A fresh coat of paint can transform your home completely, making it look brand new and well-maintained. But if you’re like most Dublin homeowners, you’re probably wondering: “How much is this going to cost me?”
As Original Dublin Painter, a local painting and decorating company with 20+ years of experience throughout Dublin and the surrounding areas, we’ve painted hundreds of homes and can give you the inside scoop on current pricing trends for 2025.
Understanding the Factors That Affect House Painting Costs
Before diving into specific numbers, it’s essential to understand that several factors influence the final price of painting your Dublin home:
1. House Size and Layout
Naturally, the larger your house, the more paint and labor are required. A compact terraced house in Stoneybatter will cost significantly less than a detached five-bedroom property in Dalkey.
Typical price ranges based on house size:
- 2-bedroom terraced house: €1,800 – €3,200
- 3-bedroom semi-detached: €2,500 – €4,500
- 4-bedroom detached: €3,500 – €6,500
- 5+ bedroom detached: €5,000 – €9,000+
These ranges include both interior and exterior painting. For just exterior work, you’re looking at roughly 40-60% of these prices.
2. Surface Conditions and Preparation Required
The state of your walls significantly impacts costs. If your walls need extensive repairs, filling, or stripping of old wallpaper, your quote will increase accordingly.
| Preparation Service | Unit | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper removal | Per square metre | €2 – €4 |
| Wall repairs (minor) | Per room | €80 – €150 |
| Wall repairs (major) | Per room | €150 – €350 |
| Plastering/skimming | Per square metre | €25 – €40 |
| Damp treatment | Per affected area | €250 – €500 |
| Mould treatment | Per affected area | €150 – €300 |
| Sanding woodwork | Per door/window frame | €40 – €80 |
| Filling cracks/holes | Per room | €60 – €120 |
3. Paint Quality and Finish
Paint isn’t just paint. There’s a massive difference between budget options from Woodies and premium brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene.
- Budget paint: €25-€45 per 5L tin
- Mid-range paint (Dulux, Colortrend): €50-€80 per 5L tin
- Premium paint (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene): €100-€150+ per 5L tin
A typical 3-bed semi might require 10-15 tins for interior walls, plus additional paint for ceilings, woodwork, and exteriors.
4. Accessibility and Complexity
High ceilings, awkward staircases, period features, or houses on busy roads with limited access all increase labour time and costs. Georgian townhouses in areas like Merrion Square with ornate ceilings and detailed cornicing will naturally cost more than a standard new build in Adamstown.
5. Current Dublin Market Rates
Dublin’s painting prices tend to be 15-25% higher than the national average due to higher living costs and strong demand, particularly in affluent areas like Dublin 4, 6, and South County Dublin.
Exterior House Painting Costs
For exterior painting in Dublin, weather conditions play a huge role in both scheduling and preparation requirements. Our professional exterior painting services include all necessary preparations to ensure a lasting finish.
| Property Type | Size Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced House | Small (80-120 m²) | €1,200 – €2,000 |
| Terraced House | Medium (120-150 m²) | €1,800 – €2,500 |
| Semi-Detached | Medium (120-180 m²) | €1,800 – €3,000 |
| Semi-Detached | Large (180-220 m²) | €2,500 – €3,800 |
| Detached | Medium (150-220 m²) | €2,500 – €4,000 |
| Detached | Large (220-350 m²) | €3,500 – €5,500 |
| Detached | Very Large (350+ m²) | €5,000 – €9,000+ |
These prices generally include power washing, minor repairs, priming where needed, and two coats of exterior masonry paint.
Interior House Painting Costs
For interior painting, room sizes and the level of detail work required are the main cost factors. Our interior painting expertise ensures a flawless finish for every room in your home.
| Room Type | Average Size | Basic Paint | Premium Paint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bedroom | 8-12 m² | €250 – €350 | €350 – €450 |
| Master Bedroom | 15-22 m² | €350 – €450 | €450 – €650 |
| Living Room | 18-25 m² | €350 – €500 | €500 – €700 |
| Kitchen | 10-20 m² | €400 – €550 | €550 – €800 |
| Hallway, Stairs & Landing | Varies | €500 – €700 | €700 – €1,100 |
| Bathroom | 5-10 m² | €200 – €300 | €300 – €450 |
| Dining Room | 12-20 m² | €300 – €450 | €450 – €600 |
| Home Office | 8-15 m² | €250 – €400 | €400 – €550 |
Basic Paint includes standard brands like Dulux or Colortrend
Premium Paint includes high-end brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene
Additional services pricing:
- Ceiling painting: €80-€150 per room
- Woodwork (skirting, architraves, window frames): €120-€250 per room
- Feature wall: €100-€200 additional
How to Get the Best Value When Painting Your Dublin Home
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Always get at least three quotes from reputable Dublin painters. Make sure these are detailed breakdowns rather than vague estimates.
