Cost of Painting per Square Meter in South Africa
| Average Painting Cost Per Square Meter | R50 – R250 |
| 2-Bedroom House Painting Cost | R15,000 – R25,000 |
| Painting Cost Per Room | R3,000 – R5,000 |
| Exterior Wall Painting Cost | R15,000 – R40,000+ |
- These prices above are estimates and can vary
Typically, paint per square meter costs R50-80 for the labour only, and if you include materials, it will cost around R100-R250.
- Average Painting Costs: Homeowners typically spend between R5,000 and R25,000 for interior or exterior painting, depending on the size of the area, type of paint, and labor required.
- Budget Painting Costs: For smaller projects or basic paint jobs, costs can start as low as R2,500 to R5,000. This usually involves a single coat of standard paint with minimal surface preparation.
- High-End Painting Costs: For premium paints, extensive surface preparation, and larger or more complex projects, costs can go as high as R30,000 to R70,000 or more, especially for high-end finishes or custom designs.
Comprehensive Cost Guide on Household Painting in South Africa
Painting is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home while adding value, whether it’s a complete interior makeover or simply touching up exterior walls. Costs can vary based on the size of the house, the type of paint, and the complexity of the job. We asked Kandua Painting Pros for estimates, and here’s what they shared:
Average Painting Costs
Average Paint Cost Per Square Meter
On average, the cost of paint per square meter in South Africa ranges from R20 to R50, depending on the quality of the paint and whether it's for interior or exterior use. Labour costs are typically around R30 to R200 per square meter, bringing the total to about R50 to R250+ per square meter for both materials and labour.
1-Bedroom House Painting Cost
For a 1-bedroom house, homeowners can expect to pay between R10,000 to R15,000, including both materials and labour, depending on the quality of paint and the extent of surface preparation required.
2-Bedroom House Painting Cost
A 2-bedroom house will generally cost around R15,000 to R25,000 for a complete paint job, factoring in the size of the rooms and the amount of paint needed.
3-Bedroom House Painting Cost
For a 3-bedroom house, the cost can range from R20,000 to R35,000, depending on the square meterage and whether you're painting the interior, exterior, or both.
Cost Per Room
The cost to paint a single room (e.g., living room or bedroom) typically falls between R3,000 and R5,000, including materials and labour.
Exterior Wall Painting Cost
Painting the exterior walls of a home can cost between R50 to R120 per square meter, as exterior paint tends to be more expensive and requires extra preparation due to weather exposure. Depending on the size of the house, this could amount to R20,000 to R40,000 or more.
Kitchen Cupboard Painting Cost
Painting kitchen cupboards is a cost-effective way to refresh the look of a kitchen. Expect to pay between R5,000 and R10,000, depending on the number of cupboards, their size, and whether you're opting for a professional finish like spray painting.
*With household painting, factors such as surface preparation, type of paint (water-based vs oil-based), and finishing coats will affect the final price.
Budget Painting Costs
For homeowners looking for a more budget-friendly option:
- 1-Bedroom House: Budget-friendly jobs can cost between R10,000 to R15,000, depending on the materials and labour.
- Per Room: Painting a single room on a budget typically ranges between R3,000 to R5,000, covering basic materials and minimal surface preparation.
High-End Painting Costs
For a premium finish with high-quality paint, expect to pay more:
- Custom Interior Painting: For a luxurious finish in a 3-bedroom home, costs can go up to R40,000 to R60,000, especially with decorative finishes or feature walls.
- Kitchen Cupboards: Painting kitchen cupboards professionally with spray finishes can cost between R5,000 and R10,000, depending on the size of the kitchen and the desired finish.
Average Painting Repair Costs
Occasional touch-ups and repairs may be necessary, whether for peeling paint, cracked walls, or damaged surfaces.
- Minor repairs: Costs can range from R500 to R3,000, depending on the extent of the repair. Larger surface restorations can increase costs.
Estimated Costs Associated with Household Painting in South Africa
The costs involved in painting your home vary based on several factors, including the type of paint, surface preparation, and labour requirements.
| Cost of Paint per Square Meter: | Expect to pay between R20 and R100+ per square meter for good-quality paint. |
| Labour: | Labour costs typically range between R30 and R200+ per square meter, depending on the complexity of the job. |
| Exterior Walls | Painting exterior walls will generally cost between R20,000 to R40,000, depending on the surface area and paint choice. |
| Permits and Regulations: | In rare cases, such as heritage homes, you may need permits for exterior painting, which could cost between R500 and R2,000. |
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Other Factors That Influence the Cost of Painting
The following factors will influence your overall painting costs:
Type of Paint
- Water-Based Paint: More affordable, ranging from R200 to R500 per 5L.
