Inspecting Interior Painting

Learn what to look for when inspecting Interior Painting on your Rehab Projects
Overview
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Code and Safety
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Condition
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Aesthetics/Comps
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Measurements

Overview

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to transform a home's interior. As a house flipper, you'll almost always need to include interior painting in your scope of work.

During your inspection, go beyond simply assessing the current colors. Look for any underlying issues that could affect the painting process and increase costs:

  • Wall and ceiling damage
  • Stained woodwork that needs to be painted
  • Lingering odors that require special treatment

Focus Areas

These focus areas will guide your inspections to determine if an item needs repair or replacement. Prioritize safety, then evaluate style against market trends and comparable properties, and finally assess the item's condition for its remaining lifespan.

Things to Look For

This section will guide you through inspecting interior surfaces and identifying potential painting challenges.
health_and_safety

Safety and Code Considerations

palette

Style and Comparable Considerations

Color Trends: Evaluate the existing wall and ceiling colors. Are they neutral and contemporary, or are they dated and unappealing? Consider current color trends in your market.

Finish Selection: Assess the current paint finishes (flat, eggshell, satin, etc.). Do they suit the function of the room? For example, high-traffic areas might benefit from more durable finishes.

Visual Appeal: Do the walls and ceilings have a smooth, even finish? Are there any imperfections that need to be addressed before painting?

Neighborhood Standards: Compare the interior paint quality and colors to those in comparable properties. Are other flippers using accent walls, bold colors, or unique painting techniques?

handyman

Condition Considerations

This section will guide you through inspecting interior surfaces and identifying potential painting challenges.

Condition Assessment: Evaluate the condition of the walls and ceilings.

  • Damage: Look for holes, cracks, dents, or other damage that will need to be patched and repaired before painting.
  • Water Stains: Identify any signs of water damage or stains that may need to be primed and sealed before painting.
  • Wallpaper: If wallpaper is present, assess its condition and determine if it needs to be removed. Inspect the condition of the woodwork, including doors, trim, and baseboards.

Woodwork: Inspect the condition of the woodwork, including doors, trim, and baseboards.

  • Stained Wood: If the woodwork is stained, determine if it needs to be painted. Painting stained wood requires thorough sanding and preparation, which can add to the cost.
  • Damage: Look for any damage to the woodwork that needs to be repaired before painting

#2c Odors and Special Considerations: Identify any odors that could affect the painting process.

  • Cigarette Smoke: Cigarette smoke can leave a lingering odor and yellow discoloration that may require special primers or sealers to neutralize.
  • Pet Odors: Pet odors can also be persistent and may require similar treatment.

Pro Tip

Interior painting is almost always a must-do for house flips. A fresh coat of paint instantly brightens and updates a space, making it more appealing to buyers. Even if the existing paint seems okay, it's likely not in the perfect condition that buyers expect in a newly renovated home. Investing in interior painting is a surefire way to enhance the perceived value of your flip.

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Measurements

To estimate interior painting costs:

  1. Square Footage: Measure the square footage of the walls and ceilings to be painted.
  2. Linear Feet: Measure the linear feet of trim and other woodwork that needs to be painted.

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