Is It Cheaper To DIY Or Hire Painters?
- Christopher Heart
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
If you measure cash out of pocket only, DIY is almost always cheaper than hiring a painting company—even if you buy tools and end up re‑buying some paint after making a mistake.
But the better question is: Is the money you save worth the time, risk, and finish you'll get? That depends on:
Size/complexity of the space (ceilings, stairwells, trim, closets).
Desired outcome (basic refresh vs. crisp, high‑end finish).
Your situation (renting vs. owning; tight timeline vs. flexible).
Surface condition (light patching vs. repairs/skim coat).
If you want a crisp, "wow" finish on a tight timeline, hiring painters usually wins out in terms of time, quality, and overall hassle, even though it costs more. However, if your renting the unit you can explore hiring cheaper painting contractors or DIY, since you don't plan on owning the apartment/home.
What DIY Really Costs (Materials Only).
Most DIY budgets cover paint, prep, and protection. If you already own basic tools, your spend is mostly paint and consumables. If you don’t, expect to buy some gear.
Typical DIY materials range (1-bedroom/1–3 rooms): $400–$1,000
(Lower if you own tools; higher with premium paints, more bedrooms or extra repairs).
DIY shopping list for a 1‑bedroom (≈3 rooms).
Below is what you'll need to purchase at a Home Depot or paint shop near you if you're doing the project yourself:
Paint (walls): ~5–10 gallons for two coats — ~$35–$80/gal → $175–$800
Primer: 1–3 gallons — ~$20–$40/gal → $20–$120
Applicators: roller frames & covers, trays/liners, two quality brushes — ~$60–$140
Protection: painter’s tape, plastic sheeting, canvas drop cloths — ~$50–$160
Prep & repair: pole sander, sanding sponges, patch compound, putty knife, paintable caulk — ~$30–$75
Access: extension pole $15–$30; step ladder $60–$120 (skip if you already own one)
Pro tip: Don't cut corners on brushes, roller naps, tape or prepping materials—cheap tools can cause jagged lines, lint in the paint, sloppy finishes and bleed-through at the trim.
What Painters Generally Charge & What's Included.
On average, a painter charges $1,800–$5,000 to repaint a 1‑bedroom in NY, NJ, CT (and other high‑cost states). The amount you pay will directly impact both the quality of the finish and the overall experience you have with the company. The biggest swing comes from scope (what surfaces are included) and prep (how much surface repair is needed).
Typical 1‑Bedroom Price Ranges by Job Complexity.
In many states this is what professional painters will charge you to paint a 1-bedroom home—expect the costs to increase for larger homes:
1). Walls‑Only (light refresh) — $1,800–$2,800
Includes floor/furniture protection, light patching, primer as needed, and two coats on walls only.
Excludes ceilings, trim/doors, closets.
2). Full Interior (walls + ceilings + trim) — $3,400–$4,800
Adds ceilings, baseboards/casings, doors, and closets. Includes masking, patch & caulk, spot‑priming, and two even finish coats for a consistent sheen throughout. (Standard ceilings ≤9′.)
3). Premium/High‑End Finish — $4,800–$7,000+
For a "wow" result: skim coat on uneven areas, detailed caulking, enamel trim systems, sample approvals, multiple colors, or tall sections/stairwells.
Why quotes differ:
Many low quotes are walls‑only or the painter skip real prep and clean-up. Mid-to-high cost painters usually paint more surfaces, prep better, clean up well and use premium paint systems—so they look better and last longer.
bOTTOM Line -Time: The Hidden Cost:
If you have a small apartment and have some experience in painting, then you can save a lot of money. However, if your home exceeds 1000 square feet, painting yourself may be cheaper, but it's not worth the extensive time you'll spend on the project. You also might not be happy with the result of the paint job, making you regret not hiring a painter altogether.
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