I'm trying to estimate the cost of painting my entire 1200 square foot condo. I calculated around $400, breaking it down into roughly 5 gallons of primer and 5 gallons of paint, each costing about $150, plus around $100 for various painting supplies. I have a feeling this estimate is way too low, especially considering I might be underestimating the amount of paint needed. Am I way off with my calculations?
5 Answers
Your supply budget of $100 seems a bit low, especially if you need brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and other essentials. Those can add up fast. Also, remember for your space, you might be underestimating how much paint you really need, especially for walls that may need a couple of coats. It might be helpful to check accurate wall coverage in square footage based on your layout!
I’d recommend investing in better quality paint. It’s worth it in the long run for durability and finish. Spending a bit more on paint will pay off!
Don't forget to include labor costs if you’re planning to hire help! You might actually need more than 5 gallons too, especially for a full coverage job—it can vary a lot by location, but I would prepare for possibly spending closer to $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the details. Just a heads up if you haven't thought about this!
When I painted my house, I used way more paint than I initially estimated, even when using one of those online calculators. I'm not a pro, so I probably wasted some, but it’s something to keep in mind! You might want to account for a bit more than your guess if you're not experienced.
Are you doing the painting yourself? Make sure to check the actual square footage of wall coverage you have. That way, you can get a more accurate estimate of paint needed!
Thanks for the heads-up! I really hadn’t considered labor costs, which could definitely add up.