Painting the exterior of your house is an important maintenance task that can significantly improve curb appeal and protect your home’s siding from damage. However, hiring professional painters can be expensive. So how much does it really cost to paint the exterior of a house?

The cost to paint the exterior of a house can vary widely based on several key factors:

Size of the House

The size of the house is one of the biggest determinants of painting costs. Larger homes with more exterior square footage will require more time, labor, and materials to paint. Here are some basic guidelines on painting costs based on house size:

Small house (1,000 sq ft or less): $1,000-$3,000
Medium house (1,001-1,500 sq ft): $3,000-$5,000
Large house (1,501-3,000 sq ft): $5,000-$10,000
Extra large house (3,000+ sq ft): $10,000+

In general, you can estimate that exterior painting costs around $0.70-$1.25 per square foot. Multiply the square footage of your home’s exterior by this rate to get a rough estimate.

Number of Stories

Homes with multiple stories/levels generally cost more to paint because extra equipment like scaffolding or lifts are needed to safely reach upper levels. For example, a simple one-story ranch style home will be much cheaper to paint than a two-story Victorian with detailed trim work. Add $500-$1,000 or more for each additional level.

Paint Grade and Type

The specific brand and quality of paint used also impacts overall cost. Paint can range from $25-$50 per gallon, with higher end options like CertainTeed or Benjamin Moore running $50+ per gallon. The type of paint (flat, satin, gloss, etc.) also varies in price. Generally, expect to pay:

Economy paint: $25-$35 per gallon
Mid-range exterior paint: $35-$45 per gallon
Premium/designer paint: $45-$60+ per gallon

Multiply the price per gallon by the number of gallons required to cover the house to estimate paint costs. More coats may be required depending on the underlying surface.

Siding Type

Some types of siding like stucco, brick, and stone require specialized paints and coating systems that cost more to apply. These textured surfaces also use up more paint per coat. Smooth wood or vinyl siding is the cheapest surface to paint. Here are the average costs per square foot:

Wood siding painting: $0.70-$1.00 per sq ft
Brick/stone painting: $1.50-$2.50 per sq ft
Stucco painting:$1.25-$2.00 per sq ft
Aluminum/vinyl siding cleaning/painting: $0.50-$0.75 per sq ft

Calculate the total exterior wall square footage to get an idea of how siding type impacts overall pricing.

Labor Costs

Professional contractor labor will likely be your biggest expense. Exterior painting requires skilled prep work, proper equipment, paint spraying, cutting in trim, clean up, etc. Labor costs range from $3-$7 per square foot depending on your location and the painting company. Get free estimates from at least 3 contractors.

You can save substantially by painting the house yourself. But this requires you (or family and friends) to have several days or weekends free for proper prep and painting. Consider if the DIY route is worth your time.

Scaffolding/Equipment Rental

To paint safely and access all areas of a multi-story home, scaffolding or other rental equipment is usually required. This can cost $500 or more for a multi-day rental. Ladders may work for single story homes. Equipment rental fees add to the overall project costs.

Surface Prep Requirements

Preparing surfaces is crucial to achieve an even and lasting paint job. This may involve:

Pressure washing
Sanding or scraping old paint
Caulking cracks and seams
Patching holes
Priming bare wood or masonry

Will existing paint need to be stripped completely? Proper prep work adds hours of labor and material costs.

Geographic Location

Like any home service, painter rates vary regionally based on labor costs. Painting costs tend to be highest in major metro areas like New York and Los Angeles. Average costs range:

$3-$5 per sq ft in smaller towns and cities
$5-$7 per sq ft in suburban areas
$7-$10+ in major urban centers

Get several quotes from local exterior painters to gauge price differences in your area.

When to Paint

Summer is often peak season for exterior home painting when the weather is warm and dry. This also means higher demand can lead to increased rates from contractors. If your schedule allows, booking exterior painting in the spring or fall off-season can potentially save you 10-20%.

As you can see, many factors influence the overall job cost. Professional estimates usually range from $3,000-$10,000+ for the average single family house. Get free quotes from at least 3 local painters and request the specific price breakdown to better understand what’s included.

Here are some additional tips that can affect budgeting for your exterior paint project:

Get At Least 3-4 Quotes

Do not rely on one estimate alone – prices can vary dramatically company to company. The low bid may not necessarily yield the best quality. Cast a wide net and get quotes from several exterior painters in your area. Compare the scope of work for an apples-to-apples pricing.

Check References and Reviews

Verify that potential contractors are properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for and check their references to view past work and customer experiences. Reviews and ratings online can also give insight into quality and service.

Get a Written Contract

Never accept a verbal quote – make sure to get all project pricing, timelines, and expectations outlined in a written estimate or contract. This protects you and holds the contractor accountable. Ensure the contract specifies number of coats, brand of paint, warranty info, and more.

