2023 Guide to Home Exterior Painting Costs

Exterior paint job done by Value Painting and Flooring

Home Exterior Painting Costs typically range from $1,900 to $6,900, with the price per square foot falling between $1-$4. This price tag depends on various factors, such as the paintable area and the labor required for the repainting process.

Understanding Home Exterior Painting Costs

The cost of painting a home’s exterior can vary greatly based on numerous factors. These include the size of the house, the type of siding, the number of stories, the condition of the existing paint, and the local labor costs.

Cost Breakdown for Painting a House

Average Home Exterior Painting Costs

The usual cost to paint a house exterior fluctuates between $1,900 and $6,900. This can change significantly depending on the paintable area, the type of siding material, the house’s condition, and the amount of preparation and repainting labor needed.

Cost by Home Size

The cost of painting is often calculated per square foot, which makes the size of your house a significant factor in the overall cost. Here’s a rough estimation of the cost based on home size:

Home size (square feet)Average cost
1,000$800 – $3,200
1,500$1,200 – $4,800
2,000$1,700 – $6,800
2,500$2,100 – $8,400
3,000$2,500 – $10,000
3,500$2,900 – $11,600
4,000$3,400 – $13,400
5,000$4,200 – $16,800
Cost to paint a house

Remember, these costs are just estimates, and the actual cost may vary based on the complexity of the work and local labor rates.

Expense Breakdown for Exterior Home Painting Labor

Value Painting and Flooring worker painting a home exterior

Labor expenses for exterior home painting typically account for a substantial chunk – 70% to 80% – of the total cost. These costs usually fall between $0.80 to $2.80 per square foot.

In-depth Analysis of Labor Costs for Exterior Painting

Professional painters charge somewhere in the ballpark of $20 to $50 per hour, excluding materials, which equates to approximately $200 to $500 per day.

Labor costs also incorporate various preparation activities such as sanding, washing, caulking, and repairs. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of these costs:

  • Siding Repair: This cost fluctuates based on the material and the extent of the damage, typically ranging from $200 to $1,100.
  • Window Frame Repair: Repairing damaged window frames can cost between $150 and $600.
  • Roof Eaves Repair: Repairing roof eaves generally costs between $500 and $2,600.
  • Gutter Repair: This task can add another $100 to $450 to your overall home exterior painting costs.
  • Scraping, Sanding, and Stripping: Removing old paint or siding ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot.
  • Caulking and Masking: These necessary prep tasks can add $0.50 to $4.00 per linear foot to your painting costs.
  • Power Washing: A clean surface is essential for new paint, which may necessitate power washing. The average cost for power washing a house is $170 to $360.

Knowing these elements can provide a more precise estimation of the potential home exterior painting costs, aiding in budgeting.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Home Exterior Painting

Exterior paint job is done by Value Painting and Flooring

Several factors can significantly impact the overall cost of your home exterior painting project:

  • Trim, Doors and Windows
  • Color Changes
  • Old Paint Removal
  • Primers
  • Weather Conditions
  • Accessibility

To receive the most accurate estimate, it’s recommended to solicit quotes from multiple local painting contractors.

Additional Services and Associated Costs

Here are some prevalent additional services that could influence the overall cost of exterior home painting:

  • Pressure Washing: This service ensures a clean surface for the new paint to adhere to, increasing the paint job’s longevity.
  • Repair Damaged Siding: Damaged siding can affect the quality of the paint job, so it’s essential to repair any damage before painting begins.
  • Painting Gutters and Downspouts: While not always necessary, painting gutters and downspouts to match or complement your home’s new color can enhance curb appeal.
  • Sanding and Scraping: These preparation tasks are crucial for a smooth, clean surface before painting begins.
  • Mold and Mildew Removal: If your home’s exterior has mold or mildew, it should be addressed before painting to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible paint job.

While not necessarily included in the initial quote, these services can significantly affect the project’s final cost. Thus, discussing these potential additional costs with your painting contractor upfront is vital.

Pricing for Exterior Paint

The typical pricing for exterior paint falls between $30 and $80 per gallon for standard acrylic or latex paint. If you choose mineral-based paint for exterior bricks, the cost may be $100 to $150 per gallon.

Detailed Breakdown of Exterior Paint Costs

The total paint cost for an average-sized house ranges from $200 to $1,200. A single gallon of paint can cover 250 to 400 square feet with one coat. For long-lasting results, two coats of paint are generally recommended.

Below is a detailed cost estimation for painting homes of various sizes using standard acrylic or latex paint:

Home size (sq. ft.)Paintable surface (sq. ft.)Gallons needed (two coats)Total paint cost
1,0008004 – 6$120 – $480
1,2001,0005 – 8$150 – $640
1,5001,2006 – 10$180 – $800
1,8001,5008 – 12$240 – $960
2,4002,00010 – 16$300 – $1,300
3,0002,50012 – 20$360 – $1,600
3,5003,00016 – 24$480 – $1,920

Note: These costs are calculated assuming two coats of acrylic or latex paint and do not include the primer cost.

Primer, which is needed on most bare surfaces and is recommended for all surfaces to achieve the best results, costs between $20 and $50 per gallon and covers 200 to 300 square feet.

Although two coats are recommended, the second coat often requires less paint than the first. Porous and textured surfaces like brick, stucco, and concrete may require more paint.

