How much does painting cost in Quebec in 2026?
Having the interior of a house painted in Quebec usually costs $4,000 to $9,000 before taxes, and a single room $400 to $900. Painters often charge $2 to $6 per sq ft of painted surface for two coats, prep included. Labour is most of the price: the condition of the walls matters more than the paint brand.
Quebec price ranges in 2026
Quebec market estimates, updated October 2026, before taxes (GST and QST extra). These are not guaranteed prices: costs vary by region, building and materials, and only a written quote based on your project gives an actual price.
| Work | Price per sq ft of painted surface | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|
| One room (walls and ceiling) | $2 – $5 | $400 – $900 |
| Condo or 2-bedroom apartment interior | $2 – $6 | $1,800 – $3,800 |
| Single-family home interior | $2 – $6 | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| House exterior (siding, trim) | $3 – $8 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Kitchen cabinets | — | $2,000 – $5,000 |
What drives the price
- Prep work: repairing cracks, sanding and priming can double labour time.
- High ceilings, stairwells and lots of trim.
- Colour changes: going from a dark colour to a light one often takes an extra coat.
- Protecting the space: moving furniture, covering floors and windows.
- Season for exterior work: mostly May to September, the busiest period.
Mistakes to avoid
- Picking the lowest quote without knowing how many coats and how much prep are included.
- Painting over oil-based paint without a bonding primer: the new coat peels.
- Painting outdoors in damp or cold weather, which hurts adhesion.
- Sanding old paint in an older home without checking for lead.
How to get reliable quotes
- Ask for the number of coats and the paint brand and line to be used.
- Have the scope spelled out: ceilings, doors, frames, baseboards, closets.
- For exterior work, check the planned prep (washing, scraping, priming) and the warranty.
- Check that the contractor holds a valid RBQ licence for this type of work in the Régie du bâtiment du Québec registry.
- Insist on a detailed written quote and compare at least three quotes line by line, not just the total.
Estimate your budget, then get quotes
Use the PRONEK estimator to get a range for your project, then post your project for free: it is sent to verified RBQ contractors, and no payment is requested before signing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house in Quebec?
For the interior of a single-family home, expect roughly $4,000 to $9,000 before taxes, depending on size, ceiling height and wall condition.
Do painters charge by the hour or by the square foot?
Both exist. To compare, ask for a written fixed price that lists the surfaces, number of coats and prep work.
How long does it take to paint a 2-bedroom apartment?
A two-person crew often needs 2 to 4 days, depending on repairs.
When should exterior painting be done?
From late spring to early fall, in dry weather and at temperatures that meet the manufacturer's recommendations.