The Cost of Painting a House in Toronto: Average Prices & Factors That Affect Them [2023]

When it comes to refreshing your home's appearance, nothing beats a fresh coat of paint. But the question that often comes to mind is, "How much will it cost to paint my house in Toronto?" In this blog post, our team at Absolute Home Services aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the average Toronto paint job prices. We'll also explore the various factors that can influence the cost of painting your house.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Painting a House

Embarking on house painting in Toronto can be an exciting endeavor, but it's crucial to plan and understand what could potentially affect your budget. Several factors come into play when determining the cost of a painting job, and being aware of these can help you set realistic expectations and manage your budget effectively. Factors include the size of your house, the number of rooms to be painted, the quality of paint and finishes you choose, accessibility to your property, and the amount of preparation work needed.

Types of Paint and Finishes

Paint comes in a variety of types and finishes, each offering its unique features, aesthetics, and costs. The two main types of paint are oil-based and water-based, also known as latex paint. Oil-based paint is typically more durable but takes longer to dry and requires a more complex clean-up process. On the other hand, latex paint is less durable but dries quicker and can be cleaned up with water. Oil-based paints are no longer produced in most cases for environmental reasons, so you will most likely be using latex paint.

When it comes to finishes, you can choose between flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Each finish has a different level of sheen, durability, and cost. Flat finishes, for example, have no sheen and are typically less expensive. High gloss, however, offers a shiny finish that is highly durable and resistant to dirt and damage, but it's generally more expensive.

Size of the House

The size of your house plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of painting. Larger houses naturally have more surface area to cover, requiring more paint and, consequently, more labor. This directly translates to a higher cost. Conversely, smaller houses will typically cost less due to less surface area and the need for fewer materials and labor hours.

Number of Rooms

The number of rooms to be painted can significantly influence the cost of your project. More rooms mean more wall space to paint, potentially in various colors, adding to the overall complexity of the project. Additionally, if each room requires different paint types or finishes, the cost can increase because of the added complexity and the need for various paint products.

Accessibility to the Property

How easy it is to access your property, and the surfaces to be painted, can also influence the cost. If painters have to navigate through complex landscapes or use specialized equipment to reach certain areas, it can add to the labor hours and the overall cost of the project. Areas that are difficult to get often require extra care, further increasing the time spent on the job.

Preparation Work Needed Before Painting Walls

Before the actual painting can commence, preparation work such as cleaning, sanding, caulking, and repairing any damaged surfaces is often necessary. This is an important part of achieving a high-quality paint job but this factor can add to the overall cost. The extent of preparation work depends on the current condition of your walls; well-maintained surfaces will require less prep work than those with significant wear and tear.

How Much Does the Paint Cost?

Putting money aside for paint in your budget can seem daunting, but a general rule of thumb is to set aside approximately 15 to 25% of your total painting project cost for paint. The exact amount you spend will depend on the type and grade of paint you choose.

You can expect to pay around $80 per gallon for mid-grade paint, though there are other good-quality paints that may come at a lower cost. While it may be tempting to cut costs by purchasing cheaper paint, it's worth noting that anything below $25 per gallon could cause issues. Low-cost paint can be challenging to apply and tends to deteriorate faster. Premium paint can reach around $120 per gallon at the high end of the spectrum. If you're painting with the intention of selling your home, a less costly paint may be a better choice. The purpose of your painting should guide your selection of paint.

Latex Paint: The Popular Choice

Latex paint has emerged as the favorite for house interior painting due to its smooth application and quick drying time. These advantages become especially important when multiple coats are required in larger rooms. Furthermore, latex paint is eco-friendly, another reason for its rising popularity. The cost of latex paint usually ranges between $45-$90 per gallon.

Oil-Based Paint: Durable but Less Common

Oil-based paints are less common and harder to find in Canada due to their higher Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content, which can be harmful to the environment. Nevertheless, oil-based paints have their strengths, especially in interior painting. They perform well in areas prone to humidity and moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

In addition, oil-based paint is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like trims and baseboards due to its durability. The only downside is its long drying time. Typically, oil-based paints cost between $25-$70 per gallon.

The Average Costs of Painting Your Toronto Home in 2023

Let's dive into the practical aspect of the home painting project: the costs. When it comes to painting your home, an understanding of the average prices can provide you with an accurate benchmark and help you plan your budget.

