Real pricing data for exterior house painting, interior repaints, commercial buildings, fleet vehicles, and industrial coatings across Ontario. Prices are 2026 estimates — get 3 written quotes for your specific project.
Exterior painting prices for Ontario residential properties. Includes prep, primer, and 2 finish coats unless noted.
| Home Type | Price Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small 1-storey bungalow (under 1,200 sq ft) | $3,500–$5,500 | Single-crew, 2–3 days. Add $800–1,200 for lead testing on pre-1978 homes. |
| Average 2-storey home (1,800–2,500 sq ft) | $6,000–$10,000 | Most common Ontario home size. Includes trim. Scaffold or ladder system included. |
| Large 2.5-storey / Victorian (2,500+ sq ft) | $9,000–$16,000 | Complex trim profiles, more preparation, possibly scaffold required. |
| Semi-detached (one side) | $3,000–$6,000 | Half the surface of a detached — pricing reflects reduced area. |
| Stucco exterior repaint | $5,000–$12,000 | Stucco requires elastomeric coating to prevent cracking. Higher per-sq-ft cost than siding. |
| Brick exterior (masonry coating) | $8–$18 per sq ft of facade | Breathable masonry coatings only — film-forming products cause spalling on solid brick. |
GTA (Toronto/Mississauga/Brampton) contractors typically run 20–30% above Hamilton, Niagara, or London pricing for equivalent work.
The #1 hidden cost in exterior painting is surface preparation. A quote that seems low may exclude lead paint testing, wood repair, or proper caulking — tasks that are not optional if you want the paint to last. Always ask: "What is included in surface preparation?" and get it in writing.
| Space | Price Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (12×12 ft, ceiling + walls + trim) | $350–$700 | Includes patch, prime where needed, 2 coats on walls, ceiling, and trim. |
| Living room / dining room combination | $600–$1,200 | Open-concept LR/DR. Cathedral or vaulted ceilings add cost. |
| Kitchen (ceiling + walls, no cabinets) | $450–$900 | Grease-barrier primer often needed before repainting kitchen walls. |
| Bathroom (full paint, all surfaces) | $280–$550 | Moisture-resistant paint required. Mould remediation extra if needed. |
| Full 3-bedroom home interior repaint | $3,500–$7,000 | All rooms, ceilings, trim. Paint costs approx. 20–30% of total job cost. |
| Basement (open concept, unfinished drywall) | $1,200–$3,000 | First-prime-then-paint on drywall. Height access and spray application common. |
| Project Type | Price Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office suite repaint (under 5,000 sq ft) | $8,000–$25,000 | After-hours scheduling standard in occupied offices. |
| Retail storefront (interior + facade) | $2,500–$8,000 | After-hours surcharge applies. Low-VOC required in some mall leases. |
| Warehouse interior walls (per sq ft) | $1.50–$4.00 | Airless spray. 30+ ft ceilings require elevated equipment surcharge. |
| Epoxy floor (per sq ft installed) | $3.50–$9.00 | Prep method (grinding vs. blasting) drives cost significantly. |
| Parking garage (traffic deck coat) | $4–$10 per sq ft | Waterproof membrane system. Crack repair and drainage extra. |
| Commercial truck cab repaint | $4,000–$9,000 | 2K urethane, enclosed booth. CVOR lettering re-application required after. |
When commercial vehicles are repainted in Ontario, CVOR number and company name lettering must be re-applied before the vehicle returns to highway service. It is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle without this lettering under O.Reg 424/97. Pre-cut vinyl compliance kits from Compliance Lettering ship next day across Ontario — have them ready for paint day.
Understanding these factors helps you evaluate quotes accurately.
The #1 cost driver. Lead paint testing, wood rot repair, masonry crack filling, or stripping failing paint can add 25–75% to any project. Do not skip prep to save money — the paint will fail early.
Anything above 2.5 storeys requires scaffold or an elevated work platform — adds $200–$800/day in equipment. High-rise work (over 5 storeys) requires rope access or swing stage certification — major cost premium.
Contractor-grade 1K latex is cheapest. Premium acrylic latex with 15-year warranty costs more but lasts twice as long per coat. 2K urethane (fleet/industrial) is the most expensive but the most durable.
Ontario exterior painting has a short season — typically late April to October. Spring and early fall bookings fill up fast. Book early or be flexible on timing. Emergency/rush work carries a 20–30% premium.
GTA (Toronto metro) contractors run 20–30% above Hamilton, Niagara, or London for equivalent work. Labour rates, overhead, and demand are all higher in the GTA. Northern Ontario and rural areas may be lower but have fewer qualified contractors.
Commercial projects in occupied spaces are often painted after hours or on weekends — adds 15–25% premium. Get after-hours scheduling confirmed in writing with the exact surcharge rate before signing.