Question 1

How much do painters charge per hour?

Accepted Answer

Professional painters charge $20 to $50 per hour, on average. Hourly rate cost factors include the complexity of the paint job, the type of paint, the height of the walls and ceiling, and the type of prep and repairs needed. For example, removing wallpaper costs an additional $3 per square foot because it can be very time consuming and labor intensive. Your location will also impact the hour rate.

Question 2

How much do general contractors typically charge?

Accepted Answer

Generally, general contractors charge between $50 and $150 hourly, though not every contractor charges by the hour. If charging based on the project, you can expect a markup of 10% to 20% of the construction cost. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 daily if charged by the day.

Question 3

Should general contractors be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Question 4

How much does it cost to refinish a table?

Accepted Answer

The cost to refinish a table is about $250, depending on the size, type of finish, and amount of detail involved in the table and the new finish. The lowest price to refinish a table is about $80, and the highest is about $700. Additional tasks like dipping, stripping, staining, and painting will add to the total project cost. Here are average costs to refinish a table by type:

Side or end table: $80–$150
Coffee table: $150–$250
Dining room table: $400–$700

Side or end table: $80–$150
Coffee table: $150–$250
Dining room table: $400–$700

Question 5

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?

Accepted Answer

The cost to paint the exterior of a house ranges from $1,900 to $4,500 or about $1.50 to $4 per square foot, depending on the size, height, and complexity of the home layout. Other cost factors include your location, the type of siding (e.g., wood, aluminum, brick, stucco, etc.), and the kind of paint (e.g. oil-based, latex, acrylic, etc.). Painting the trim a different color or painting intricately designed trim can also increase the cost.