How much does it cost to paint a house interior in Melbourne?

Repainting the inside of your home is one of the quickest ways to freshen it up, whether you're settling in, getting ready to sell or just tired of scuffed walls. But "how much does it cost to paint a house interior in Melbourne?" doesn't have one answer. Two homes with the same number of bedrooms can need very different amounts of work.

This guide explains what drives the price of interior painting, how to brief painters so their quotes line up, and what to check before you sign anything.

Why there's no single Melbourne price

Painters set their own rates and price each job on what they see. The size of the rooms, the condition of the surfaces, how many coats are needed and the paint you choose all change the number. Ceiling height matters too. A Victorian or Edwardian home with tall ceilings, cornices and ornate skirtings takes longer to cut in than a modern home with flat, standard-height walls. The most reliable way to get a number is to ask two or three painters to quote on the same written scope.

What affects the price

Size and number of surfaces

Walls are only part of the job. Ceilings, doors, door frames, skirtings, architraves, window frames and built-ins all take time. Ask each painter to list which of these are included.

Preparation

Preparation is often where the time goes. Filling cracks and nail holes, sanding, fixing flaking paint, sealing water stains and patching plaster all happen before the first coat. Walls in poor condition cost more to get right than walls that just need a fresh colour.

Colour changes and number of coats

Going from a dark colour to a light one, or covering a feature wall, may need extra coats or an undercoat. Ask how many coats each quote allows for.

Paint quality and finish

Premium paints and specialty finishes cost more but may cover better or wear longer. Wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries usually call for a suitable mould-resistant product. Ask which brand, range and sheen is included.

Access and furniture

High ceilings, stairwells and voids may need scaffolding or platforms. Rooms full of furniture take longer to protect and work around. Moving furniture yourself, or confirming who will, helps the painter price accurately.

Older homes and lead paint

Many Melbourne homes are old enough to have lead-based paint under newer layers. The Australian Government's Lead Alert six step guide to painting your home explains how to assess and manage the risk. If your home is older, ask painters how they'll test for lead and control dust, as this can change the method and the price.

How to brief painters for comparable quotes

Give every painter the same information:

• which rooms and which surfaces (walls, ceilings, doors, trims, windows)
• the current condition, with photos of any cracks, stains or peeling
• the colours you're thinking of, and whether any are a big change from what's there now
• any preferred paint brand or finish
• whether you'll move furniture and remove wall hangings
• your timing and whether you'll be living in the home while they work

Ask for each quote in writing, with the number of coats, the paint product, preparation steps, clean-up and GST spelled out.

Getting and comparing quotes in Victoria

Consumer Affairs Victoria has a helpful guide to getting quotes for building and renovating. It suggests comparing at least three quotes for the same scope, asking for the tradesperson's registered business details, and asking to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. It also explains that different rules apply for work costing more than $10,000, so read it before a larger job.

If painting is part of a bigger renovation, you can check whether a building practitioner is registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission. Requirements depend on the type and value of the work, so check the official sources for your project.

It's also worth checking the business's ABN on ABN Lookup.

Ways to keep the cost down

• Prepare the rooms. Move furniture, take down pictures and curtains, and clear shelves before the painters arrive.
• Group rooms together. Painting several rooms in one booking is usually more efficient than one room at a time.
• Keep colours simple. Using the same ceiling and trim colour throughout can save time and paint.
• Fix the cause first. If a stain comes from a leak or damp, get it fixed before painting, or the problem may return.

During and after the job

Agree on a start date, working hours and how rooms will be protected. Walk through each room at the end with the painter in good light and point out anything that needs a touch-up before final payment. Keep a note of the paint colours and products used for future touch-ups.

Ready to compare local painters? Browse painters in Melbourne or start at our painters page.

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Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.