What You Really Spend When You Paint It Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
You’re standing in the paint aisle, roller in hand, thinking, “How hard can it be?”
DIY painting is one of the most common home improvement projects—but it’s also one of the most underestimated when it comes to time, cost, and results. At Michael’s Painting, we’ve worked with countless homeowners across Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and Eagleville who started with good intentions, only to call us midway through the job.
Let’s break down the true cost of DIY painting versus hiring a professional—and help you make the right choice for your home, your time, and your wallet.
🧮 The Real Cost of DIY Painting
You may think painting it yourself will save you money, but many homeowners are surprised at how quickly costs add up. Here’s what a DIY interior project might require:
🎨 Materials:
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Paint (2–4 gallons per average room): $80–$200
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Primer: $20–$50
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Brushes & rollers: $20–$60
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Drop cloths, painter’s tape, trays, extension poles: $30–$75
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Caulk, spackling, sandpaper: $10–$30
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Ladder or step stool rental: $20–$50/day
💡 Total DIY Material Cost (per room): $180–$465
⏱️ Your Time = Real Money
DIY painting isn’t just about the price—it’s about how much time and labor you’re willing to invest.
For one average-sized room:
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Prep work (moving furniture, taping, sanding): 2–3 hours
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Priming + 2 coats of paint (with dry time): 6–10 hours
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Clean-up and detail touch-ups: 1–2 hours
That’s 9–15 hours per room—and that’s if everything goes smoothly.
🧩 Hidden Costs of DIY Painting
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Mistakes: Uneven coverage, streaks, brush marks, or paint spills
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Repainting: Low-quality tools or paint often require redoing sooner
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Cleanup & disposal: Paint cans, rollers, and trays take time to clean properly—or may be thrown out, costing more later
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Injury risk: Climbing ladders or carrying heavy equipment can lead to accidents
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Value loss: Poor results can lower home appeal or turn off buyers if you’re selling
🧰 What’s Included with a Professional Painter Like Michael’s:
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✅ Premium paint and materials
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✅ Proper prep, patching, sanding, and priming
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✅ Fast, efficient coverage with professional tools
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✅ Sharp edges, smooth walls, and clean lines
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✅ Clean-up and waste removal
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✅ Long-lasting results backed by experience and reputation
We bring decades of experience to every project and use only high-quality paints from brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore—so you get a flawless finish that lasts.
💡 Average Cost to Professionally Paint a Room: $300–$600 depending on size and prep
And that includes all labor, materials, setup, and clean-up.
💬 The Bottom Line
| DIY Painting | Professional Painting |
|---|---|
| $180–$465 per room | $300–$600 per room |
| 9–15 hours of your time | 0 hours—just admire the results |
| Requires multiple tools and supplies | All tools and materials included |
| Risk of mistakes and touch-ups | Guaranteed results from skilled pros |
| Potential resale downgrade | Increases home value and buyer appeal |
🏡 Let Michael’s Painting Save You Time—and Money
If you want it done right, without the hassle, call in a trusted local pro. We proudly serve homeowners in Murfreesboro, La Vergne, Smyrna, Eagleville, and surrounding areas with honest pricing and high-quality results.