Stairwell & Hallway Painting Cost for Condo Buildings (2026)
The Short Answer: Common-Area Painting Costs
For a condo association or HOA in Chicago and the North Shore, painting the common areas typically runs $8,000 to $20,000+ depending on how many stairwells, floors, and shared spaces are involved. A single stairwell runs $8,000–$15,000; a floor of hallway $3,000–$6,500. Here's how boards should budget it — and what separates a fair bid from a cheap one.
Cost by Common-Area Project (2026)
| Project | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Stairwell (2-4 story: walls, ceilings, trim, railings) | $8,000 – $15,000 per stairwell |
| Hallway / corridor | $3,000 – $6,500 per floor |
| Lobby / entrance | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Full common areas (typical 3-story building) | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Paint + flooring bundle (complete turnaround) | $20,000+ |
For perspective a board can use: a full common-area refresh often works out to less than $2,500 per unit in a 5-unit building.
The 5 Factors That Move an Association's Price
1. Ceiling height. Vintage buildings with 10-12 ft stairwell ceilings need staging — more labor than standard.
2. Wall condition. Decades of scuffs, patched plaster, and prior bad paint jobs mean more prep.
3. Trim & railings. Metal railings, wood handrails, unit doors and frames all add surface and detail time.
4. Number of stairwells/floors. The single biggest driver — walk the building and count before requesting bids.
5. Flooring. Bundling new carpet or flooring with paint delivers a complete turnaround under one contract.
What Boards Should Require in Every Bid
To compare bids fairly, insist that each includes: an itemized written scope (surfaces, products, coats), a COI naming the association, a W-9, warranty terms, and a resident-friendly schedule (work by sections so stairs stay passable). A bid that's 30% cheaper usually skipped prep, coats, or insurance — and costs more when it fails.
Get a Board-Ready Proposal
We provide itemized, board-ready proposals within 24-48 hours of a walkthrough, COI included, for condo associations and HOAs across Chicago's north side and the North Shore. See our full HOA & condo association painting service, or read how we compare against other contractors.
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We'll visit your home, assess every surface, and give you a detailed written quote with no surprises. Sherwin-Williams Emerald products, professional application, and a clear timeline — guaranteed.
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