When you start thinking about painting your home, one of the hardest parts is not choosing a color; it is understanding what the work should actually cost and what that price includes. Many homeowners see a wide range of estimates if they’re getting multiple quotes, and many struggle to compare them. Without a real example, it is easy to wonder if a quote is fair, what corners might be getting cut, or whether a project like yours is bigger than it seems.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we have painted Omaha homes since 1996, and one thing we hear often is that homeowners want clearer examples, not general price ranges. They want to see a real project, the scope of work, the prep involved, the products used, and the final results, all explained in plain language. That is why we document and break down actual interior painting jobs, so you can understand how professional painting works in a home like yours.
In this article, we are walking through a completed main-level interior painting project in Omaha from start to finish. You will see what areas were painted, how the walls were prepped, which paint products and colors were used, and how the total cost was built from labor, materials, and repair work.
The main reason these homeowners wanted to have their home painted is that they didn’t love their current color.
By the end of this article, you will be able to compare this project to your own home, understand where the value comes from, and feel more confident when reviewing or requesting an interior painting quote.
What Areas Were Included in This Interior Painting Project?
This project focused on painting nearly all of the main level walls. This included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, a living room, an entryway, a dining room, and a kitchen. This excluded the stairwell wall, laundry room, and all closets.
The scope included common living spaces that are used daily. These are often the most noticeable parts of a home, and they tend to show wear faster than bedrooms or basements.
Excluding stairwells and closets helps control cost and scope. Stairwells often require ladders and other safety equipment, and closets usually have a lower visual impact. Many homeowners choose to paint those areas later or as a separate project.
What Prep Work Was Done Before Painting?
The walls were properly prepped, including drywall repair, surface cleaning, and protection of floors and fixtures.
Prep work is one of the biggest differences between a paint job that looks good for a year and one that looks good for many years. For this home, prep included:
- Protecting floors
- Taping off woodwork
- Removing wall outlet plates and light switch covers
- Light surface cleaning where needed
- Spackling nail holes
- Drywall repair on the entryway ledge
- Spot priming where needed
- Pole sanding before each coat of paint
- Caulk gaps between woodwork and walls if needed
The entryway ledge had damage that would have shown through paint if ignored. That repair required extra time and care to blend properly with the surrounding surfaces.
What Interior Paint Products Were Used?
All walls received at least two coats of Benjamin Moore Regal Select wall paint. Most walls needed a third coat.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select is a premium interior wall paint known for:
- Strong coverage
- Smooth finish
- Washability for high traffic areas
- Consistent color once dry
Using a high-quality paint helps reduce visible roller marks, flashing, and uneven sheen, especially in areas with changing light throughout the day.
What Colors Were Used on This Project?
The color “White Chocolate OC 127” by Benjamin Moore in an eggshell finish was used for the main level. This color is known to sometimes require a third coat.
Some colors, especially softer whites like this one, can occasionally require a third coat to reach full coverage and uniform appearance. For this project, the bid clearly outlined the cost of a third coat ahead of time, which was $1,600, and was approved following the second coat.
This type of transparency helps homeowners avoid surprises during the project.
How Much Did Labor Cost for This Interior Painting Job?
Labor totaled $3,810.74, based on time spent preparing and painting the space, not including the additional 3rd coat.
Here is the labor breakdown:
- Hourly labor rate: $70.00 per hour
- Total labor hours: 54.44 hours
- Labor total: $3,810.74
Those hours covered prep work, cutting clean lines, rolling walls evenly, and completing two full coats across the main level.
Interior painting often takes longer than homeowners expect because of room transitions, trim edges, doorways, and lighting changes that highlight inconsistencies.
What Were the Costs for the Drywall Repair?
Drywall repair was billed separately at the same hourly rate.
This project included drywall repair on an entryway ledge that required focused attention.
- Drywall repair rate: $70.00 per hour
- Drywall repair time: 3.00 hours
- Drywall repair total: $210.00
Separating this cost makes it clear which portion of the project goes beyond painting and into repair work.
How Much Did Paint and Materials Cost?
Materials totaled $2,043.90, reflecting premium interior paint and proper quantities.
Here is the material breakdown:
- Product: Premium Interior Paint
- Cost per gallon: $101.47
- Total gallons used: 20.14 gallons
- Materials total: $2,043.90
Using the correct amount of paint ensures proper coverage and color consistency. Stretching paint too thin often leads to uneven results and a shorter lifespan.
What Was the Total Cost of This Omaha Interior Painting Project?
The total cost for this main-level interior painting project was $7,664.64.
That total includes:
- Labor for prep and painting
- Drywall repair labor
- Premium paint materials
- Additional 3rd coat
This price reflects a full, professional interior painting process rather than a quick surface refresh.
How Can Homeowners Compare This Project to Their Own Home?
Compare the number of rooms, wall condition, and color choice.
Your project may fall into a similar range if:
- You are painting the full main level
- Walls need standard prep and minor drywall repair
- You are using premium paint
- You are changing or refreshing colors
Your project may cost more or less depending on ceiling height, stairwells, trim work, or color coverage needs.
Why Do Some Interior Painting Projects Cost More Than Others?
Time, prep work, and paint quality all affect cost.
Interior painting is priced based on labor hours and materials. Homes with heavy wall damage, dark to light color changes, or complex layouts naturally take more time.
Clear bids that explain these factors help homeowners understand where their money is going.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Painting Costs in Omaha
Are two coats always enough for interior walls?
Usually yes, but some colors may need a third coat for full coverage. This is typically bright or stark whites, light neutrals, and greys. All of which are very popular paint colors, which is why it is helpful when painters disclose this possibility upfront.
Why does premium paint cost more?
Higher quality paint covers better, lasts longer, and cleans more easily. That often saves a lot of money over time.
Should drywall repair be included in a painting quote?
Minor repairs often are, but larger or specific repairs are commonly separated, so homeowners know exactly what they are paying for.
How long does a main-level interior painting project take?
Most main-level projects take several days, depending on prep work and drying time.
Interior Painting in Omaha, NE
If you started this article wondering what interior painting might cost or whether the results are worth it, you now have a real example to compare against your own home. Seeing how labor, prep, materials, and paint choices add up can make planning much easier.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we have served Omaha homeowners since 1996, helping guide them through decisions like these with clear information and realistic expectations.
If you are ready to move forward, click the button below to get a quote.
If you are still gathering information, you can also visit our interior painting pricing calculator to explore cost ranges before speaking with a painter.
