How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House — Including Tile Work

Key Factors That Influence the Price

When you’re budgeting for a home painting project, the total cost can vary widely. The main variables are the size of the home, the type of paint, labor rates, surface preparation, and whether you need to tackle tile areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Average Paint‑Only Costs

For a typical single‑family house (about 2,000 sq ft of exterior surface), homeowners can expect to spend:

• DIY approach: $1,200 – $2,500 for paint, rollers, brushes, and basic prep supplies.
• Professional painters: $3,000 – $7,000, which includes labor, premium paint, and a thorough prep (power washing, sanding, caulking).

Interior painting generally runs a bit lower per square foot, averaging $1.50 – $3.50 per sq ft for labor and materials.

Adding Tile Work to the Mix

If your project also involves painting over or around tile—common in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchen backsplashes—you’ll need to factor in extra steps:

• Surface preparation: Cleaning, etching, and applying a suitable primer can add $0.30 – $0.60 per sq ft.
• Specialty paint: Epoxy‑based or moisture‑resistant paints for tile areas cost $25 – $45 per gallon, roughly $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft.
• Labor: Tile‑related work often requires a skilled painter or a small crew, adding $1.00 – $2.00 per sq ft.

Overall, expect an additional $2 – $5 per sq ft for rooms that combine paint and tile.

Typical Total Project Estimate

Here’s a quick example for a 2,500 sq ft home with two tiled bathrooms (≈150 sq ft each):

Exterior painting (professional)	$5,000
Interior painting (standard rooms)	$4,500
Tile‑area prep & specialty paint	$1,200
Total estimated cost	$10,700 – $12,300

Tips to Keep Costs Down

Plan ahead: Get at least three quotes, and ask each contractor to break down labor, paint, and prep costs. Choose quality paint that lasts longer—cheaper options may save money now but increase future repainting expenses. For tile areas, consider painting only the grout lines instead of the whole tile to reduce material use.

By understanding the variables—size, paint type, labor, and tile considerations—you can set a realistic budget and avoid surprise expenses. Whether you go DIY or hire professionals, a clear cost outline ensures a beautiful, long‑lasting finish for your home.

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