If you are trying to figure out costs in terms of how much to paint a house, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions homeowners across British Columbia ask when planning a renovation or refresh. The challenge is that there is no single number that fits every home. Size, condition, access, paint quality, and scope all play a role.
This guide breaks down how much to paint a house in BC using realistic ranges, explains why prices vary so widely, and shows you how to compare painting service quotes properly so there are no surprises.
At a high level, how much to paint a house in British Columbia typically falls into these general ranges:
Interior house painting
Most full interior repaints land between $4,000 and $11,000+ depending on size, prep, and scope.
Exterior house painting
Exterior projects often range from $5,000 to $20,000+, with larger or more complex homes reaching higher.
These are budgeting ranges, not quotes. Understanding how much to paint a house accurately means looking at the details that affect the final number.
When homeowners ask how much to paint a house for interiors, they often expect a per room price. In reality, interior pricing is driven by surfaces, prep time, and detail work.
Typical interior pricing factors include:
For a detached home around 2,000 square feet, interior pricing commonly falls between $5,000 and $11,000+, depending on how comprehensive the scope is.
Condo and townhouse interiors usually cost less, but still vary widely based on layout and finish level. This is why two quotes for how much to paint a house can look very different while both are technically correct.
Exterior projects tend to answer the how much to paint a house question with the widest range. Exterior painting involves more variables and more risk.
Exterior pricing is affected by:
Smaller or well maintained homes may be on the lower end of the range. Homes with heavy peeling, wood repairs, or difficult access can move into five figures quickly.
Understanding how much to paint a house on the exterior means accounting for preparation, not just paint.
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Another reason the how much to paint a house question is confusing is that contractors price work differently.
Hourly pricing
Some painters charge hourly, typically ranging from $40 to $100+ per hour depending on experience and company size. Hourly pricing is common for small or undefined scopes.
Per square foot pricing
Many companies price by square foot, especially for larger projects. Interior pricing often ranges from $3 to $7 per square foot, while exterior pricing can range from $1.50 to $6 per square foot.
Neither method is inherently better. What matters most is that the scope and prep assumptions are clearly defined. If two quotes differ greatly on how much to paint a house, it is often because the prep or surfaces included are not the same.
If you want to understand how much to paint a house realistically, focus on these core drivers.
Scope
A quote for walls only will always be cheaper than walls, ceilings, trim, and doors. A low price often means a smaller scope.
Preparation
Prep is the biggest hidden variable. Drywall repairs, caulking, sanding, scraping, and priming all add time and cost but are essential for long lasting results.
Access
High ceilings, multi storey exteriors, and difficult access increase labour and equipment needs.
Paint quality
Higher quality paints cost more upfront but last longer and perform better in BC’s climate.
These factors explain most pricing differences when comparing how much to paint a house quotes.
Homeowners comparing how much to paint a house often notice line items that move the price.
Common add ons include:
None of these are bad options, but they should be clearly listed so expectations are aligned.
To get a clear answer on how much to paint a house, quotes need to be comparable.
When reviewing estimates, look for:
If one quote is significantly lower, it usually means something is missing, not that the contractor found a magic shortcut.
You can also review how projects are planned and managed by looking at our process and seeing examples of completed work in our project gallery.
Vancouver and Lower Mainland pricing is typically higher due to labour and access costs. Interior and exterior painting on Vancouver Island can vary based on travel and availability. Interior regions may see slightly lower labour costs but similar material pricing.
Weather is also a major factor. BC’s rain and moisture require proper drying time and suitable coatings. Resources like WorkSafeBC safety guidelines and BC Housing maintenance standards often influence planning and execution on professional projects.
If you are still asking how much to paint a house, the best next step is clarity, not guesswork.
Prepare:
This allows contractors to give accurate, comparable pricing.
If you would like to review your options with a professional team, you can contact us for a clear, no pressure discussion about your project.
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The real answer to how much to paint a house is not a single number. It is a combination of scope, prep, access, and expectations.
A quality paint job protects your home, improves appearance, and reduces maintenance over time. Choosing the right contractor and understanding pricing drivers helps ensure the investment makes sense.
If you are ready to move forward or simply want clarity, our team is here to help. Contact us to get started with confidence.
How much to paint a house interior in BC?
Interior house painting typically ranges from $4,000 to $11,000+ depending on size, prep work, and whether trim, ceilings, and doors are included.
How much to paint a house exterior in BC?
Exterior projects often range from $5,000 to $20,000+ based on height, condition, access, and preparation requirements.
Why do quotes for how much to paint a house vary so much?
Differences usually come down to scope, prep assumptions, access challenges, and paint quality rather than labour alone.
Is per square foot pricing better than hourly pricing?
Both can work. What matters is that the scope and prep are clearly defined so the quote reflects the true cost of how much to paint a house.
When is the best time to paint a house in BC?
Spring through early fall is ideal, especially for exterior projects, as it allows proper drying and curing in BC’s climate.