anyone know how much it would cost me to paint a couple small rooms?

[rudeguy]

If I did the work myself????

Also, can I deduct the money I spend on paint and supplies from my rent?

 

[Balt]

Edit: Misread.

You will have to talk to the landlord about that deduction. Unless the paint is peeling from the walls you probably won't get much sympathy, though.

Shouldn't cost that much either way, though.

 

[flot]

Ummm.. well 2 medium/small rooms will take anywhere from .75 to 1.5 gallons of paint ($10-40) plus tape for masking, brushes, rollers, pan... probably looking about $30-60 for supplies. You CAN cheap out on most of it, since you probably have no need to reuse anything.

As for getting your landlord to pay for it, good luck. You'd have to be using very neutral (if not plain white) paint to begin with, and if you do a worse job than what is on there, then your landlord will likely expect you to repaint again to however it was originally. Just because you think it is an improvement doesn't mean the owner will.

 

[GasX]

Estimate:

1 gallon of ceiling paint
2 gallons of wall paint
1 quart of trim paint (maybe a little more)
1 2" brush - for trim and corners
1 4" brush - for edging wall and ceiling
1 roller - get a good one!
1 extension pole
1 paint pan
drop cloths - cheapie ones ok
1 small tub of spackle - use toothpaste is VERY few holes
1 putty knife

<$200

Pick a paint and do the math for how much paint you really need based on the manufacturer's recommendations for coverage per gallon

 

[flot]

Mwilding, that's a little excessive if the guy is trying to save money. (which I assume he is from the post)

Assuming the ceilings don't need to be painted - all he really needs is paint, a tray, a roller, and some kind of edging tool. I actually prefer the $5 red plastic things with little wheels on them as an edging device.

That's really all you *have* to have to paint anything. Drop clothes can be replaced with leftover newspaper, he may or may not have any trim to paint (or may not want to paint it a different color), you don't need an extention pole if you have a chair handy to stand on, and filling holes is a seperate project imo. Also don't think he needs to go high-buck on the roller unless the walls have an unusual finish/texture - if he's going to do all the painting at once, he can get the cheap tray/roller combo for like $8 and then get one extra roller pad for the 2nd coat.

 

[GasX]

As a former professional painter, I get carried away sometimes. My 4" brush was like an infantryman's rifle. It was good for doing anything with.

 

[flot]

Right, plus you were reusing your tools. But for somebody just set to attack 1 or 2 rooms, easier and cheaper to buy the cheap stuff, use it, throw it away when you're done... doesn't sound like he wants to become a professional painter anytime soon.

BTW, I wish I could edge - but never seem to be able to get it to work out. The red edgers with the wheels on one side have always saved me.

 

[iamwiz82]

go to the mis-mixed paint table and your local home depot. Nothing like getting 3 gallons of a nice color for next to nothing.

 

[rudeguy]

what about primer?

my son colored on a couple walls and I would like to cover that up

 

[0roo0roo]

your not going to get rent deduction for non professional improvements. heck ifu do a bad job they'll probably ding ur deposit when u move out.

 

[mugs]

I'm surprised your landlord would even let you paint your walls. Is that normal?

Edit: I don't think you really need primer since the walls are already painted... unless you're painting them a lighter color. But if they tint the primer for you, you can save on the finish paint (one less coat).

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: mugs
I'm surprised your landlord would even let you paint your walls. Is that normal?

I have lived here almost 7years....the place needs a paintjob

 

[Zebo]

Save you $ for a down payment on ownership. The crappy walls/apartment living should percipatate moving twards that direction...no need to make rental living more comfortable by painting it with your own money no less..

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: GoodDad

Originally posted by: mugs
I'm surprised your landlord would even let you paint your walls. Is that normal?

I have lived here almost 7years....the place needs a paintjob

If you moved out, he would have to paint it. He has had a stable tenant paying steady rent for seven years. He should agree to pay for materials if not have his painter come in for a complete job.

as far as the kiddie marks is concerned, spot prime them - paint over them with your paint brush very early in the job while your are doing your prep work. by the time you put on your main coat, the should be dealt with.