How Long Does It Take to Paint a House Interior? Timeline Guide
Planning an interior painting project? Knowing how long it will take helps you prepare for the work and plan around any disruption. Here's your complete guide to interior painting timelines.
Quick Answer: Interior Painting Timelines
Single room: 4-8 hours
2-3 rooms: 1-2 days
Half house: 2-3 days
Whole house (2,000 sq ft): 3-5 days
Large home (3,000+ sq ft): 5-7 days
Room-by-Room Time Estimates
Bedroom
- Standard (12x12): 4-6 hours
- Large with closet: 6-8 hours
- With trim work: 8-10 hours
Bathroom
- Half bath: 2-3 hours
- Full bathroom: 3-5 hours
- Master bath: 5-7 hours
Living Room
- Standard: 6-8 hours
- Large/open concept: 8-12 hours
- With cathedral ceiling: 10-14 hours
Kitchen
- Walls only: 4-6 hours
- Including ceiling: 6-8 hours
- Plus cabinets: 3-5 days
Hallways
- Simple straight: 2-3 hours
- With stairway: 4-6 hours
- Multi-level: 6-10 hours
What Takes Time in a Painting Project?
1. Preparation (30-40% of total time)
2. Painting (40-50% of total time)
3. Cleanup (10-15% of total time)
Factors That Extend Your Timeline
Wall Condition
Color Changes
Trim and Detail Work
Ceiling Painting
Ceiling Height
Professional vs. DIY Timelines
Professional Painters
DIY Painters
Why the difference?
- Professionals have better equipment
- Experience = efficiency
- Team coordination
- No learning curve
Sample Project Timeline
Painting a 2,000 Sq Ft Home Interior
Day 1:
- 8:00 AM: Setup and preparation
- 10:00 AM: Begin priming (as needed)
- 1:00 PM: Start painting bedrooms
- 5:00 PM: First coat complete on 3 rooms
Day 2:
- 8:00 AM: Second coat bedrooms
- 11:00 AM: Begin living areas
- 5:00 PM: Main living areas first coat done
Day 3:
- 8:00 AM: Living area second coat
- 11:00 AM: Begin trim work
- 5:00 PM: Major surfaces complete
Day 4:
- 8:00 AM: Continue trim
- 1:00 PM: Touch-ups and details
- 4:00 PM: Final cleanup
- 5:00 PM: Walk-through
Tips for Faster Completion
Before the Painters Arrive
1. Move small furniture and decor
During the Project
1. Keep HVAC running (aids drying)
Planning Around the Work
Can You Stay Home?
Helpful Tips
- Paint bedrooms first (sleep there last)
- Do kitchen last (most used)
- Plan meals out during kitchen work
- Keep one bathroom free
Get an Accurate Timeline
Pro House Painters provides detailed project timelines with every estimate. We'll tell you:
- Exact start and end dates
- Daily schedule
- Room-by-room sequence
- What to expect each day
Call (860) 926-3009 for your free consultation and timeline!
