How Long Does It Take to Paint Interior of House? Timelines & Tips: 1 Minute to Estimate Your Painting Project (Based on Home Size & Scope)

How long does it take to paint interior of house? I hear this question from clients almost weekly—especially those with tight schedules or move-in deadlines. Having painted every type of home, from cozy studios to sprawling townhouses, I know that time is precious. The answer depends on room size, prep work, and your choice of DIY versus hiring pros. But let’s break down real timelines you can count on—and learn how to plan your schedule with confidence.

If you’re fitting painting projects into a renovation or juggling upgrades, using a tool to map out your paint job room by room is a game-changer for accurate time planning. Do you wish there was a cheat sheet for painting times (spoiler: there is)?

Room Size Matters: How Long Does It Take to Paint a Room?

On average, it takes 4–6 hours for one person to paint a standard 12’x12’ room—from prepping, taping, and cutting in edges, to applying two coats. Larger living spaces, like open-plan areas or living/dining combos, often require 8–12 hours or even a weekend. If you’re wondering how to precisely estimate project length, consider using a room-by-room time planner for every area you tackle.

Prep Work & Drying: The Hidden Time Drains

In my experience, prepping (moving furniture, patching holes, taping trim) can take nearly as long as the painting itself. Uncluttered, recently renovated rooms are faster, but older spaces—or homes with wallpaper to remove—can double your timeline. Each paint coat needs 2–4 hours to dry before recoating, so factor in drying times when planning your painting workflow. Waiting for paint to set is the classic bottleneck that’s easily overlooked!

DIY vs. Pro: Does Going Pro Save Time?

Hiring a pro painting crew? Most average homes (1,500–2,500 sq ft) are fully painted in 3–5 days, thanks to their teamwork and efficiency. DIYers can spend 7–10 days on the same job, especially if only painting evenings and weekends. I’ve been in both shoes: a solo weekend warrior and a designer working with trusted contractors – the difference in speed is real, but so is the price tag! If speed is a priority, pros finish faster and handle tricky spaces with finesse.

Real Case Study: Two-Bedroom Condo Timeline

I’ll never forget my 950 sq ft, two-bedroom condo revamp. I blocked out two weekends and four evenings; surprisingly, it took me 32 hours in total, including all prep. What slowed me down? Window trims, moving lots of bookshelves, and drying time on a humid week. The key takeaway: pad your estimate by 20%—unexpected hiccups, especially with older homes, are normal. Track your time for each phase to refine your estimation skills for next time.

FAQs on Painting House Interiors

FAQ

How long does it take to paint the interior of a 2,000 sq ft house?

Pros need 3–5 days for an empty 2,000 sq ft house; DIY efforts might take up to 10 days, depending on help and prep.

What factors make the painting process longer?

Prep work (patching holes, taping) and paint drying times are the biggest bottlenecks. Busy rooms, complex layouts, and lots of trim slow you down.

Should I paint the whole house at once or go room by room?

It depends on your schedule. Room by room gives flexibility (and less disruption), while whole-house projects save total time if you can commit several days in a row.

Does paint type affect drying and painting time?

Yes, quick-dry paints can cut hours off, but two coats are still standard. Read your paint can for best results!