Planning an interior room
Most interior projects start with wall area: the same measurement drives paint, wallpaper, and drywall. From there, add the finishing details — baseboard and crown molding run along the room's perimeter, while a drop ceiling is figured by tile and grid. If you're opening up walls, it's also the right time to size insulation and check the room's heating and cooling load.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to estimate before redoing a room?
Paint (wall area, coats, openings); drywall and joint compound if refinishing; baseboard and crown molding for trim; and insulation plus heating/cooling (BTU) for comfort.
How much paint does an average room take?
About 2 gallons for two coats on a 12×12 room's walls, plus a gallon for the ceiling. The paint calculator adjusts for size, coats, doors, and windows.