Offices, shops, apartment buildings and rentals have different needs from a private home. The work has to fit around tenants and customers, and it has to stand up to heavy use.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, the paint you choose and the condition of your own walls move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
How much does it cost to paint an office or commercial space?
Nationally, commercial painting costs $2 to $6 per square foot. A 2,500 square foot space is listed at $5,000 to $15,000. HomeGuide publishes no separate figure for offices, shops or warehouses.
| Paintable area | National range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 to $7,200 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,000 to $18,000 |
Exteriors that need scaffolding are listed at $5 to $10 or more per square foot. Lifts and scaffolds are $500 to $1,500 or more per day.
Can painters work nights or weekends so the business stays open?
Many commercial painters work nights or weekends for this reason. Scheduling depends on the job, the building and the crew, so ask us what is possible for your space.
Other ways to keep a business open are to paint in sections, start with back rooms, and use low-odor, fast-drying products in public areas.
How much does it cost to repaint a rental apartment between tenants?
No national figure is published for a repaint between tenants as such. For apartments in general, HomeGuide lists $2 to $6 per square foot, with a one-bedroom at $1,200 to $4,800 and a two-bedroom at $1,600 to $7,200.
A turnover repaint in the same color over sound walls sits at the simpler end of that work. Smoke, heavy wear and color changes add to it. We give landlords a written price per unit after seeing the apartment.
How often should a rental be repainted?
How often a rental needs repainting depends on wear, not the calendar. Many landlords repaint or touch up at each change of tenant and do a full repaint every few years.
Using one standard color and sheen across all units makes touch-ups quick and cheap.
Can an apartment be painted while tenants are living there?
Yes. An occupied apartment can be painted with planning. The work goes room by room, furniture is moved and covered, and tenants get notice of the dates.
In buildings from before 1978, paid work that disturbs old paint in an occupied unit falls under the federal lead-safe renovation rule, including notice to the tenants.
How long does it take to paint a 10-unit apartment building or an office?
How long a building takes depends on what is painted and the size of the crew. A 10-unit building where only halls and stairs are painted is a job of days. Painting every unit inside takes weeks, in step with when units are free.
A small office can often be done in a few days. We give a schedule with the written quote.
Who pays for painting when a tenant moves out?
The landlord usually pays for repainting needed because of normal wear, such as faded paint and small scuffs. A tenant can be charged for damage beyond normal wear, such as large holes, unapproved colors or smoke staining, where the lease and the law allow it.
Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act sets the rules for security deposits. Read the lease and the act, or ask a lawyer or a tenant advice service. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do commercial painters price large jobs differently?
Yes. Large jobs are usually priced from measured areas, production rates and the cost of access equipment, not by the room. The price per square foot often falls as the area grows, because set-up is spread over more work.
Nationally, commercial painting labor is listed at $60 to $100 per hour. Ask for a quote that separates labor, materials and equipment so bids can be compared.
For a site visit and written quote, call or text (412) 668-1875.