Painting in Southern California & the Bay Area
Quick answer
Painting a typical Southern California home usually costs $5,000–$12,000 for the exterior and $5,000–$14,000 for a whole-home interior. Prep quality, surface condition, home size, number of colors and paint grade drive the final price.
5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz · CSLB Lic. #1040337 · Class B
What our painting service includes
Interior and exterior painting with careful prep, clean lines and durable finishes.
MDG Builders sells, designs and manages your project; the work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors.
- Surface prep, patching and caulking
- Interior walls, ceilings and trim
- Exterior stucco and siding
- Cabinet painting
- Color consultation
Painting cost in California
| Scope | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Exterior, typical single-family home | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Interior, whole home | $5,000 – $14,000 |
Cost factors
- Square footage and ceiling height
- Surface repair, patching and caulking
- Number of colors and coats
- Trim, doors and cabinets
- Exterior access and stucco condition
- Paint grade
How long it takes
Most interior and exterior repaints are completed in days to a couple of weeks.
Permits
Painting typically does not require a permit. Homes built before 1978 require lead-safe practices.
How your painting project works
Consultation
Call (888) 666-8224 or send the form to share goals, timing and budget range.
Site visit
We measure, assess existing conditions and discuss options in person.
Written proposal
You receive a written scope and price; typical ranges are a guide, not a quote.
Permits and scheduling
We coordinate permits where required and schedule licensed, insured subcontractors.
Construction and walkthrough
Our team manages the work through final inspection and walkthrough.
What clients say about MDG Builders
Emil got back to me very quickly after I initially contacted him, unlike other attempts I made to find a contractor. We had several unrelated projects that needed to be completed: interior painting and carpentry, tree removal, and shed demolition and replacement. He assessed the work and got a contract to me quickly. Work started soon after I signed the contract. The crews were all competent and did good jobs. It's always good to know that the people doing the work respect your place. Emil kept in touch and came by to check on the progress of all work, and always checked with me to make sure I was happy. I am a very satisfied customer.
From the beginning, we had a great experience with the team at My Design Guide Inc! We wanted to upgrade our patio but we weren't creative enough to know what to do. David was full of great suggestions to make the patio a true conversation piece while still honoring our budget and we couldn't be happier with the result! The quality of work and professionalism is the best I have seen in this business, and they really do take pride in their work. David communicated with us throughout the process and was meticulous in ensuring our yard was still taken care of during the construction period. We have received so many compliments on our new paver patio, fire pit with seating, and built-in outdoor counter. I highly recommend going with them. I would go with them again a hundred times over!
We had no idea where to start, we had a large project with so many moving parts can be very challenging for novices like us. From the very beginning, Emil was responsive, helpful, timely with any questions, night and day. Since this was a gut job we were even more nervous. We were astonished on just how easy the whole process was with no hiccups at all. Less than 3 weeks and we had a wonderful spa. His workers were responsible, timely, responsive and did an amazing job down to the little details. Even our friends were surprised we had such an easy time with the job. Book them for any job because you will not be disappointed.
Verbatim Houzz reviews of MDG Builders; some describe projects other than painting.
Painting questions, answered
Related services:
Cost guides:
How much does it cost to paint a house in Southern California?
Typically $5,000–$12,000 for an exterior and $5,000–$14,000 for a whole-home interior.
How often should I repaint my exterior?
It depends on sun exposure and prep; inspect regularly for peeling and chalking.
Can you paint kitchen cabinets?
Yes, cabinet painting is a cost-effective kitchen update.
Do I need to move furniture?
Furniture is moved and covered as part of prep.
What about lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 require lead-safe work practices.
How long does interior painting take?
Typically several days depending on size.
Can you help choose colors?
Yes, color guidance is part of our design process.
Who actually does the work on my project?
MDG Builders (My Design Guide Inc, CSLB #1040337, Class B) sells, plans and manages your project from start to finish. The hands-on work is performed by licensed, insured subcontractors in each trade, scheduled and supervised by our team so you have one point of contact.
Is MDG Builders licensed in California?
Yes. My Design Guide Inc holds California Contractors State License Board license #1040337, Class B (General Building). You can look up any license on the CSLB website.
What areas do you serve?
Southern California from Lancaster to San Diego, plus the San Francisco Bay Area.
How do I get an estimate?
Call (888) 666-8224, email info@mydesignguide.com or send the estimate form. We discuss your goals, schedule a site visit and send a written proposal. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM.
Planning a painting project?
Free estimates. A real person answers — call or send the form and we'll follow up to schedule a site visit.
MDG Builders at a glance
- Who
- My Design Guide Inc dba MDG Builders, a licensed general contractor that sells, designs and manages remodeling and construction projects
- License
- CSLB #1040337, Class B (General Building)
- Where
- Based in Tarzana, CA; serving Southern California (Lancaster to San Diego) and the San Francisco Bay Area
- Phone & email
- (888) 666-8224 · info@mydesignguide.com
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–2:00 PM · Sat–Sun closed
- Rating
- 5.0 from 47 reviews on Houzz