Susan G asks:
"What is the cost to remove, repair, and paint a wall and the cost to paint an entire room, including ceiling with knock down design?"

Susan, Thanks for writing in.

Sounds like you have a good hearty home decor project in front of you.  Of course the answer to your question will depend on many variables but the good news is that painting (and most wall repairs) are relatively straightforward and a good DIY project.

Initial questions that need to be asked for your DIY project include:

1. How big is the room?  You will need roughly two gallons of paint for a 12’ x 12’ room.
2. How big a repair do you need to do to the wall(s)?  Will one small tube of plaster or Spackle fix the damage or do you need major work?
3. How dark is the color of paint on the walls you are covering and how dark a new color are you painting?  All jobs benefit from a primer but a good coat of primer is especially necessary if you are covering a dark wall with a light color.
4. Does the room have crown or base board molding?  You will likely want a second color to help accent the room.

Regardless of how you answer these questions, I recommend -for any home decor project - that you start with quality paints and supplies.  Be wary of purchasing paint that seems like too good a deal.  You may end up doing the work twice and paying twice the price to make up for poor quality. And make sure you use quality brushes and rollers for the best results.

I believe that the quality of a paint job is largely driven by what happens before the paint is applied so take the time and care necessary to properly prep the walls.  Before priming, repair, sand and smooth the walls.  And please avoid the mistake that many people make by painting over layer and layer of paint.

Depending on the paint type and quality, the work that I described including routine wall repairs will cost you around $300 for paint and primer supplies without molding to worry about.  I think the out of pocket cost to paint a 12 x 12 room is as follows:

• Primer $50 (2 gal of high quality primer)
• Paint for walls $120 (2 gal of high quality paint)
• Paint for doors, windows and trim $60 (1 gal)
• Paint for ceiling $30 (1 gal of “ceiling white” – even though this is more than you need)
• Compounds – $20 (I large bucket) – get the lightweight kind.
• Compound knives – 1 large wide one app 6” and one narrow one app 2”  $12.
• Plastic for the floors and furniture – assuming there is any $10.
• Blue tape that is easy to remove from, walls and will help you keep a line $10

If my addition is correct (and I am just a contractor) that would be $312.
 
To completely knock down a wall and rebuild it is another project unto itself.  This is complicated by the location of electrical outlets and light switches etc.  Without knowing any details of your project, I can offer the following:Demo and rebuild a 12’ wall without any plumbing or electrical.  (Before you start this DIY project, make sure you have the expertise to handle the complications of electrical, plumbing, air-handling etc, if any present themselves.)  A simple demo and rebuild might look like this:

• For demo you will need proper demo tools such as a hammer, pry bar and reciprocating saw:  $200
• You will need a place to bring the demo as most municipalities will not take away construction debris  $100
• To rebuild the wall plan on about $100 of 2x4 and $60 of sheetrock, screws, etc.
• You will need compound $40
• Joint tape $10
• Plastic for the floors and furniture $10

And, the most important thing to bring to both your projects?  A strong back.  Cost: Priceless.

Best of luck with your project.  And if you have more questions, don't hesitate to Ask The Contractor. 
Thanks, Bruce