How Much Does House Painting Cost in Vancouver?

Ever caught yourself staring at your walls, thinking they could use a fresh coat of paint? Maybe you’re tired of the current colour, or perhaps the walls are showing signs of wear and tear – that’s quite common in Vancouver, British Columbia. Whatever the reason, painting your house can breathe new life into your space. But then comes the big question: How much do house painters in Vancouver cost? Let’s break it down and help you make an informed decision. 

Factors That Influence Painting Costs 

While painting can be a budget-friendly way to enhance your home, mistakes like improper prep work or using the wrong type of paint can lead to additional costs. To ensure a smooth and professional finish, check out this guide on common house painting mistakes and how to avoid them.

Before we dive into numbers, it’s important to understand what goes into determining the cost of painting a house. Several key factors impact the final price: 

Size of the Project 

Square Footage: The size of your home plays a huge role in how much you’ll pay for painting services. The more surface area, the more paint and labour are needed. For instance: 

1. A 1,000 sq. ft. home might cost between $2,750 and $2,850. 
2. A 2,000 sq. ft. home could range from $5,100 to $5,500. 
3. Larger homes over 3,000 sq. ft. can exceed $7,500, depending on other factors like trim, ceilings, and multiple coat.

Number of Rooms: More rooms mean more prep work, edges, and corners that require precise detailing. This increases both labour and material costs. 

Exterior vs. Interior: Painting the exterior generally costs more due to additional prep work, weather conditions, and the need for durable, weather-resistant paint. 

Quality of Paint 

1. Standard vs. Premium Paint: Standard paints are affordable, typically costing $30 – $60 per gallon. 
2. Premium options provide better coverage, durability, and finish, ranging from $60 – $100+ per gallon.
3. Eco-Friendly Paints: If you prefer low-VOC or environmentally friendly options, expect to pay between $60 – $90 per gallon.
4. These paints release fewer harmful chemicals, making them a great choice for homes with children, pets, or allergy-sensitive individuals. 
5. Number of Coats Needed: Some colours or wall conditions require multiple coats, increasing the total amount of paint used. 

Labor Costs 

1. Hourly Rates: In Vancouver, professional painters charge between $35 and $50 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity. 
2. Experience Level: Highly skilled house painters in Vancouver may charge more but often work more efficiently and deliver a better finish. 
3. Project Complexity: Simple one-colour jobs cost less, while detailed designs, accent walls, or multiple colour combinations take more time and expertise. 

Preparation Work 

1. Wall Repairs: Small cracks and holes might cost $50 to $200 per room to fix. 
2. Extensive damage, such as drywall replacement, can push costs higher. 
3. Priming: If you’re covering a dark-coloured wall with a lighter shade, priming is necessary, adding $100 to $200 per room. 
4. New drywall also requires priming before painting to seal the surface. 
5. Cleaning and Sanding: Dirty or glossy walls need to be cleaned or sanded before applying paint, which can add labour hours to the project. 

Specialty Finishes 

1. Textures and Accents: Custom finishes such as textured walls, faux finishes, or accent walls can increase costs by $150 to $500, depending on complexity. 
2. Cabinet and Trim Painting: Painting cabinets and trim require extra precision, adding an additional $500 to $2,000+ depending on the number of surfaces. 
3. Ceiling Painting: If your project includes ceilings, expect an additional charge, especially for high or textured ceilings. 

Accessibility 

1. High Ceilings and Tight Spaces: Homes with vaulted ceilings or tight staircases require special equipment such as scaffolding or extension ladders, increasing labour costs. 
2. Multi-Story Homes: Painting second or third stories requires extra time and effort, raising the overall price. 
3. Difficult-to-Reach Areas: Hard-to-reach places, such as behind large furniture or intricate trim details, can slow down the process and require extra care. 

Also Read: Planning to Paint the Whole House? Read This First

Cost Breakdown by Square Footage and Room Type 

Per Square Foot 

• Walls Only: Expect to pay around $4 per sq. ft. 

• Including Ceilings and Trim: This can increase the price to $3.00 – $4.50 per sq. Ft. 

Per Room 

• Small Rooms (e.g., bathrooms, closets, pantries): $300 – $600 

• Medium Rooms (e.g., bedrooms, home offices, dining rooms): $600 – $1,200 

• Large Rooms (e.g., living rooms, kitchens, open-concept spaces): $1,200 – $2,000+ 

Entire Home Painting Costs 

• 1,250 sq. ft. Home: $3,000 – $4,500 

• 2,000 sq. ft. Home: $5,750 – $7,500 

• 2,500 sq. ft. Home: $7,500 – $10,000 

• 3,000+ sq. ft. Home: $9,000 – $15,000+ (depending on detail work and materials) 

Additional Expenses to Consider 

When planning a painting project, there are extra costs beyond just the paint and labour. Here are key expenses that might affect your total budget: 

1. Furniture Moving 

• Some residential painters in Vancouver charge $50 – $100 per room to move furniture before painting begins. 

• If you handle this yourself, you can save on costs. 

• For large or heavy items (like pianos or wall units), movers may be needed, which can increase costs further. 

2. Number of Coats Required 

• Dramatic Color Changes: If you’re switching from dark to light or vice versa, multiple coats (or a primer layer) will be necessary. 

• Low-Quality Paints: Budget paints often require extra coats, increasing material and labour expenses. 

• Textured Walls: Rough surfaces, like popcorn ceilings or stucco walls, need more paint for full coverage. 

3. Trim and Molding Work 

• Baseboards, Crown Molding, and Window Trims: These require precision and may cost more per linear foot. 

• Ornate or Custom Trim: More detailed trim work can add $1 – $3 per linear foot in labour costs. 

• Door and Window Frames: Painting these adds time and may increase the total cost. 

4. Extra Features 

• Decks and Fences: Painting or staining an outdoor deck can cost between $2 – $5 per sq. ft., depending on materials. 

• Exterior Painting: Painting exterior walls is more expensive due to prep work, weather conditions, and specialized paints. 

• Cabinet Painting: Refinishing kitchen or bathroom cabinets typically costs $30 – $60 per door/drawer. 

5. Surface Preparation 

• Wall Repairs: Patching holes, sanding rough surfaces, or replacing drywall can add $100 – $500 to your total cost. 

• Power Washing (Exterior Painting): If exterior walls need cleaning, expect an additional $100 – $400. 

6. Permit Fees (For Large Projects) 

• Some cities require permits for major exterior painting, especially in historic districts. These can range from $50 – $200. 

Would you like cost-saving tips to help reduce expenses? The type of paint finish you choose can also impact the overall cost of your painting project. Some finishes are more expensive than others due to durability and appearance. To learn more about different paint finishes and how to choose the right one for each room, check out this guide.

How to Save Money on Painting Costs 

Got a painting project in mind? Whether it’s a single room or the entire house, the costs can add up fast. But what if there were ways to cut down on expenses without sacrificing quality? 

 

1. Is There a Cheaper Time to Hire a House Painter in Vancouver, BC? Absolutely. 

Most people don’t think about this, but painting has an off-season. During colder months—especially in Canada when outdoor jobs slow down—many painters are looking for work. Winter and early spring tend to be the best times to book if you want a deal. Some contractors offer 10–20% discounts just to keep their teams busy. 

If you can wait until the off-season, it might be worth it. But if you’re on a tight schedule, weekday jobs are often cheaper than weekend bookings. Painters know weekends are in high demand, so they charge more. 

2. Why Pay More for Paint When You Don’t Have To? 

Painters often mark up the price of paint. Some add 10–30% on top of retail prices. Instead of letting them buy it, head to your local hardware store and look for deals. Major brands like Sherwin-Williams and Behr have sales throughout the year, especially during spring and fall. 

Some stores even offer contractor pricing to the public if you buy in bulk. Whether you’re refreshing the interior of a home with interior painting or giving a commercial property a professional makeover with commercial painting, buying in bulk can save you hundreds of dollars on high-quality paint and supplies.

Pro tip: Don’t cheap out on quality. Low-end paint might cost less upfront, but it usually needs extra coats, which means you’ll end up buying more. 

3. Can You Save Money by Painting More? Surprisingly, Yes. 

If you’re thinking about painting one room now and another later, stop. It’s actually cheaper to do everything at once. Why? 

• Bulk Discounts – Many painters give lower rates for larger jobs. 

• Fewer Set-Up Costs – They charge for things like moving furniture, taping, and prepping. Doing multiple rooms at once means you pay these fees just once. 

• Less Wasted Paint – Buying paint in larger quantities is more cost-effective than buying separate cans for each room. 

So, if your kitchen needs a refresh and your living room is looking dull, tackling them together can save you money. 

4. Want to Slash Your Painting Bill? Do the Prep Work Yourself. 

Painters charge for everything—not just painting. That includes: 

✔ Moving furniture ($50–$100 per room) 

✔ Cleaning the walls ($100–$300 extra) 

✔ Taping edges ($50+ per room) 

✔ Patching holes ($20–$50 per repair) 

If you can do these things yourself, you’re already ahead. Plus, taping and patching aren’t complicated—it’s just time-consuming. Put on some music, grab a roll of painter’s tape, and get to work. You might be surprised how much you save. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

So, should you grab a brush and do it yourself, or is hiring a pro the smarter choice? Let’s break it down. 

The Good Side of DIY Painting 

• Saves Money – Labour is the biggest cost in any paint job. Doing it yourself can cut costs by 50% or more. 

• You Control Everything – No waiting for contractors, no miscommunication. It’s your project, your timeline. 

• Feels Good – There’s something satisfying about standing back and saying, “I did that.” 

But Here’s Where DIY Can Go Wrong… 

• Takes Forever – Painting looks easy—until you’re three hours in, covered in paint, and realize you’ve barely finished one wall. 

• Not as Easy as It Looks – Drips, streaks, uneven coverage—small mistakes can make a room look cheap. 

• Physically Exhausting – Holding a roller for hours, bending, stretching—it’s a full-body workout. And don’t even get started on painting ceilings. 

• Hidden Costs – Think you’re saving money? Add up the price of rollers, trays, drop cloths, painter’s tape, and ladders. Sometimes, DIY isn’t as cheap as it seems. 

Also Read: How to Choose the Perfect color Palette for Your Home

So, What’s the Smartest Move? 

If you’re painting a single room and have the time, DIY can be worth it. But for bigger projects—or if you care about a professional finish—hiring a house painter in Vancouver might save you time, frustration, and, believe it or not, money in the long run. 

Also Read: How Vancouver’s Weather Affects Your Home’s Paint

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How long does it take to paint a house? 

A professional painting crew can typically finish a standard 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. home in 3 to 7 days. This includes prep work like taping, priming, and drying time between coats. 

If you’re painting it yourself, expect the job to take much longer—at least 1 to 2 weeks, especially if you have other responsibilities during the day. DIY projects take longer because: 

✔ You don’t have a team—it’s just you (or a few helping hands). 

✔ You’ll need breaks, unlike professionals who work full shifts. 

✔ Drying time between coats can slow things down. 

✔ Prep work (like patching, sanding, and taping) takes time. 

Want the fastest results? Hire a pro and plan the job during a dry, warm period to help the paint dry faster. 

2. How often should I repaint my home? 

How often you need to repaint depends on wear and tear, room usage, and climate. Here’s a general timeline: 

• Interior Walls: Repaint every 5–7 years (or sooner in high-traffic areas). Hallways, kitchens, and kids’ rooms might need a refresh every 3–5 years due to scuff marks and stains. 

• Ceilings: Usually last 10+ years, unless there’s water damage or smoke stains. 

• Trims & Doors: Every 2–4 years, especially in busy areas where they get bumped and scratched often. 

• Exterior Paint: Lasts 7–10 years, but coastal areas and regions with harsh weather may need touch-ups every 5–7 years. 

Pro tip: High-quality paint lasts longer. Spending a bit more upfront can save you from repainting too soon. 

3. Does painting increase home value? 

Yes! A fresh coat of paint instantly improves curb appeal and can increase your home’s value by 2–5%. 

• For interiors: Neutral colours like soft greys, whites, or light beiges make a home feel modern and well-maintained. 

• For exteriors: A clean, freshly painted exterior makes a house look newer, attracting more buyers. 

Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your home and increase its value. However, homeowners often wonder whether investing in new flooring might have a greater impact. If you’re debating between these two upgrades, check out this comparison to see which option offers the best return on investment.

If you’re selling soon, repainting can be one of the cheapest ways to increase your asking price. A $3,000 paint job can add $10,000 or more in perceived value to a home. 

4. Can I negotiate painting costs? 

Yes! Most painters are open to negotiation, especially if: 

✔ You’re getting multiple rooms painted (bulk jobs often get discounts). 

✔ You’re booking during the off-season (winter months are slower for painters). 

✔ You’re providing your own paint (this can cut their supply costs). 

✔ You offer referrals or repeat business (painters value loyal clients). 

How to negotiate? 

Always get at least three quotes before choosing a house painter in Vancouver. Ask if they offer seasonal discounts, referral discounts, or price matching. Some painters also give better rates for weekday jobs instead of weekends. 

5. What’s the best time of year to paint a house in Vancouver? 

If you’re painting the exterior, timing is crucial. Vancouver’s rainy climate makes late spring to early fall (May–September) the best window for painting. The weather is warm, and the humidity is lower, helping the paint dry properly. 

For interior painting, any time of year works since temperature and humidity are controlled indoors. But if you want a better deal, consider painting in winter—painters have fewer bookings and might offer lower rates. 

Before You Book a Painter, Ask This One Question… 

“Can I get a discount for off-season work or bundling rooms?” 

If they say yes, congratulations—you just saved a few hundred bucks! If they say no, keep looking. There’s always a house painter in Vancouver willing to give you a better deal. 

At Budget and Save Painters, we believe a top-quality painting shouldn’t cost a fortune. 

That’s why we offer: 

✔ Seasonal Discounts – Book during our off-peak months and save big. 

✔ Bundle & Save Deals – The more rooms you paint, the more you save. 

✔ Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, just fair and honest rates. 

Whether you’re freshening up one room or painting your entire home, knowing what to expect in terms of cost will help you budget smartly. With the right plan—and the right painter—you can get a stunning, long-lasting paint job without breaking the bank. 

Want a free quote? Let’s talk savings! Contact Budget & Save Painters today.