2. Check References and Previous Work
Ask for references from previous customers in your specific Dublin area. Ideally, view some of their recent work in person or check painting portfolios online.
3. Consider the Season
Booking painters during their quieter periods (typically November-February) might secure you a better rate, especially for interior work.
4. Be Clear About Quality Expectations
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Make sure you’re comparing like-for-like in terms of paint quality, preparation work, and the number of coats.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Painting in Dublin
Do you need permission to paint the outside of your house?
In most cases in Dublin, you don’t need planning permission to paint the exterior of your house. However, there are important exceptions:
- If your home is a protected structure or is located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), you may need permission from Dublin City Council before making any changes to the exterior.
- Some housing estates in Dublin have specific covenants that restrict color choices.
- If you’re making a dramatic color change in certain heritage areas, it’s worth checking with your local planning office.
If you’re unsure about restrictions for properties in areas like Blackrock, Dalkey, or parts of Dublin 4 and 6, it’s always best to check with the local council. Our exterior painting specialists can help guide you through any permission requirements for your specific area.
Is exterior paint cheaper than interior paint?
Despite common misconceptions, quality exterior paint is generally more expensive than interior paint. This price difference reflects the additional ingredients needed to make exterior paint:
- Weather-resistant additives to withstand Ireland’s rainy climate
- UV protection to prevent fading in sunlight
- Mildew and fungus inhibitors essential for Dublin’s damp conditions
- Enhanced flexibility to prevent cracking with temperature changes
A 5L tin of quality exterior masonry paint in Dublin typically costs €70-€120, while interior emulsion might cost €50-€90 for the same volume.
Why is it so expensive to paint a house?
House painting in Dublin is an investment, and several factors contribute to the cost:
- Labour intensity – Professional painting is highly manual, requiring skills developed over years
- Preparation work – Up to 60% of professional painting time is spent on proper preparation
- Material costs – Quality paints have increased in price significantly in recent years
- Dublin market rates – Higher living costs and strong demand in the capital
- Insurance and compliance – Reputable Dublin painters carry professional insurance and follow safety regulations
- Scaffolding requirements – For exterior work, proper scaffolding is essential and costly
- Irish weather challenges – Our climate means more preparation and specialized products
Remember that quality painting protects your property from damage, potentially saving thousands in repairs later.
How long should it take to paint a full house?
For a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Dublin, here’s a typical timeline:
- Interior only: 5-7 working days
- Exterior only: 3-5 working days (weather dependent)
- Full house (interior and exterior): 8-12 working days
Factors that can extend this timeline include:
- Extensive preparation requirements
- Period features and detailed work
- Weather delays for exterior painting
- Occupancy (homes that are lived in during painting take longer)
What do most painters charge hourly?
In Dublin, professional painters typically charge between €25-€40 per hour. However, most reputable painting contractors in Dublin (including ourselves) work on a project basis rather than hourly rates. This project-based approach protects homeowners from unexpected costs.
For specialty decorative work like murals or faux finishes, rates can reach €50-€70 per hour depending on the painter’s expertise.
When is the best time to paint a house exterior in Dublin?
The ideal time for exterior painting in Dublin is between May and September. This period typically offers:
- More stable weather conditions
- Lower humidity levels
- Longer daylight hours for work
- Better drying conditions
However, with modern paint technologies and Dublin’s relatively mild climate, professional painters can work on exteriors during other months if there are several consecutive dry days with temperatures above 8°C.
Early booking is essential if you want your exterior painted during the prime summer months, as most quality painters in Dublin are booked 2-3 months in advance for this period. Contact us today to schedule your exterior painting project during the optimal season.
Final Thoughts
While these price ranges give you a general idea of painting costs in Dublin, the only way to get an accurate quote is to have a professional assess your specific property. Every home is unique, particularly in a city with such diverse housing stock as Dublin.
If you’re planning to paint your Dublin home, Original Dublin Painter would be happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific requirements. With our local knowledge and experience, we can help you achieve the perfect finish for your home while working within your budget.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation and take the first step toward transforming your Dublin home with a fresh new look. You can also view our portfolio to see examples of our previous painting projects throughout Dublin.
