Commercial painting costs $2 to $6 per square foot in 2026, by national published figures. Ann Arbor has a large rental market around the university, plus offices, shops and medical space. The questions below come from owners and managers of those buildings.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, paint prices and the condition of your own walls or siding move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
How much does it cost to paint an office or commercial space?
The national cost to paint an office or other commercial interior is $2 to $6 per square foot. A 2,500 square foot space is listed at $5,000 to $15,000. HomeGuide gives no separate figure for offices, shops or warehouses.
| Paintable area | National range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 to $7,200 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,000 to $18,000 |
Exterior commercial work that needs scaffolding is listed at $5 to $10 or more per square foot.
Can painters work nights or weekends so the business stays open?
Many commercial painters do work nights or weekends for that reason. Whether it fits your job depends on the building and the schedule. Ask us when you call, and we will tell you what we can arrange.
How much to repaint a rental apartment between tenants?
No national figure is published for a repaint between tenants. The nearest figures are for apartment painting in general: $2 to $6 per square foot, or $1,200 to $4,800 for a one-bedroom apartment.
A turnover in the same color with little repair sits at the simple end. We price it after seeing the unit.
How often should a rental be repainted?
How often a rental needs paint depends on wear, not the calendar. Many owners touch up or repaint at each turnover and do a full repaint every few years. Student rentals near campus turn over every year and take more wear than a long-term family let.
Can an apartment be painted while tenants live there?
Yes, an occupied apartment can be painted, with planning. Tenants need notice, furniture is moved to the middle of the room and covered, and the work goes room by room. In a building from before 1978, the federal lead rules for occupied housing apply to any work that disturbs old paint.
How long to paint a 10-unit apartment building or an office?
It depends on the size of the units, the condition and how many painters are on the job. As a guide to how long single units take, an empty apartment in fair shape is often done in a day or two. A 10-unit building is then a matter of crew size and access. We give a schedule with the written quote.
Who pays for painting when a tenant moves out?
In general the landlord pays for repainting from normal wear when a tenant moves out. Michigan's security deposit law lets a landlord use a deposit for damage beyond reasonable wear, not for ordinary aging of paint. This is general information, not legal advice. Read the Michigan landlord and tenant guide or ask a lawyer about a specific case.
Do commercial painters price large jobs differently?
Yes. Large jobs are priced from measured areas and production rates, not by the room. The rate per square foot often falls as the area grows, because set-up is spread over more wall. Lifts, off-hours work and special coatings add to it.
What do you paint for businesses?
Offices, shops and multi-unit buildings in Ann Arbor and the nearby towns, inside and out. A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (734) 399-4198.