Looking to freshen up your Melbourne home with a new coat of paint, but not sure how much to budget for the work? The answer isn’t straightforward – how much to paint a house varies based on your property size, the type of work needed, and whether you’re tackling interiors, exteriors, or both.
For a standard three-bedroom home in Melbourne, you’ll typically spend between $6,000 and $12,000 for a complete interior repaint, while exterior work ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. Let’s break down what you’re really paying for and what affects the final price.
Quick Answer
- Interior painting (3-bedroom home): $6,000-$12,000
- Exterior painting (single-storey): $8,000-$15,000
- Per square metre rates: $25-$40 (interior), $30-$60 (exterior)
- Professional painters charge $65-$95 per hour in Melbourne
What Affects How Much to Paint a House?
The size of your property is the most significant factor. A compact 100m² home costs significantly less than a sprawling 300m² family property. But size isn’t everything – surface condition matters just as much.
New or well-maintained walls need minimal prep work, keeping costs down. Older Melbourne homes with peeling paint, cracks, or weather damage require extensive preparation, including scraping, filling, sanding, and priming. This prep work can add 30-50% to your total cost, but it’s what separates a paint job that lasts two years from one that lasts ten.
Weatherboard homes typically cost more than brick properties because they need more sanding and multiple coats for weather protection. If you’re repainting a classic weatherboard commonly found in suburbs like Northcote or Elwood, expect to hit the higher end of the price range.
Interior Painting Costs by Room
Individual rooms cost less than whole-house projects, but here’s what you’re looking at for residential painting services in Melbourne:
- Living rooms (25-40m²): $1,200-$2,400 due to larger wall space and higher ceilings.
- Standard bedrooms: $800-$1,600
- Kitchens: $900-$1,800 due to the careful work required around cabinets and appliances.
- Bathrooms: $600-$1,200, though moisture-resistant paint adds a bit extra.
The paint quality you choose matters. Budget paint might cost $30 per litre, while premium brands like Dulux or Haymes run $60-$100 per litre. Premium paints cost more upfront but last twice as long in Melbourne’s tough climate.
How Much to Repaint a House: Exterior Costs
Exterior painting costs more due to weather challenges, the need for safety equipment, and the requirement for surface preparation. Single-storey weatherboard homes cost $10,000-$18,000, while two-storey properties jump to $15,000-$25,000 due to scaffolding requirements.
Brick homes are generally less expensive, ranging from $8,000 to $15,000, because there’s less surface area to paint, although mortar repairs can impact pricing. Rendered homes typically cost $12,000-$20,000, as the textured surfaces require more paint and necessitate skilled application.
If you’re wondering how much to repaint a house that’s already been painted, expect similar pricing. The condition of the existing paint determines your prep work requirements. Well-maintained exteriors require less preparation, while badly weathered surfaces necessitate extensive work before the first coat is applied.
Why Hire Professionals?
DIY might save you $2,000-$8,000 in labour costs, but it’s time-consuming and risky. Poor surface prep leads to peeling paint within two years, costing more to fix than hiring professionals initially.
Professional painters in Melbourne bring three things you can’t buy at Bunnings:
- Experience with Melbourne’s climate
- Proper equipment for safe work
- Warranties on their workmanship.
They know which primers work on different surfaces, how to handle lead paint safely, and techniques that prevent brush marks and uneven coverage.
Most Melbourne painters charge $65-$95 per hour or provide fixed-price quotes based on square metres. Get at least three detailed quotes to compare, and watch for suspiciously cheap prices – they usually mean cut corners on preparation or uninsured operators.
Getting the Best Value
There are a few ways you can save some money on your painting without sacrificing quality:
- Some painters offer better rates during winter months (June-August) when demand drops
- Bundling interior and exterior work together often scores you a discount.
- Light colours require fewer coats than dark ones, reducing both material and labour costs
- Sticking to two or three colours throughout your home reduces waste and application time.
- Handle simple prep work yourself – moving furniture, removing hardware, and basic cleaning
Remember, fresh paint typically returns $2-3 for every dollar spent when you’re selling. Choose neutral colours that appeal to a broad range of buyer preferences, and your investment will pay off when it’s time to list.
Ready to transform your Melbourne home? At Ansell Painting, we provide transparent quotes and quality workmanship that stands up to Melbourne’s climate. Get in touch for an obligation-free quote on your painting project – we’ll help you achieve the look you want within your budget.