like bathroom and laundry, oiled based undercoat is recommended for new properties.
High moisture areas like bathroom and laundry, a different type of paint are used therefore ensure to check the type of paint used in those specific areas. (oiled based enamel for bathroom ceiling and wall for easy clean and wipe or water based aquanamel for ceiling and wash & wear kitchen and bathroom for walls)
Now let’s take a closer look at each of the steps.
1. Measuring what needs to be painted
An average Auckland house has several rooms of different sizes and a few common areas such as stairways and hallways. To estimate the cost of painting an Auckland home, the painter will measure the size and the number of areas that need to be prepped and painted.
An easy way to calculate the square footage of an average room is to measure the length and the height of the walls and multiply those two numbers together.
Here’s a formula: the total length of the walls x the height of the room
If there are some areas that do not need to be painted, it’s always a good idea to deduct their square footage from the leading total. Those elements might include massive floor-to-ceiling window walls, double doors, or wallpapered walls.
2. Calculating how much time and resources are needed to complete the paint job.
Many Aucklanders ask us how much time is needed to paint their house interior. The answer to this question varies based on a few factors. Are there any time constraints and deadlines? How fast do you want to have your interior painted? If there are any tight deadlines, the painting company will need to allocate more resources to finish the project on time. To calculate the cost, the project manager will multiply those hours by the company’s hourly rate which is a total of the painters’ wages, the cost of the overhead and the projected net profit.
3. Adding the cost of paint and materials
Another important factor when determining the cost of painting a house interior in Auckland is the cost of paint and other materials. Are there any custom colours and special paint preferences? What is the quality of the paint you’d like to use? We always recommend going for the best paint your budget allows since you’re already investing in improving your Auckland home. Luckily, there are so many paint choices in the market these days, and you can always find something that works for you.
Tip for keep cost down
For more cost-effective brands we recommend using aalto or dulux professional range. To save the cost of internal painting, choose your colour choice wisely as if changing from dark colour to lighter colour, more labour and material is needed to cover the previous colour.
Interior Painting Cost Per Square Metre
Painting a home interior or room costs $35 to $55 per square metre with most jobs averaging $45 per square metre. Total painting project costs range between $5,000 and $10,000 with a national average of $7,500. For an entire 150 square metre home, expect to pay between $5,250 and $8,250 (not including GST). For a single room, you’ll spend anywhere from $675 to $825.
| Square Metre | Average Total Price Range ($35 – $55) per SQM |
| 80 | $2800 – $4400 +GST |
| 100 | $3500 – $5500 +GST |
| 120 | $4200 – $6600 +GST |
| 130 | $4550 – $7150 +GST |
| 150 | $5250 – $8250 +GST |
| 160 | $5600 – $8800 +GST |
| 230 | $8050 – $12650 +GST |
| 250 | $8750 – $13750 +GST |
| 300 | $10500 – $16500 +GST |
Please note: these costs ranges don’t include cost of scaffolding or any consideration of condition where it may require repair work – this is only to give you an idea of cost.
“If you are sensitive to the chemicals in the paint, there’s always a safe option of paint to select like natural paint or low VOC paint. If you do not like the smell of oil based paint, you can substitute it for aquanamel water- based paint. However, if current door and frames are oil based, you will firstly need to sand off the gloss from the oil based paint and apply a stronger undercoat before you paint the aquanamel” Michael Tran – Project Manager
Have you tried our Interior Painting Cost Calculator?
Due to popular requests for ball park figures, which is a fair request for those who are considering painting or are just researching – we’ve put together an interior painting cost calculator (built in-house) to help.
When considering the cost of interior painting for your home, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Size of the Home: The square footage of your home will be a significant determinant of the overall cost. Larger homes will naturally require more paint and more labor, resulting in higher costs.
- Number of Rooms: The number of rooms to be painted will also impact the cost. Each additional room will require additional time and materials.
