What Painting Actually Costs in Putnam County
Painting in Putnam County costs 5-12% more than national averages, which makes it the most affordable county in the region for this type of work. A single room (12x12 with 8-foot ceilings) runs $300 to $700 depending on prep work and paint quality. Whole-house interior painting for a 2,000-square-foot home costs $3,800 to $10,000. Exterior painting runs $5,000 to $9,500 for a typical two-story colonial.
The county's rural character affects painting costs in subtle ways. There are fewer painters here than in Westchester, so you might wait longer for a start date during peak season (spring and summer). But labor costs are lower, and painters who live locally often price competitively to stay busy year-round.
Older homes in Cold Spring and Philipstown sometimes require lead paint abatement or extra prep work to deal with plaster walls and trim that's seen better days. That can add $500 to $2,000 to your total, depending on the scope.
Putnam County Painting Costs (2026)
Average costs for common painting projects in Putnam County.
| Project Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (12x12) | $300 - $700 | Two coats, ceiling, trim |
| Whole house interior (2,000 sq ft) | $3,800 - $10,000 | Walls, ceilings, trim included |
| Exterior (2-story colonial) | $5,000 - $9,500 | Prep, two coats, trim |
| Kitchen cabinets (painted) | $2,000 - $5,000 | Prep, prime, two finish coats |
| Deck staining | $600 - $1,800 | Pressure wash, stain, sealant |
| Trim and doors only | $1,200 - $3,000 | Whole house, prep and paint |
How Costs Vary Across Putnam Towns
Carmel and Mahopac have the most painters, so you'll find competitive pricing and shorter lead times. A standard room here runs $300 to $600, and whole-house interior jobs come in toward the lower end of the range.
Brewster pricing is similar. The contractor pool is smaller, but painters here often work in Dutchess County as well, so if you're flexible on timing, you might get a better rate when they're bundling jobs in the area.
Cold Spring and Philipstown have older homes, many with plaster walls and trim that needs more prep work. Painters here charge toward the higher end of the range, especially if lead paint is involved. Exterior painting on older homes can run $6,000 to $11,000 depending on the condition of the siding and trim.
Kent and Putnam Valley are the most rural. Painters may charge travel fees ($50 to $150), but local painters who live in the area usually waive them. Pricing is generally lower than Westchester, but availability can be limited during peak season.
Lead Paint and Permits
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. If you're doing extensive prep work (scraping, sanding) on a pre-1978 home, your painter should be EPA-certified for lead-safe work practices. This adds cost, but it's required by law.
Painting typically doesn't require a building permit in Putnam County unless you're making structural changes. But if your painter is doing siding repairs or replacing trim as part of the job, check with your town.
Town Building Departments: - Carmel: (845) 628-1500 - Southeast (Brewster): (845) 279-2123 - Philipstown (Cold Spring): (845) 265-5202 - Kent: (845) 225-3900 - Putnam Valley: (845) 526-2377
When to Schedule Painting Work
Spring and summer are peak season for exterior painting. You want temperatures above 50°F for paint to cure properly, which limits the window to late April through October. Interior painting can be done year-round, but many painters book up in spring and summer when they're busy with exterior jobs.
If you're flexible on timing, fall and winter are great times for interior work. Painters often offer 10-15% discounts during the off-season, and you can usually get on the schedule within a week or two.
Exterior painting should be scheduled early in spring if you want your choice of contractor. Waiting until July or August means limited availability and less negotiating power on pricing.
How to Save Money
Get three quotes and compare scope. Some painters include trim and ceilings in their base price. Others charge extra. Make sure you're comparing the same scope and the same paint quality (Sherwin-Williams Duration vs. Behr Premium makes a difference).
Do your own prep work. Moving furniture, taping, and minor patching can save you $200 to $500 on a room. Ask your painter if they'll discount labor if you handle prep.
Bundle interior and exterior jobs. If you're planning to paint both, hire the same painter for both jobs. You'll get better pricing than if you hire separately.
Buy your own paint. Some painters mark up paint by 20-30%. If you're comfortable picking colors and buying paint yourself, you can save $300 to $800 on a whole-house job. Just make sure your painter is okay with it upfront.
Common Questions About Painting in Putnam County
Frequently asked questions about painting in Putnam County.
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Alex Colombo is the founder of Westchester AI, a technology consulting firm serving businesses across Westchester County and the tri-state area. When he's not helping local companies modernize their operations, he's researching what home improvement actually costs in the area so homeowners don't walk into quotes blind.