Brisbane homeowners often ask how much it really costs to paint a house. Prices vary widely depending on your home’s size, age, and design. In general, you might pay anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000 for a full house repaint.
Many people are surprised by the final bill because several factors influence painting costs. For example, interior painting typically costs $20 to $30 per square metre, with the average Brisbane home ranging between $7,200 and $10,800. Local painters charge around $35 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity. A traditional post-war timber home might cost $9,000 to $13,000, while a low-set brick veneer with three bedrooms could sit closer to $4,000 to $6,000.
This guide breaks down Brisbane house painting costs, covering real-life examples, pricing factors, and key differences between interior and exterior projects. You’ll also learn how to choose the right house painter in Brisbane and plan your project with confidence.
Real Cost Examples for Brisbane Homes
Real-world examples help you create a realistic budget for your next painting project. Below are average prices for different property types based on standard conditions.
3-Bedroom Brick Home: Interior and Exterior
A standard three-bedroom brick home costs between $9,000 and $13,000 for interior painting. This includes walls, ceilings, trims, doors, and cupboards. Brick exteriors are usually cheaper than timber, ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 for exterior work such as gutters, fascia boards, windows, and downpipes.
Queenslander-Style Home: Full Repaint
Queenslanders are among the most expensive homes to paint due to their timber detailing and complex structures. Exterior repaints range from $20,000 to $40,000, covering weatherboards, ornate trims, and soffits. Interiors often start from $15,000 for homes with high ceilings and intricate woodwork.
Roof Painting: Metal vs Tile
Roof painting costs are similar for both metal and tile roofs. Expect to pay $3,000 to $8,000 for a low-set home, including cleaning, priming, and a three-coat system. Tile roofs may require extra preparation, such as tile replacement or re-pointing, while metal roofs often need screw replacement and gutter cleaning. Smaller roof jobs start at around $3,000.
Unit and Townhouse Painting
Apartments and townhouses depend heavily on size and access.
- 1-bedroom units: $4,500 to $7,600
- 3-bedroom units: $9,100 to $12,200
- 2-storey townhouses: $7,000 to $12,000
These figures represent average rates for standard preparation and mid-range paints. Your quote will vary depending on paint brand, surface condition, and accessibility.
What Affects the Final Painting Price?
Painting costs depend on more than just square metres. Here are the key factors that explain price variations between Brisbane homes.
1. Size and Layout of the Home
Larger homes or complex floor plans naturally cost more. Interiors typically range from $30 to $45 per m², while exterior surfaces range from $20 to $65 per m². Detailed trims, staircases, or decorative features increase time and labour costs.
2. Condition of Surfaces and Preparation
Preparation is often the most time-consuming part of painting. Cracks, mould, and peeling paint must be fixed before work begins. Brisbane painters spend considerable time sanding, filling, and priming to ensure your paint job lasts. Skipping this step can lead to flaking within months.
3. Paint Quality and Finish Type
Premium paints cost more but offer better durability and UV protection, essential in Brisbane’s hot, humid climate. Gloss or specialty finishes also increase cost but provide a more polished appearance and easier cleaning.
4. Access and Height
Multi-storey homes or those on sloped blocks often require scaffolding or safety gear, which adds to labour costs. Properties with high ceilings or difficult access areas can add $150 or more to your total due to equipment and time requirements.
Interior vs Exterior Painting: What to Know
Interior and exterior painting require different skills and materials. Understanding the differences helps you plan your budget effectively.
Interior Painting
Interior work covers walls, ceilings, doors, and trim. Painters use low-VOC, washable finishes that improve air quality and make cleaning easier. Preparation involves cleaning surfaces, filling holes, and sanding uneven areas. Mould-resistant paints are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms in Brisbane’s humid conditions.
Exterior Painting
Brisbane’s subtropical weather presents unique challenges for exterior work. UV exposure, humidity, and storms can affect paint adhesion and drying. Exterior paints need flexible, weather-resistant resins that prevent cracking and fading. Light colours are often preferred to reflect heat and improve energy efficiency.
Interior vs Exterior Costs
Interior jobs are generally cheaper because they require fewer coats and less prep work. Exterior painting costs more due to additional preparation, high-performance coatings, and safety equipment. While interiors average $30 to $45 per m², exteriors can range from $20 to $90 per m², depending on surface type and height.
Choosing the Right Painter in Brisbane
The right painter can make or break your project. Here’s how to choose wisely.
Compare Quotes Carefully
Avoid choosing purely by price. A professional painter provides a clear breakdown of costs, timelines, materials, and preparation. Get at least three detailed quotes to compare value rather than just cost.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have local Brisbane experience?
- What prep work is included?
- What type of paint will you use?
- Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
Why Local Experience Matters
Brisbane painters understand the challenges of humidity, heat, and coastal conditions. Check reviews, portfolios, and references before hiring. Contractors with consistent results and positive customer feedback provide the best value long term.
Avoid Common Painting Mistakes
Poor preparation, low-quality paint, or skipping primer leads to premature peeling. Professional painters take time to prepare surfaces and apply coatings evenly for lasting results.
Conclusion
House painting in Brisbane can range from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on home size, surface condition, paint quality, and access. Queenslanders cost the most due to their timber construction, while brick homes are generally more affordable.
Your final cost depends on preparation, materials, and whether you’re painting inside or out. Investing in quality paint and skilled tradespeople ensures a longer-lasting, more attractive result. Getting several quotes and choosing a reliable Brisbane painter helps you avoid costly mistakes and early repaints.
Brisbane’s weather makes local expertise vital. Choose painters who understand the climate and can recommend the right products for your home. With the right approach, your next paint job will add beauty, protection, and lasting value to your property.
