How long to paint a unit yourself?

Question

All,

I have a unit in a quadplex that I recently purchased vacant. There were long term tenant in their before and my PM recommend a repaint to get it rent ready or to at least get market rate. Is paint that huge of a deal?

The unit is 2br/1.5 bath, 1150 sqft, celing is about 7ft-7.5 ft high. Two stories.

From the description that I described how long would this take to paint myself? And also how long would it take paint with 1 more person, I am thinking about hiring a handyman that I know in the neighborhood. People who have painted themselves (DIY) how long does it take for you to paint/prep? I am hoping to knock this out in a weekend.

I got quotes at around $3/sqft (which is about average in my market).

Jennifer Rysdam · Answer

I repaint my own units in my 8-plex (720 square feet) and it takes me about 6-8 hours to do the whole thing. Make sure to put your roller on a pole and use a paint pad with wheels to do at the ceilings, around windows, trim, and cabinets. It's the best painting invention I have found. I don't dip it in the paint pan, I put paint on it with a brush. It keeps the wheels clean. It makes the job SO much faster! I have a big drop cloth that I move around the rooms with me to keep the floors clean. My favorite color to use is Agreeable Gray from Benjamin Moore. Tenants love it!

Tamara Deering · Answer

The prep work takes the longest time.  If you spend the time covering everything you don't want painted really well, including cabinets, moldings, doors, floors, etc.  You can use a paint sprayer and knock out the actual painting in a day.  It will take several hours to ensure that everything is masked off properly so you don't make a mess.  Yes, paint makes a huge difference.  I typically do all of my own painting because I'm not pleased with the contractors I hire.  I don't use a paint sprayer and I've done enough painting that I don't have to mask but it takes a day to do a room or two.  If you have seen the work of the painters who can complete the work for less than $3,500 I would pay them.