Painting a house is one of the most effective ways to refresh its look and increase property value. For homeowners, a common question is: Average Cost to Paint a 3 Bedroom House, The answer depends on many factors house size, type of paint, prep work, and whether you hire professionals or take the DIY route.
Most people rely on Painting Estimating Services to calculate accurate costs before starting, ensuring they stay within budget and avoid surprise expenses. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down average costs, factors that affect pricing, and give you real-world examples to help you plan your project confidently.
Why Estimating Costs Matters Before Painting
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Budgeting: Knowing the estimate helps prevent overspending.
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Scope of Work: Helps decide whether to paint just walls or include ceilings and trims.
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Compare Contractors: A solid estimate allows fair comparisons between painter quotes.
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Decision Making: Helps you decide between professional services and DIY painting.
Average Cost to Paint a 3 Bedroom House
National Averages (Professional Painting)
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Low End (basic walls only): $2,500 – $4,000
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Mid Range (walls + ceilings + trims): $4,000 – $6,500
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High End (detailed finishes, repairs, premium paint): $7,000 – $9,000+
DIY Painting Costs
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Materials only: $700 – $1,700 (paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths)
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Time required: 5–10 full days depending on your speed and experience
Factors That Affect Painting Costs
1. Size of the House
While “3 bedroom house” is the baseline, sizes vary:
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Small 3 bedroom (~1,200 sq. ft.) → Lower end of cost range
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Medium 3 bedroom (~1,500–1,800 sq. ft.) → Mid-range
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Large 3 bedroom (~2,000+ sq. ft.) → Higher end of cost range
2. Surface Condition and Prep Work
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Smooth walls = less prep, lower cost
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Repairs, holes, water damage, or old wallpaper removal = adds 20–40% to cost
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Pressure washing (for exteriors) = $150–$300
3. Type and Quality of Paint
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Economy paint: $25–$35 per gallon (4–6 years lifespan)
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Mid-range paint: $40–$60 per gallon (7–10 years lifespan)
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Premium paint: $70–$100+ per gallon (10–15 years lifespan)
4. Number of Coats
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One coat (rarely enough) → cheaper, but uneven coverage
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Two coats (standard) → 25–40% extra paint and labor
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Three coats (for dark-to-light color changes) → higher cost
5. Labor Costs
Labor is usually 60–70% of total painting cost.
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Hourly rate: $25–$60 per painter
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Day rate: $250–$600 per painter
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Per square foot: $1.50–$4.00 interior, $2.00–$5.00 exterior
6. Ceilings, Trims, and Doors
Adding ceilings, trims, doors, and crown molding increases costs:
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Ceilings: $300–$700 for a 3-bedroom home
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Trim & baseboards: $1,000–$2,500
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Doors & windows: $50–$150 each
7. Regional Price Differences
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Urban areas: Higher labor costs ($3–$5 per sq. ft.)
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Suburban: Mid-range ($2–$3.50 per sq. ft.)
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Rural: More affordable ($1.50–$2.50 per sq. ft.)
Interior vs Exterior Costs for a 3 Bedroom House
Interior Painting
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Walls only: $2,500 – $4,000
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Walls + ceilings + trims: $4,000 – $6,500
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Premium paints + decorative finishes: $6,500 – $9,000+
Exterior Painting
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Small 3 bedroom house: $2,500 – $4,500
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Medium 3 bedroom house: $4,000 – $6,500
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Large or multi-story homes: $6,500 – $10,000+
Step-by-Step: How to Estimate Painting Costs for a 3 Bedroom House
Step 1: Measure Paintable Area
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Walls area = perimeter × height
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Subtract doors & windows (~20% of wall area)
Example:
1,500 sq. ft. 3-bedroom home = ~4,000 sq. ft. of paintable surface
Step 2: Calculate Paint Needed
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1 gallon covers ~350 sq. ft. (1 coat)
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Two coats = 700 sq. ft. per gallon
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For 4,000 sq. ft. → ~12 gallons required
Step 3: Estimate Paint Costs
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Mid-range paint @ $50/gallon × 12 = $600
Step 4: Add Labor Costs
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$2.50/sq. ft. × 4,000 sq. ft. = $10,000
Step 5: Include Extras
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Prep work: $500 – $1,000
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Supplies: $150 – $300
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Ceilings & trims: $1,500 – $2,500
Total: $5,000 – $7,500 (average 3 bedroom home)
DIY vs Professional Painting
DIY
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Pros: Lower cost, flexible schedule, personal satisfaction
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Cons: Time-consuming, requires skill, safety risks
Professional
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Pros: Faster, warranty, professional finish, less stress
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Cons: Higher upfront cost
Tips to Save Money When Painting a 3 Bedroom House
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Do prep work yourself (cleaning, sanding small areas).
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Choose mid-range paints for durability and value.
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Paint during the off-season for discounts.
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Bundle trims, ceilings, and walls in one contract.
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Get at least 3 written estimates.
Example Breakdown: Medium 3 Bedroom House (~1,600 sq. ft.)
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Paint (12 gallons mid-range): $600
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Labor: $4,500
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Ceilings: $500
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Trims & doors: $1,000
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Prep work: $700
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Supplies: $200
Estimated Total: $7,500
Conclusion
The average cost to paint a 3 bedroom house ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on house size, prep work, paint quality, and whether you hire professionals. DIY can lower costs, but professional painters provide higher-quality, long-lasting results.
The best way to stay on budget is to measure your home’s square footage, calculate paint requirements, and get multiple estimates. Tools like Painting Estimating Services also help you plan more accurately and avoid hidden expenses. With the right planning, you can refresh your home affordably while boosting its value and appearance.
FAQs
1. How long does it take professionals to paint a 3 bedroom house?
Usually 3–5 days for interiors, depending on prep and coats.
2. Is exterior painting included in the estimate?
No, exterior painting is typically a separate project with different costs.
3. Can I save money by buying my own paint?
Sometimes, but contractors often get discounts—ask before purchasing.
4. Do painters charge by the room or by square foot?
Most professionals charge per square foot, though some smaller projects may be priced per room.
5. How often should I repaint a 3 bedroom house?
Interior: every 7–10 years; Exterior: every 7–15 years depending on climate.
6. What adds the most cost to painting a house?
Extensive prep work, ceilings, trims, and premium paint choices.