- Oil-Based Paint: Longer-lasting but more expensive, from R300 to R700 per 5L.
Surface Preparation
- If extensive surface preparation (sanding, priming, or filling cracks) is needed, it can significantly increase the cost.
Size and Design
The size of the project and any additional design work, such as accent walls or murals, will also affect the price. A basic job may be affordable, while custom finishes can push the budget.
Location
Difficult-to-access areas or homes in harsh climates may require more labour and specialised paint, increasing the total cost.
How is Household Painting Done?
The painting process generally involves:
- Surface Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, and priming walls.
- Priming: A base coat is applied to prepare the surface.
- Painting: Application of 1-2 coats of paint.
- Final Touches: Inspecting for touch-ups and cleaning up.
How Long Does It Take to Paint a Home?
The time required to paint a house varies depending on size and complexity:
- 1-3 Days: For a single room or touch-up jobs.
- 1-2 Weeks: For a full house paint, especially if both interior and exterior are being done.
DIY vs Professional Painting
While painting a room yourself can save on labour costs, hiring a professional ensures a high-quality finish, especially for large-scale projects or exterior walls. Getting a pro ultimately saves you lots of time and effort....painting takes time, especially if multiple coats are required.
When Should You Get Professional Help?
Consider hiring a professional for:
- Large or complex jobs (e.g., exterior walls).
- Kitchens or bathrooms, where moisture-resistant paint is needed.
- Custom finishes or high-end materials.
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How to Save Money on Household Painting
- Buy Paint in Bulk: Save on materials by purchasing in larger quantities.
- Off-Season Painting: Painters may charge less during off-peak seasons.
- Do Basic Prep Yourself: Sanding and priming walls before the pros arrive can lower the total cost.
How Do I find The Right Pro for My Painting Job?
Household painting can transform your home’s appearance and value, with costs ranging widely depending on the size and scope of the project. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly room refresh or a high-end, custom paint job, Kandua connects you with trusted professionals who can bring your vision to life.
Now that you have a better understanding of painting prices – it’s time to find the best Pro for the job.
Luckily for you – Kandua has hundreds of Pros who paint homes on a daily basis.
Here are our top tips to help you find the right Pro to paint your home:
- Give the contractor as much information as possible. The more details they have the more efficiently they can quote on the job and also offer their professional advice.
- Once you’ve gotten quotes from different Pros – you can look up their profiles on Kandua and read their reviews and see pictures of their work.
- Read the quote carefully. Make sure you double-check everything so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Remember, it’s not always about finding the cheapest option. Stick to these tips, and take into account the entire package, Pro reviews, your experience in dealing with them and then, of course, the cost.
For free, non-obligatory quotes from Kandua painting experts in South Africa, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Household Painting
Q: How much does it cost to paint a house in South Africa?
A: The cost of painting a house depends on the size, complexity, and materials used. On average, it ranges from R5,000 to R25,000 for standard projects, but larger homes or premium paints can increase the price to R30,000 or more.
Q: How much does paint cost per square meter in South Africa?
A: The cost of paint per square meter typically ranges from R50 to R100+, depending on the type of paint (e.g., standard or premium). This does not include labor costs.
Q: What is the cost to paint a single room?
A: Painting a single room can cost between R2,000 and R5,000, depending on the size of the room and the type of paint used. This price includes labor and materials.
Q: How long does it take to paint a house?
A: Painting the interior of a house can take 3 to 7 days, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Exterior painting can take longer, especially if there’s extensive prep work involved.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional painter or can I DIY?
A: DIY painting can save costs, but hiring a professional ensures quality results, proper surface preparation, and long-lasting finishes. Professional painters also handle challenging areas, such as ceilings, exteriors, or custom finishes.
Q: What type of paint is best for exterior walls?
A: For exterior walls, it’s best to use weatherproof or acrylic paints that are specifically designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, such as rain and sun exposure. These typically cost more but offer durability.
Q: How often should I repaint my house?
A: Generally, homes should be repainted every 5 to 7 years, depending on the quality of the previous paint job, weather conditions, and wear and tear.
Q: How can I save money on painting?
A: To save money, consider getting multiple quotes from painters, opting for budget-friendly yet durable paints, and scheduling the project during off-peak times when labor rates may be lower.
