How much does it cost to paint a house in Houston?

Interior painting in Houston typically costs $2–$4 per square foot, so a 2,000 sq ft home runs $4,000–$8,000. Exterior painting for a typical 2,500 sq ft Houston home runs $4,500–$9,000 depending on prep work, height, and surfaces (hardiplank, stucco, brick). Cabinet refinishing runs $3,000–$8,000. Houston Superior Painting provides free, detailed, line-item estimates with no upfront cost.

How long does exterior paint last in Houston?

In Houston's heat, humidity, UV exposure, and storm cycles, cheap exterior paint jobs often fail in 2–4 years (peeling, fading, chalking). A properly prepped exterior paint job using premium Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore exterior coatings should last 8–12 years. Houston Superior Painting backs every exterior with a written 5-year warranty because our prep process is built specifically for Houston climate.

Do painters in Houston offer cabinet painting?

Yes. Houston Superior Painting specializes in factory-finish cabinet refinishing for kitchens, bathroom vanities, pantries, and laundry rooms. We remove doors and drawers, clean and degrease, fill grain on oak cabinets, sand, prime, and spray multiple coats of cabinet-grade enamel for a glass-smooth, washable finish. Most projects complete in 3–5 days at 20–30% the cost of replacement.

Do you provide free painting estimates?

Yes — Houston Superior Painting provides free, on-site, no-obligation estimates throughout Houston, Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, Pearland, Memorial, The Heights, and The Woodlands. A certified technician visits, measures, evaluates prep needs, and delivers a detailed line-item proposal usually within 24 hours. No upfront payment is required to start.

Licensed vs Unlicensed Painting Contractors: What Houston Homeowners Need to Know

What "Licensed" Means in Texas

Texas doesn't require a specific state license for painting contractors (unlike plumbing or electrical work). This means anyone can call themselves a painter. However, legitimate professional painters should have:

Business registration with the Texas Secretary of State
General liability insurance ($1M minimum recommended)
Workers' compensation insurance for all employees
Local business permits (varies by city)

The Real Cost Comparison

Factor	Licensed/Insured	Unlicensed/Uninsured
Typical quote (2,500 sq ft interior)	$5,500-7,500	$3,500-5,000
Property damage coverage	Up to $1M+	$0 (you pay)
Worker injury liability	Covered by workers' comp	Your homeowner's insurance
Warranty enforcement	Written, enforceable	Verbal promises only
If they disappear	Registered address, bonds	No recourse

Real Scenarios We've Seen

1. The Ladder Through the Window

A homeowner in Katy hired an unlicensed painter who dropped a ladder through a $2,400 custom window. The painter had no insurance, offered to "work it off," and disappeared after receiving the next payment. The homeowner paid out of pocket.

2. The Workers' Comp Nightmare

A painter fell off a roof in Cypress and broke his leg. Because the contractor had no workers' compensation, the injured worker's attorney went after the homeowner's insurance. The homeowner's policy covered $50,000 but their premiums increased by $1,200/year afterward.

3. The Vanishing Warranty

Exterior paint started peeling 8 months after application. The homeowner called the number on the business card - disconnected. The "company" was never registered. No recourse, no warranty, full repaint needed at $8,500.

How to Verify a Painting Contractor

Ask for Certificate of Insurance (COI) - Call the insurance company to verify it's current
Search Texas Secretary of State - SOSDirect shows registered businesses
Check Google reviews - Look for 50+ reviews with consistent quality mentions
Get a written contract - Should include scope, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms
Verify physical address - PO boxes only are a red flag

Houston Superior Painting's Credentials

We maintain $2M general liability insurance, full workers' compensation coverage, and are registered with the Texas Secretary of State. We provide Certificates of Insurance on request and offer written warranties on all work.

Our 15-question checklistcan help you vet any painting contractor - including us. We're happy to answer every question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas require painters to be licensed?

Texas doesn't require a state license specifically for painting. However, legitimate painting contractors should have a general business license, liability insurance ($1M+ recommended), workers' compensation insurance, and be registered with the Texas Secretary of State.

How can I verify a painter's insurance?

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and call the insurance company to verify it's current. Legitimate contractors will provide this without hesitation. The COI should show both general liability and workers' compensation coverage.

What happens if an uninsured painter gets hurt on my property?

You could be held liable for their medical expenses and lost wages. Your homeowner's insurance may cover some costs but could raise your premiums or drop your policy. This is why workers' compensation coverage is essential.

Why do unlicensed painters charge less?

They skip insurance ($3,000-8,000/year), workers' comp ($5,000-15,000/year), business registration, and proper equipment. They also often cut corners on prep work and materials. The lower price comes with significantly higher risk.

What should I do if a painter refuses to show insurance?

Walk away immediately. No legitimate contractor will refuse to provide proof of insurance. This is a major red flag that they're either uninsured or their policy has lapsed.