Focus on Quality over Cost

A proper prep work and paint application is crucial – don’t sacrifice quality just to save money or you’ll end up repainting prematurely. Often paying a little more for better materials and work yields longevity.

Provide Accessible Working Conditions

Make sure ladders, scaffolds, lifts can reach all areas. Prune overgrown trees/bushes. Move vehicles, furniture away from the house. This allows painters to work efficiently.

Ask About Warranties

Reputable painters should guarantee their work against chipping, peeling, or fading for 2-5 years. This protects you from paying out of pocket for issues down the road.

Time Work for Good Weather

Exteriors should only be painted in dry conditions when temps are above 50°F. Inclement weather can severely delay projects and drive up costs.

Buy Paint Yourself

Some painters will markup paint prices significantly. To save, you can source paint yourself after getting brand recommendations. Or negotiate paint costs into the contract.

Power Wash Siding

Ask about including power washing in the quote to prep surfaces. Cleaning exceedingly dirty exteriors beforehand streamlines the painting.

Get a Payment Schedule

Rather than paying 100% upfront, negotiate a payment schedule tied to project milestones or completion percentages. This incentivizes on-time work.

Remove Outdated Fixtures

If exterior lighting, railing, or hardware needs replacing, do this beforehand so painters don’t have to work around them.

Inspect Work Before Paying

Verify all contracted work is completed satisfactorily before making final payment. Address any issues before painters leave the job.

How Long Does It Take to Paint a House Exterior?

In addition to cost considerations, the time required is also a factor in planning your exterior painting project.

For a typical single story 2,000 square foot house, it usually takes 2-4 days total to fully prep, prime, paint, and finish the exterior. Bigger homes can take a full week or more.

Here is a general timeline:

Day 1

Set up ladders/scaffolding
Clean and pressure wash siding
Repair cracks, damaged wood, or holes
Sand glossy surfaces
Apply primer

Day 2

Caulk windows, trim, fixtures
Complete priming
Paint first coat on all surfaces

Day 3

Second coat of paint on siding
Start painting trim
Begin clean up and protection of glass/surfaces

Day 4

Finish painting trim, railings, doors
Third coat on any problem areas
Final clean up and touch ups
Remove equipment

Additional days may be required for:

Stripping old paint completely
Extensive repairs or patching needed
Hidden damage uncovered mid-project
Severe weather delays
Larger/complex homes

Proper planning, access, and cooperation with the painting crew will help the project move efficiently. Discuss the expected timeframe with your painter upfront to coordinate your schedule.

Painting House Exterior FAQs

Below are answers to some common questions homeowners have about exterior painting costs and processes:

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a 1,500 sq ft house?

For a relatively average sized 1,500 square foot, 2-story house, expect to pay in the range of $4,000-$8,000 for professional painting. Total costs depend on the height, layout, and factors like siding type and quality of paint. Quote prices from individual companies can vary widely.

Should I paint my house siding myself or hire a pro?

You can certainly paint the exterior yourself and save on labor costs. But for large homes, many homeowners find the painting tedious, tiring, and time consuming. Pros have the proper equipment, crew, and experience for a fast, quality paint job. Consider your own DIY skills before deciding.

How long does exterior paint last?

On average, a quality exterior paint job should last 4-8 years before needing repainting. Use premium paints, proper primers, and apply the right thickness to maximize durability. Prevent sun damage and fading by using darker tones. Proper prep work also extends the lifespan of your paint.

How much does it cost to paint vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is relatively quick and affordable to repaint. Cleaning and painting vinyl costs around $0.50-$0.75 per square foot. A 1,200 sq ft vinyl sided house would run about $600-$900 in total labor and materials to paint.

What’s the cost to paint brick?

Due to the textured surface, painting brick costs $1.50-$2.50 per square foot. So a 1,500 sq ft brick facade would run approximately $2,250-$3,750 to paint professionally. Special masonry paints are also more expensive.

How much should I pay a painter per hour?

The typical rate painters charge is $50-$70 per hour per person. However, most exterior painting jobs are quoted based on the square footage of the home rather than hourly rate. Be sure all rates and project totals are clearly outlined in the estimate.

Can I paint exterior in winter?

While possible in warmer regions, winter is generally not ideal for exterior paint due to temperature, moisture, and drying time issues. The optimal time to paint a house exterior is during spring, summer, or fall when weather is consistently moderate.

How do I find a good exterior painting contractor?

Search sites like HomeAdvisor and Thumbtack. Check ratings on Google. Ask neighbors for referrals. Screen at least 3-5 painters, verify licensing/insurance, check references, and compare quotes. A bit of due diligence goes a long way in finding a reputable pro.

Conclusion

Painting your home’s exterior costs between $1,000-$10,000 on average based on the size, construction, condition, and location of your property. Get written quotes from several professional painting contractors to compare rates for your specific project. Focus on proper prep work and quality paints to achieve durable results that enhance your home’s curb appeal for years to come. Consider the project timeline and costs carefully when budgeting.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior?