You need your house painted. You call a few painters in Vancouver for quotes. One says $2,000. Another says $5,000. The third says $3,200. Now you’re confused. Who’s ripping you off? Who’s cutting corners? What should you actually pay?
Let’s break down real painting costs so you know what’s fair and what’s not.
What Is the Average Cost of a Painting Job?
Here’s what most people pay in Vancouver:
- A single room runs $200 to $600, depending on size. That covers walls only, not ceilings or trim.
- A full interior for a 1,500 square foot home costs $2,000 to $6,000. This includes all rooms, trim, and usually ceilings.
- Exterior house painting costs $3,000 to $8,000 or more. Bigger homes or tough prep work push prices higher.
- Painters in Vancouver typically charge $25 to $50 per hour per painter. Or they quote by square footage at $2 to $6 per square foot.
Why such big ranges? Because every job is different. A simple bedroom with clean walls costs way less than a water-damaged kitchen with peeling paint.
What Factors Affect Painting Costs?
Several things change the final price.
Does Room Size Change the Price?
Obviously yes. A small bathroom takes 2 to 3 hours to paint. A large living room takes 6 to 8 hours. More time equals more money. Most painters measure square footage to calculate costs. The bigger your space, the higher the bill.
Do Paint Quality and Type Impact Cost?
Absolutely. Budget paint costs $25 to $35 per gallon. Premium paint runs $50 to $75 per gallon. But here’s the thing: quality paint covers better and lasts longer. You’ll use less and won’t need to repaint as soon.
Specialty paints like kitchen and bathroom paint with mildew resistance cost more. Exterior paint costs more than interior paint because it needs weather protection.
Also read: Top 10 Home Painting Trends in Vancouver for 2025
How Much Should You Pay for Interior Painting?
For interior work, expect $2 to $6 per square foot, including labor and materials. A 12×12 bedroom is about 144 square feet of wall space. That’s roughly $300 to $850, depending on condition and paint quality.
Whole-house interior jobs average $3,000 to $7,000 for most Vancouver homes. That includes multiple rooms, hallways, and trim work.
Higher prices usually mean better prep work. Cheap painters skip sanding, don’t fill holes properly, or use one coat when two are needed. You get what you pay for.
How Much Should You Pay for Exterior Painting?
Exterior jobs cost more because they’re harder. Weather matters. You can’t paint in the rain or extreme cold. Prep work takes longer. Scraping old paint, power washing, and caulking cracks all add time.
Most Vancouver exterior jobs run $3,000 to $10,000. Small homes or just trim work might be less. Large two-story homes with lots of detail work cost more.
About 60% of the exterior painting cost is labor. The rest is materials, equipment rental, and disposal fees.
Are You Being Overcharged for Your Painting Job?
Here are red flags that you’re paying too much.
- Quotes way higher than others with no explanation. If one painter quotes double what everyone else quotes, ask why. Maybe they see problems others missed. Or maybe they’re just expensive.
- Charging for things that should be included. Basic prep work like filling small holes and taping edges should be part of the job. Don’t pay extra for standard stuff.
- Vague estimates without details. Good painters break down costs. Paint, labor, prep work, and cleanup should all be listed. If they just say “five grand for the whole thing,” that’s sketchy.
- But also watch for quotes that seem too good to be true. Super cheap painters in Vancouver might be unlicensed, skip insurance, or do rushed work. Fixing bad paint jobs costs more than hiring decent painters the first time.
Looking for Fair Pricing and Quality Work?
You’re stuck trying to figure out if you’re getting a good deal or getting scammed. Paint job estimates are confusing. Everyone charges different amounts. You don’t know what’s reasonable. And you’re terrified of paying too much or ending up with sloppy work.
Budget Painters gives you straightforward pricing with no games. We break down exactly what you’re paying for. Quality paint, proper prep, skilled work, and cleanup are all included. We don’t lowball you, then add surprise fees. We don’t overcharge because we can.
Stop stressing about whether you’re getting ripped off. Call us today for an honest quote. We’re painters in Vancouver who believe fair pricing and quality work go together. Your walls deserve good paint. Your wallet deserves honest prices. Let’s make both happen.
