House painting costs in New Zealand (2026)
Painting the outside of a 3-bedroom weatherboard house costs about $7,000 to $15,000. The inside costs about $4,500 to $12,000. A roof repaint is $2,000 to $7,000. Below you see what painters charge and what changes the price.
Exterior painting costs
The outside of the house is the biggest job. Most of the time goes into preparation: washing, scraping, sanding, filling and priming. A house left 10 years or more between coats needs more of it.
| Exterior job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Weatherboard, per m2 | $40 to $90 |
| Brick or block, per m2 | $60 to $90 |
| 3-bedroom house, single storey | $7,000 to $15,000 |
| Larger or two-storey house | up to $20,000 or more |
Per m2 of wall area. Plaster and brick usually cost more per m2 than weatherboard.
Interior painting costs
Inside, the price depends on the number of rooms, high ceilings, trims and doors, and how much filling the walls need.
| Interior job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Per m2 | $45 to $80 |
| One bedroom | $600 to $2,000 |
| 3-bedroom house | $4,500 to $12,000 |
Roof painting costs
A roof repaint usually includes a water blast, spot priming of rust and two top coats. A steep or two-storey roof needs more safety gear, which adds to the price.
| Roof | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Typical house roof | $2,000 to $7,000 |
Extra costs to ask about
These are often not in the first price. Ask if your quote includes them:
- Scaffolding for a two-storey house: about $1,500 to $6,000.
- Preparation and repairs on an old paint job: about $1,000 to $3,000.
- Lead paint on an older house: a test costs about $200 to $500, and lead-safe work adds about $1,000 to $4,000.
- GST: some painters quote with GST, some without.
How to save on painting
- Get at least three written quotes and compare what each one includes.
- Ask for the paint brand and product, and the number of coats, on the quote.
- Move furniture and clear plants away from the walls yourself.
- Paint the outside before the old paint starts to flake: less preparation is cheaper.
Questions about house painting costs
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in NZ?
A 3-bedroom weatherboard house on one level costs about $7,000 to $15,000. Two-storey homes and Auckland jobs can reach $20,000 or more. Scaffolding and repairs add to the price.
How much do painters charge per hour in NZ?
Most guides say $40 to $65 per hour. One guide quotes $65 to $100 per hour excluding GST. Most painters give a fixed price for the whole job.
How much does it cost to paint the inside of a 3-bedroom house in NZ?
Expect about $4,500 to $12,000. One bedroom costs about $600 to $2,000. Ceilings, trim and wall repairs push the price up.
How much does roof painting cost in NZ?
A standard house roof costs about $2,000 to $7,000. This usually includes a water blast and two coats. Bigger roofs cost more.
How often should you repaint a house exterior in NZ?
Exterior paint lasts about 8 to 12 years. In coastal or harsh weather it can be 7 years or less. Good prep makes paint last longer.
Does lead paint make painting more expensive?
Yes. Older homes, often before 1980, may have lead paint. Lead-safe work can add $1,000 to $4,000. A lead test costs about $200 to $500.
Average prices including GST, from several price guides. Checked in October 2026. Always ask for a quote for your own situation.
House painters near you
Compare free quotes from house painters
Answer a few quick questions about your painting job. You then get no-obligation quotes from house painters in your area.
- Free
- No obligation
- Done in 2 minutes