- Preparation Work: The condition of your walls and ceilings will affect the amount of preparation work needed. If there are cracks, holes, or imperfections that need to be repaired, this will add to the cost. Similarly, if there is old paint that needs to be removed or surfaces that need to be primed, this will also increase the cost.
- Quality of Paint: The quality of paint you choose will affect the cost. Higher-quality paints typically cost more but offer better coverage, durability, and color retention. Conversely, lower-quality paints may be cheaper upfront but could require more coats and may not last as long.
- Number of Coats: The number of coats of paint required will depend on the color and condition of the walls. Darker colors and uneven surfaces may require additional coats, which will increase the cost.
- Labor Costs: Labor costs will vary depending on factors such as the skill level of the painters, the time required to complete the job, and whether any special techniques or equipment are needed.
- Additional Services: If you require additional services such as trim painting, wallpaper removal, or decorative finishes, these will add to the overall cost.
- Timeline: If you need the painting done within a specific timeframe, such as before moving in or before hosting an event, you may incur additional costs for expedited service.
When considering the cost difference between painting the entire interior of a house and just a single room, such as a kitchen, there are several factors and economic principles to keep in mind, particularly the concept of economy of scale.
Cost Estimates
In New Zealand, the cost of painting varies based on the scope of the project. Painting a single room can range from $600 to $1,800 depending on the size of the room and the quality of the paint used. For instance, a kitchen might cost around $960 to $1,440 given its average size and the need for durable, easy-to-clean paint.
On the other hand, painting the entire interior of a house is a larger project and generally ranges from $8,400 to $12,000 for an average-sized home. This includes all rooms, ceilings, and possibly trim work.
Economy of Scale
Economy of scale plays a significant role in these cost differences. When painting an entire house, painters can often offer a lower cost per square meter compared to a single room. This is due to several reasons:
- Mobilization Costs: Painters have to set up their tools, cover floors, and move furniture. This setup process is similar whether they are painting one room or multiple rooms. Therefore, the per-room cost decreases when the setup cost is spread across a larger area.
- Bulk Purchasing: Buying paint in larger quantities often reduces the price per liter. Painters can pass these savings on to the homeowner when they are purchasing enough paint for an entire house rather than a single room.
- Efficiency: Larger jobs allow painters to work more efficiently. They can move from room to room without needing to pack up and relocate their equipment. This reduces the overall labor cost, which can be reflected in the pricing.
For example, if a painter charges $1,440 to paint a kitchen (20 square meters) for a kitchen renovation project, this translates to $72 per square meter. However, if the same painter charges $9,600 to paint an entire 150 square meter house, the cost per square meter drops to approximately $64. This illustrates the cost-saving benefits of a larger project due to reduced labor and material costs per unit area.
When planning a painting project, it is crucial to consider the economy of scale. While the initial investment for painting an entire house is higher, the cost efficiency per square meter is better compared to painting a single room. This makes larger projects more economical in the long run, providing better value for the investment (Dulux Paint).
When obtaining quotes from painting contractors, be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs and inquire about any additional fees or charges that may apply. Additionally, consider getting multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Finally, remember that investing in quality materials and skilled labor can save you money in the long run by ensuring a professional finish that lasts longer.
Have you tried our Interior Painting Cost Calculator?
Due to popular requests for ball park figures, which is a fair request for those who are considering painting or are just researching – we’ve put together an interior painting cost calculator (built in-house) to help.
Get In Touch, Free Color Consultation
Are you looking get an estimate for your painting needs? Need help choosing your paint colours or putting together a complete exterior or interior look for your property? Then request a visit from a Superior Painter Colour Consultant.
During the color consultation, you’ll receive:
- Professional advice on color selection and design for your home
- Free on-site project appraisal based on your needs
- Plan of action/ proposal for your project
- And get all your questions answered with no obligations
Get in touch today – Book Consultation – or call us directly on 0800 199 888 to speak to the team