How Much Does it Cost to Paint a NYC Apartment?

Painting an apartment is one of the most effective ways to refresh your living space with no crucial rebuilding. In New York City, where apartments come in all shapes and sizes, understanding the cost of such a project can be challenging.

Painting can significantly increase the value of your home when selling or renting it out.

“Sellers should have the home professionally cleaned, including deodorizing the property. Painting the walls, replacing carpets, repairing damaged floors, and changing out all the filters will help with the odor and marketability." – agent Karen Kostiw of Coldwell Banker Warburg notices.

What is the Price for Painting an Apartment?

One of the primary factors affecting the cost of painting an apartment is its size. On average, to paint an apartment in NYC can cost from $1,000 to $7,000. This doesn't imply that you cannot spend less or more than that amount. Everything hinges on your individual circumstances.

There is a number of factors affecting the cost of painting the interior of a home or apartment:

• Painter's rates (often priced per square foot).

• Wall accessibility

• Occupancy and age of the apartment

• Surface type (brick, stucco, concrete, fiber cement, drywall, etc.)

• Amount of surface preparation required

• Type of room (bathroom, kitchen, balcony, etc.)

• Paint quality, type, and quantity

• Preferred design choices

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Small Apartment?

Let’s say a small apartment in NYC is nearly 300-500 square feet (usually – all spaces under 500 sq ft). A studio typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500 to paint, depending on the amount of preparation needed and the quality of paint used. On average, you might expect to spend about $1,500. This includes nearly $300 for paint and supplies, $1,000 for labor, and $200 for additional costs such as moving furniture and wall repairs​.

Usually two gallons of paint are enough for an 800 square feet apartment. This means that this volume of paint is enough to cover the walls in one coat. Taking into account the cost of one can of paint and the number of coats you need, you can calculate the cost. Keep in mind that some colors and textures require more than even two coats.

A painting job can take from a few hours to several days, depending on the size of apartment and the number of coats needed. Thus, many companies list the number of hours and the rate per hour in the project estimate.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Large Apartment?

A large apartment, typically with two bedrooms or more, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 to paint.

Additional Costs to Consider

Don't forget about ceiling and trim painting, which can add $500 to $1,000 to your total bill, depending on the complexity and area of the work. Specialty work, like custom murals or decorative finishes, will also increase your costs significantly​.

Are there any ways to reduce the cost?

Study the list of painting costs and choose those items that you can do yourself. For example, if the room is currently cluttered with furniture, you should definitely clear it out before painting. Your contractor can probably do this themselves, but the cost is included in the total. If you can provide access to the walls yourself, you can save money.

Additionally, consider the size of the job. Painting smaller spaces or single rooms generally costs more per square foot than painting an entire apartment. Most contractors calculate costs based on volume, so larger jobs tend to be more cost-efficient.

Consult your contractor for the cost of consumables. It may be that the paint color you like can be found from another manufacturer at a lower price.

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals

When it comes to painting your NYC apartment, the cost can vary significantly between doing it yourself (DIY) and hiring professionals.

DIY Painting

Pros:

• Cost Savings: The primary advantage of DIY is the potential for significant cost savings, especially if you already own some of the necessary supplies.
• Satisfaction: Completing a DIY project can be highly rewarding and provide a sense of accomplishment

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: DIY painting requires a substantial time investment, which can be challenging if you have a busy schedule.
• Quality Variations: Unless you have experience, the quality of your paint job might not match that of a professional. Issues like uneven coats, drips, and missed spots are common among DIYers.
• Physical Effort: Painting can be physically demanding, particularly if you need to reach high ceilings or awkward corners. Additional factors are surface preparation, taping, and protecting the areas when planning a paint job.

Hiring Professionals

Pros:

• Quality: Professionals bring expertise and experience, ensuring a high-quality finish that can significantly enhance the appearance of your apartment.
• Efficiency: Professional painters work quickly and efficiently, often completing the job in a fraction of the time it would take a DIYer.
• Convenience: Hiring professionals means you don’t have to worry about preparation, execution, or cleanup, freeing up your time for other activities.

Cons:

• Cost: The most significant downside is the higher cost, which can be prohibitive for some budgets.
• Control: You need to have confidence in your contractor so that you don't have to monitor every step of the way and check that you are on schedule.

In conclusion, the decision between DIY and hiring professionals depends on your budget, time, and desired quality of work. If cost is your primary concern and you have the time to dedicate, DIY might be the way to go. However, if you want a high-quality finish without the hassle, hiring professionals is likely worth the investment​.

If you find painting your apartment to be a daunting task, don't hesitate to contact us for assistance with painting your NYC apartment anytime!