Cost to Paint a House Exterior
Posted on July 14, 2023
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
Summary:
- Costs vary depending on a variety of factors, but a typical cost to paint a home ranges from $2,500-$7,000
- The main factors in determining the cost to paint a house are: the size of the home, the amount of prep work required, the types of surfaces & substrates, how much trim is involved in the project, and the price of labor in the market
- Most exterior projects are best left to professional painters for a high-quality end product
- For 2022 – CertaPro Painters®‘ average residential exterior project came in at $4,550
The best way to get accurate pricing for your project is to set up a free estimate appointment.
Cost to paint a house exterior
Painting a house can be a costly project, depending on the number of coats needed, any repairs that must be made prior to painting, and the square footage of the house. The total cost includes labor and materials, such as primer and paint.
Homeadvisor estimated range: $1,811 – $4,436
Angi estimated range: $1,811 – $4,436
Lawnstarter estimated range: $2.191 – $4,505
Factors that can change the pricing for exterior painting projects
It is important to note that prices can vary depending on the number of coats required, any necessary repairs (such as patching exterior surfaces or replacing rotten wood), and the square footage of the house. The cost for a smaller project may be lower than expected due to fewer materials being used; however, larger projects with multiple coats can quickly add up. Moreover, some painters may charge extra for additional tasks like repairing surfaces before they are painted. All in all, painting a home exterior requires careful budgeting and consideration of any potential costs involved in order to ensure you get the best results at an affordable price.
- Repairs to surfaces
- Number of coats of paint
- Number of stories on the house
- Ability to reach / access to painted areas (is special equipment required, like a lift?)
- Square footage of property being painted
- Cost of labor in your area
- Types of paint being used
- Types of surfaces being painted
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a qualified contractor before undertaking any home improvement project.
Labor costs
In terms of professional outdoor painting projects, a significant chunk, typically ranging from 70% to 80%, of the entire expense is dedicated to labor. A comprehensive painting job requires several tasks such as gathering supplies, repairing and preparing the surfaces, filling gaps with caulk, sanding off old paint, applying primer, giving two coats of paint, and cleaning up the work area. While some painters may quote cheap hourly rates as low as $20, it’s important to exercise caution before signing up for such offers. Given the lack of licensing requirements in the residential painting field in many places, almost anyone can claim to be a painting contractor. Experienced painting professionals usually charge higher rates, ranging from $40 to $80 per hour per painter.
Types of Paint
Paints come in various types, each with a different price range. The cost of paint is determined by several factors, such as the quality of the ingredients, the manufacturing process, and the intended purpose. Here are some of the factors that make one type of paint more expensive than the other:
Quality of ingredients: High-quality paint comprises superior ingredients, such as top-grade pigments, resins, and additives, that offer better coverage, durability, and color retention. These ingredients are often more expensive, which translates to a higher price for the paint.
Manufacturing process: The manufacturing process of premium paints involves more rigorous and sophisticated methods, including multiple quality checks and tests, which add to the cost of production.
Specialty paints: Specialty paints designed for specific applications, such as waterproofing, fireproofing, or chemical resistance, may come at a higher cost due to their specialized formulations and unique properties.
Environmental concerns: Paints that are eco-friendly or contain fewer harmful chemicals may come at a higher price point due to the added cost of developing and producing these products.
Brand reputation: Established brands with a reputation for quality may charge more for their paints due to their brand recognition and loyalty.
Type of finish
Paint finishes also come in different types and each one has a different price range. The cost of the paint finish is dependent on several factors including the level of sheen or gloss, durability, and level of coverage. Here are some factors that determine the cost of paint finishes:
- Level of gloss or sheen: The level of sheen or gloss of a paint finish determines how shiny or reflective the paint will be. High-gloss finishes usually cost more because they require more additives and resins that improve the level of sheen.
- Durability: The durability of a paint finish is determined by the quality of ingredients used in its formulation. More durable finishes such as semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes often cost more because they require more advanced technology to produce.
- Coverage: Paint finishes that provide greater coverage will cost more because they require more pigments and additives to achieve greater opacity.
- Specialty finishes: Specialty finishes such as metallic, glitter, and pearl finishes are unique and may come at a higher cost due to their specialized formulations.
Size and Condition of the House
The size of the home will be one of the largest factors in determining the cost to paint a house. The bigger the home, and the more stories it has, the more materials and time will be to complete the project. If your home has difficult to reach areas that require special equipment, like a lift, it will also impact the total cost of the project.
It’s worth noting that the actual cost of painting a house exterior can vary depending on several factors, including the type of paint used, the condition of the surface being painted, the location of the house, and the complexity of the job. Additionally, if the job requires multiple coats of paint, the cost will be higher. It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from professional painters to ensure you’re getting a fair price for the job.
Lead-based paint removal is also a factor in pricing. If your home was built prior to 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. If so, you should only use EPA or state approved Lead-Safe certified renovation firms. Lead paint removal will increase the cost of painting your home.
Trim & Windows
Painting trim is usually done separately from the rest of the house. Painting trim is usually done by hand with greater attention to details. If your project includes trim, or your home has a lot of trim, it could increase the pricing for your project.
The quantity of windows on the home will also contribute to the overall cost of the painting project. Windows, like trim, require careful masking and prep work and need individual attention from the crew.
Looking for a firm quote?
If you would like an accurate quote to have your home painted, contact us to set up a free estimate appointment. An estimator will learn about your project and consider all of the factors outlined above to give you an accurate quote for how much it will cost to paint your homes exterior.