Interior Painting Costs Per Square Foot

At Absolute Home Services, we wanted to make it even easier to understand the cost of your painting project by offering a general guide to your interior painting cost per square foot:

• Typically, the painting costs vary between $2 – $3 CAD per square foot, plus HST for paint.
• For a house measuring 1200 sq ft, the overall cost can range from $3,000 – $5,000 CAD + HST, translating to about $2.5- $3 CAD per square foot + HST.
• For larger Toronto homes of around 2000 sq ft, you're likely to spend anywhere between $7,000 – $9,000 CAD + HST, or roughly $2.25 - $3 CAD per square foot + HST.
• The average cost to paint a house is usually $4,000 – $5,000 CAD + HST for walls only. If you have a two-story house, the price can rise to $5,000 – $10,000 CAD + HST for interior wall painting.
• The base cost for painting trims and doors, including baseboards, windows, and door frames, is usually around $700 – $1,200 CAD + HST, which typically includes two coats of premium white paint.
• The average cost for ceilings that don’t require extra treatment is usually $1,000 – $1,300 CAD + HST.
• The typical Toronto home has 3 – 4 closets. The price for painting each can range from $75 – $125 CAD + HST.
• The cost to paint French Doors is usually around $300 CAD + HST.

Average Painting Cost Per Specific Room

As you can tell, the cost of painting a house can vary significantly based on several factors. However, for an average-sized Toronto home, you can generally expect to pay between $4,000 – $5,000 CAD + HST.

Breaking down these costs per room can help provide a more accurate estimate for painting service:

• Hallways: For an average Toronto home, painting a hallway can cost $1,000 – $1,500 CAD + HST. Larger hallways requiring extensive trim work can cost between $3,000 – $4,000 CAD + HST.
• Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, Dens, and Kitchens: These commonly occupied spaces usually cost around $400 – $500 CAD + HST to paint, depending on size and square footage. Larger spaces can cost up to $800 – $900 CAD + HST.
• Bathrooms: For smaller bathrooms, the cost typically lies between $250 – $300 CAD + HST. Larger bathrooms can cost between $400 – $500 CAD + HST.
• Bedrooms: The cost for painting bedrooms ranges between $400 – $500 CAD + HST for smaller rooms and $700 – $800 CAD + HST for master bedrooms.

Average Costs For a Toronto House Exterior Paint Job

Exterior painting typically costs between $4,000 to $9,000 CAD + HST. While this may seem steep, remember that exterior painting can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal and can last many years. Here's a rough breakdown:

• Small exterior painting job: $2,000 to $4,000 + HST
• Medium exterior painting job: $4,000 to $8,000 + HST
• Large exterior painting job: $8,000 to $10,000 + HST
• XL exterior painting job: $12,000 to $30,000 + HST

Home renovations like painting can add significant value to your home and increase its appeal. While upfront costs can be high, they're often offset by increased resale value. This makes it a worthwhile investment, especially if you're considering selling your home soon.

Hiring Professional Painters vs. DIY Painting

While tackling a paint job yourself can seem like a cost-saving measure, it's crucial to consider the time, effort, and skill required for successful interior home painting. DIY painting may lead to uneven coats, drips, and a lack of professional finish, which can lead to more costs in the long run. This is why you may opt to hire professional painters instead.

Professional painters, like us at Absolute Home Services, not only bring expertise but also the right tools to do the job efficiently and beautifully. You're investing not just in exterior & interior painting services, but in your home's lasting quality and increased value.

Conclusion

While the cost of painting a house in Toronto can fluctuate based on numerous factors, having an understanding of these elements can help you make an informed decision. Regardless of whether you choose a DIY approach or opt to hire a professional painting company like Absolute Home Services, always remember that a fresh coat of paint is an investment that boosts both the aesthetic appeal and value of your home.

At Absolute Home Services, we bring years of experience to deliver quality interior & exterior house painting services. From painting doors, window frames, and everything in between, we pride ourselves on quality. We believe in adding color to your dreams while adhering to your budget and timelines. Why not take the next step in transforming your space? Contact us today for a personalized quote on your painting project, and let's embark on this exciting journey together.