What Does It Cost to Paint a House in Hobart?
One of the most common questions I get is:
“Can you give me a rough idea of what it will cost over the phone?”
Usually, the answer is no.
I’m not trying to be difficult or avoid the question. After more than 30 years painting homes around Hobart, I’ve learnt that two houses that look similar on paper can require very different amounts of work.
The biggest variable is often not the paint. It’s the preparation required before we start painting.
Typical House Painting Costs in Hobart
I know homeowners still want some idea of budget before arranging a quote, so these are realistic indicative ranges based on the type of work we regularly carry out.
| Project | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| 3-bedroom house interior | $6,000–$12,000+ |
| Small weatherboard exterior | $11,000–$15,000+ |
| Average weatherboard exterior | $13,000–$20,000+ |
| Roof painting/restoration | $5,000–$15,000+ |
These aren’t quotes. They’re a starting point.
Your home may fall below, within or above these ranges depending on its size, condition, access and particularly the amount of preparation required.
Why Can’t You Just Estimate It Over the Phone?
Because I’d probably be giving you a number that doesn’t mean much.
Take two three-bedroom homes.
One might have relatively modern plasterboard walls and ceilings in good condition. The other might be an older Hobart home with lath-and-plaster walls and ceilings, cracking and previous repairs.
Both are three-bedroom homes.
But they can be very different painting jobs.
Lath and plaster can require considerable preparation. Cracks may need repairing, damaged areas need attention and surfaces need to be properly prepared before we’re ready to apply the finishing coats.
That’s why simply asking “What does it cost to paint a three-bedroom house?” doesn’t tell me enough to give you a reliable answer.
Exterior Painting Can Vary Even More
Weatherboard homes are a big part of what we do around Hobart.
Again, preparation makes an enormous difference.
Weatherboards that have been regularly maintained are very different from boards where the existing coating has badly deteriorated and extensive scraping, sanding, repairs and priming are required.
Then there’s access.
Anyone who knows Hobart knows we don’t exactly have a shortage of hills.
A house that looks fairly straightforward from the street can be two or three storeys off the ground at the back.
That can mean scaffolding, elevated work platforms or other access equipment is required to complete the work properly and safely. Naturally, that affects the overall cost.
What About Roof Painting?
The same principle applies.
A price for painting or restoring a roof depends on considerably more than simply knowing that it’s a roof.
We need to consider things such as:
- roof size
- pitch
- existing condition
- access
- preparation required
- repairs that may be needed
- the coating system required
That’s why our roof painting and restoration projects can vary significantly in price.
Preparation Is a Big Part of What You’re Paying For
This is probably the most important thing to understand when comparing painting quotes.
Two painters can quote the same house and be thousands of dollars apart without actually quoting the same job.
The difference may be in what’s happening before the final coats go on.
Preparation can involve washing, scraping, sanding, filling, repairing cracks, treating deteriorated areas, priming bare surfaces and dealing with previous coatings.
A cheaper quote isn’t necessarily wrong.
But it’s worth understanding what preparation has actually been allowed for and whether you’re comparing like with like.
At Performance Painting, we only paint one way. We use the preparation and coating systems we believe the job requires and complete our work to the standard we’re prepared to put our name and warranty behind.
We’d rather explain why something costs what it does than cut preparation simply to reach a cheaper number.
So, How Do I Find Out What My House Will Cost?
The best way is for me to come and look at it.
I’ll assess the condition of the surfaces, access, preparation required and the scope of work you’re considering. We can also talk about your priorities and whether there are sensible ways of structuring the project.
You’ll then receive a proper written quote based on your house, rather than a generic online estimate.
Performance Painting has been painting homes throughout Hobart and surrounding areas since 1994.
If you’re considering painting your home and would like to know what you’re actually looking at, book a free quote and I’ll come out and take a look.