How Interior and Exterior House Painting Adds Value To Your Property

If you’ve ever bought or rented property, you’ll understand the value of a good paint job. Chipped, cracked and peeling paint can be a turnoff to prospective buyers, while painting the home you’re already in can be a real transformation. Whether you’re house painting to sell or just looking to rejuvenate the place, it can be tempting to consider doing it yourself. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most commonly asked questions, like ‘does painting your house increase value?’ ‘How often should the interior of a house be painted?’ And ‘how much do professional painters charge?’

Does Painting the Exterior of the House Add Value?

The first impression can be the most important. It doesn’t take much to dissuade potential buyers, and if the outside of your home is looking out of date, there’s every chance they’ll assume the inside is too. Buyers can be fickle, so it’s worth investing in getting them in the front door. A quality paint job can be evidence enough for buyers that care has been taken in maintaining a property, without the need to undertake costly structural changes. This can be reassuring, particularly with heritage homes.

In terms of real value, estimates sit around 5% for increased sale price for properties with fresh paint. Considering the national median house price is $955,000, investing in the exterior of your home could put a property over the million-dollar mark. 

Does Painting the Interior of the House Add Value?

Much like with the exterior, a tidily painted interior can be enticing for prospective buyers, and suggest care has been taken in maintaining the home. Painting, however, can add more than just financial value. For owner-occupiers, getting a tired interior up to speed can add comfort and emotional value. Though homes age, the interior design can be renewed. Adding contemporary furniture is a great way to re-energise an interior, but it can be jarring against outdated wallpaper or paint. Blacks and greys can be particularly modernising, adding depth and mood to a room. On the other hand, a clean white finish is a classic for a reason. Whites give the appearance of space and light, which can be particularly valuable for smaller rooms or those with low ceilings. 

How Long Should a Paint Job Last on a House

If you’re hiring a professional, expect your paint job to stay fresh for around seven years - although possibly more with care and maintenance. The type of paint used (and whether it suits the purpose) will also affect longevity. Acrylic paints, for instance, are often favoured for their weather resistance in exterior house painting. Water-based paints are less durable, but being odour-free are better suited to interiors. Oil-based paints are more resistant to wear, and so tend to work best in high-traffic rooms.

While this knowledge can help the DIY-er, it’s no substitute for professional experience. Knowing how many coats to apply, and how best to apply the paint, can mean getting the most out of a paint job. And in the end, that means saving time and money.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House Myself?

By saving on labour costs, the budget for a DIY paint job can be spent almost entirely on the paint itself. You will, however, need to purchase other equipment if you’ve never painted before. Paintbrushes, rollers, masking tape and tarps to protect surfaces will all need to be budgeted for.

How much you spend will also depend on the size of the space. If you’re just freshening up a few interior walls you’ll need much less paint than a complete inside/outside job. As a general rule, expect to use about a litre of paint per 16 square metres of wall. The final amount will vary depending on the type of surface material being painted, as well as how many coats are required. 

Anywhere from $1,500 to $30,000 will cover most jobs. Though you’ll pay for labour on top, a professional will be able to estimate paint and material costs with a greater deal of accuracy. 

How Long Does it Take to Paint a House Myself?

Total painting time depends on a few things. How many rooms, how complex the exterior, and the type of material used will all factor in. You’ll also need to add prep time. If the surface is rough and shoddy, you’ll need time to patch holes and sand the surface. Masking windows and door frames will also add time. 

Once you’re prepared, a good rule is 5 to 7 square metres of painting per hour. This means a standard room might take anywhere up to four hours to paint, while larger rooms will take longer. Water-based paints will dry in a few hours, while oil paints may need overnight to dry. Professionals can often complete jobs much faster.

How Much Do Professionals Charge to Paint the House?

Professionals may charge by the hour or by surface area. Depending on experience and quality, expect to pay upwards of $15-$25 per square metre or $40-$80 per hour. Prep work, paint types and the scale of the job will all factor in.

Though it seems like a large expense, professionals have the advantage of experience and knowledge. This means jobs get done quickly (much quicker than a DIY) and they get done correctly. Professional painters understand the difference in surface types, paint types, and technique. A poorly executed DIY paint job can be as unappealing as aging paint. 

To get an accurate quote for your job or to find out about payment plans, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team.

How Much Does Paint Increase Home Value?

A good quality paint job (with emphasis on quality) can lift the sale price of a home by 5%. With a national median house price of $955,000, that means a boost of over $50,000. For very large or well-situated homes, this increase could be significantly greater. 

Final Thoughts

A fresh coat of paint can be the difference between selling your home quickly and sitting on the market. It can be the difference between the reserve sale price and (often) an extra 5%. It can be the difference between liking the home you're in and loving it. With so much to gain, it can be tempting to think of doing it yourself. While it’s possible, DIY painting to sell your home can be difficult. Long timeframes, less-than-ideal quality, and huge quantities of leftover paint and equipment are just some of the traps. Enlisting the help of an experienced professional means a job done right, with a quoted budget and timeframe right from the start. And, importantly, professionals can help increase the value of your home.

If you’d like to know more about how a professional job can maximise your home’s value, contact us today.