The short answer
The cost of painting the inside of an Auckland home depends mostly on how much surface there is to paint and what condition it's in. Two houses the same size can have very different prices if one needs a lot of wall repairs and a big colour change and the other just needs a refresh.
The only way to get a real number is to have someone look at the rooms. But knowing what drives the price helps you understand a quote, and compare quotes from different painters fairly.
What changes the price
These are the main things a painter looks at when they quote.
- How much there is to paintThe number of rooms, the wall and ceiling area, and whether doors, skirting and window frames are included.
- The condition of the wallsCracks, holes, dents, old patches and mould all need fixing before paint goes on. This is often the biggest difference between quotes.
- Colour changesGoing from a dark colour to a light one usually needs a primer and an extra coat.
- CeilingsCeilings are slower to paint than walls and often show flaws more, especially near windows.
- Trims and doorsEnamel work on joinery is detailed and slower than rolling walls.
- Height and accessStairwells and high or raked ceilings may need scaffolding or extra gear.
- FurniturePainting an empty house is quicker than working around furniture and a family.
Why prep makes the biggest difference
Most of the time on a good paint job goes into prep: filling, plastering, sanding and priming. New paint, especially in a lighter colour or with more sheen, shows every crack and bump in the wall. A cheap quote often means less prep, and you'll see that the first time the sun comes across the wall.
This is one reason we do both plastering and painting. Cracked joints and holes get fixed by a plasterer before painting starts, rather than just being smeared with filler.
How to compare painting quotes
When you get quotes, make sure they're for the same job. Check each one for:
- What's includedWalls only, or ceilings, doors, skirting and window frames too?
- Prep and repairsDoes it say what repairs are included, or is that extra?
- Number of coatsHow many coats, and is a primer or sealer included where needed?
- PaintWhich paint brand and range, and which finish in each room?
- TimingWhen they can start and how long they expect to take.
Older homes and lead paint
If your home was built before 1980, some of the old paint may contain lead. Sanding it without the right precautions spreads harmful dust. Ask any painter how they'll handle it, and whether they'll test first. It can affect the price, but it's not something to skip.
Getting a quote from us
We'll come and look at the rooms with you, talk through colours and finishes, and give you a written, itemised quote so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
Quick questions
Is it cheaper to paint walls only?
Yes, walls only is less work than walls, ceilings and trims. But if the ceilings and trims look tired, they'll stand out more next to freshly painted walls.
Does the paint brand change the cost much?
It can make some difference, but labour and prep make up most of the cost of a paint job. Good paint on poor prep still won't look good.