It’s also useful to estimate that you’ll need an additional gallon of paint for every 6 to 8 gallons of exterior paint for trim.

This comprehensive overview should help you clearly understand potential Home Exterior Painting Costs.

Cost to Paint Different Types of Siding

Depending on the material type, the painting cost for your home’s siding can significantly fluctuate. Below is a comparison of prices based on different siding materials:

  • Aluminum/Metal: $1.00 – $4.00 per square foot
  • Brick: $1.50 – $4.50 per square foot
  • Concrete: $1.00 – $3.50 per square foot
  • Stucco: $1.00 – $5.50 per square foot
  • Vinyl: $1.00 – $3.00 per square foot
  • Wood: $1.00 – $4.00 per square foot

Detailed Siding Painting Costs

The standard cost to paint siding ranges from $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot, dependent on both the exterior size of the home and the type of material used in the siding. Enhancing the exterior siding of your home not only boosts curb appeal but also extends its longevity.

Here’s a detailed table providing the costs of painting different types of siding for a 2,000-square-foot, one-story house:

Siding TypeCost per Square FootCost for a 2,000 SF House
Aluminum or Metal Siding$1.00 – $4.00$1,700 – $6,800
Brick Exterior$1.50 – $4.50$2,600 – $7,700
Concrete Siding$1.00 – $3.50$1,700 – $6,000
Exterior Foundation$1.00 – $4.00$200 – $1,100
Stucco Exterior$1.00 – $5.50$1,700 – $9,400
Vinyl Siding$1.00 – $3.00$1,700 – $5,100
Wood Siding$1.00 – $4.00$1,700 – $6,800

It’s worth noting that if the siding panels are too worn to paint, replacing them would be more appropriate, which costs between $3 to $11 per square foot.

This detailed cost breakdown should provide a clear understanding of the potential costs of painting different types of siding.

Expense Factors for Painting Multi-Story Houses

Two-story home exterior - Home Exterior Painting Costs

The financial implications of painting a two-story house are typically 25%-50% higher than those for a single-story house, mainly due to the augmented requirements for preparation work, paint, and equipment.

Painting Costs Comparison: Two-Story House vs. Ranch-Style

The median price for painting a two-story Home Exterior Painting Costs falls between $2,000 and $10,500, representing an increase of 25% to 50% compared to a single-story home. The higher cost for multi-story houses is due to the increased need for paint and supplies, more labor-intensive preparation work, and ladders or scaffolding requirements. In addition, securing a permit for scaffolding can add an extra $100 to $300 to the total cost.

Here’s a cost comparison based on the number of stories in a house:

House StoriesSquare FootageAverage Total Cost
Single story1,000 – 2,000$1,000 – $6,400
Two stories1,500 – 2,500$2,000 – $10,500
Three stories2,500 – 3,000+$3,200 – $18,000

This comparison can give homeowners a clearer perspective on the potential costs of painting houses of varying sizes and stories.

Self-Execution vs. Engaging a Professional Painter

Although undertaking the exterior painting of your house on your own can result in savings, it’s an intricate and extensive project. A professional painter has the right skills, tools, and safety gear to deliver a durable finish. Nevertheless, if you have experience in home renovation tasks and possess the necessary tools, executing the painting job independently can be an economical alternative.

Here’s an overview of the costs you might incur if you decide to paint your house exterior for a house of 1,500 square feet, including renting a paint sprayer for up to five days. If you opt to hire a painting contractor for assistance, the rate ranges from $20 to $50 per hour.

Breakdown of DIY Painting Costs

ItemAverage Cost (each)
Brushes$2 – $15
Buckets (5-gallon)$6 – $8
Caulk (10 oz. tub)$6 – $9
Ladder$80 – $300
Painter’s tape$3 – $10
Paint trays$2 – $5
Paint roller kit$10 – $25
Plastic drop cloths$5 – $30
Sandpaper$5 – $15
Scrapers$6 – $20
Trisodium phosphate (TSP)$5 – $12
Paint sprayer/power roller rental (per day)$30 – $50
Scaffolding rental (per day)$50 – $100
Exterior paint (per gallon)$30 – $150
Primer (per gallon)$20 – $50

The overall cost to paint your house exterior yourself can range from $400 to $1,800 for supplies, equipment, and paint. This table gives you a better visualization of the potential costs of a DIY exterior painting project.

The Bottom Line on Home Exterior Painting Costs

Home exterior with Value Painting and Flooring service truck on the driveway

Painting your home’s exterior is a significant investment, but it can pay off in the long run by increasing your home’s value and curb appeal. The key is to consider all the potential costs and factors affecting the final price and ensure the job is done correctly. Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, the goal is the same: a fresh, attractive exterior that protects your home and enhances its appeal. By understanding the breakdown of Home Exterior Painting Costs, you can make an informed decision about your next painting project.

Frequently Asked Questions about House Painting

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Mario Gavilanes
Mario Gavilanes

Hi! I'm Mario Gavilanes, CEO and Business Owner of Value Painting and Flooring. With over a decade of experience in home improvement, I'm passionate about providing top-quality services to our customers in South Florida. Our team is dedicated to delivering professional work and ensuring customer satisfaction.

When I'm not managing the business, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors. If you'd like to discuss a project, feel free to contact me at 305-746-8425, 954-919-9628, or visit valuepaintingandflooring.com. I look forward to helping you transform your home into a space you'll love!

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