How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
The average cost to paint the outdoors of a house ranges from $3,970 to $9,980 with the average homeowner spending around $5,362 to paint the exterior of a home with 1,500 sq. ft. of wood siding, along with trim and prep work. The lowest cost is about $2,827 for a smaller home of 1,100 sq. ft. while a larger, 3-story (2,500-3,500 sq.ft.), more intricately trimmed home could cost as much as $13,350.
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Exterior House Painting Cost
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Exterior House Painting Cost per Square Foot
It’s important that when you estimate the square footage of your home, the amount of exterior siding you have to paint does not necessarily equal your interior square foot. Each wall of siding should be estimated separately, multiplying the height and width to find the square footage of that wall, and adding the walls together to get your total exterior painting estimate. Gables, dormers, and other features should be added to the total separately. Keep in mind that the exterior painting cost per square foot can also change depending on the painting material of the siding you are painting and the complexity of the project.
An average range for exterior house painting costs per square foot 1 is between $2.50 and $5 and can be higher or lower depending on your location and the condition of your home.
| Size | Average Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq.ft. | $1,600 – $3,600 |
| 1,200 sq.ft. | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,500 sq.ft. | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| 1,600 sq.ft. | $2,400 – $6,600 |
| 2,000 sq.ft. | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| 2,500 sq.ft. | $4,000 – $10,00 |
Average Cost to Paint a House Exterior by Number of Stories
It makes perfect sense that it would be more expensive to paint a two- or three-story house versus a single-story house. Climbing up and down a ladder, repositioning the ladder, and refilling the sprayer or tray add several extra hours and increases the risk of a fall or spill.
Since costs vary, we’re going to take a closer look at the different types of houses to paint. The estimated cost to paint an average one-story house average about $2,350 to $6,000. A ranch-style home is defined as a home with a low-pitch roofline, so exterior painting is easier. Therefore, it will be cheaper, too. Expect the cost to paint a ranch house to be around $1,100 to $2,200. Homeowners with two-story homes enjoy a larger home but reaching the higher areas affects the price tag. The cost to paint a two-story house exterior is approximately $4,700 and $6,800. A stunning three-story home will be welcoming to guests and family, but the residents will be paying a hefty price when it comes time to paint. The cost to paint a three-story house can tick up as high as $11,000.
Exterior Paint Cost by Type
Several key types of paint are used for exterior painting projects, including latex, acrylic latex, and oil. Your exterior painter may prefer working with one over another, or the type of siding you have may require a particular type of paint. There are different costs to consider in addition to the region you live in and which type of paint holds up the best in your environment.
Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint
Acrylic latex paint is a good choice for vinyl and other glossy surfaces. It costs between $40 and $70 per gallon. This paint is easy to clean up with soap and water, has low or no VOCs, and comes in a variety of finishes. These are direct advantages over other types of exterior paints. Also, it only needs a couple of hours to dry. One disadvantage that should be noted is that this paint is not long-lasting paint, so it chips over time. Also, it has a less smooth texture and is not a good fit for a wet climate.
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Exterior Latex Paint
Water-based exterior latex paint computes to a simple clean-up. You need to pay between $40 to $70 a gallon. This type of paint doesn’t yellow, dries quickly, is environmentally friendly, and is available in many colors, making it a versatile choice for many homes. Oil-based paint is often a better choice for wood siding or trim, so it is not suggested to use it on other materials.
Exterior Oil-Based Paint
The cost for oil-based paint is $30 to $80Â per gallon. Oil-based paint provides a smoother application but requires a longer drying time. The extended drying time is helpful if you make a mistake. With this paint, you will also notice more thorough coverage. Some of the disadvantages of this type of paint include the fact that it is a more expensive option, is high in environmentally harmful VOCs, and requires a daunting clean-up with mineral spirits or turpentine It is prone to cracking, fading, and yellowing.
Exterior Primer Paint Price by Type
Most surfaces that are being exterior painted for the first time or that are making a significant color change need to be primed before they can be painted. Primer helps the paint adhere better to the surface, so it will last longer and it does not soak into the surface, not requiring extra coats. In some cases, primer can also help prevent discoloration of the paint, such as is the case when painting cedar; cedar sap can bleed through the paint in a condition known as cedar bleed. Priming blocks this sap discoloration so the paint job stays looking fresh longer. If you are making a significant color change, from light to dark or dark to light, primer can help bridge the gap more easily, cutting down on the number of finished coats of paint.
Exterior Paint Cost by Type of Finish
Exterior Paint can have different finishes ranging from extremely flat or matte up to a very high gloss finish. Not every finish is going to work well on every exterior. The most commonly used finish on exterior homes is Eggshell, which has a light sheen to it, rather than being completely flat or high gloss. Moreover, glossy paints last longer, while flatter paints last less but cover better.
Flat Exterior Paint
Flat exterior paint usually costs between $18 to $50 per gallon. This paint provides a completely matte finish with no sheen and has a chalky feel when touched. This Flat finish paint is great when trying to hide blemishes and flaws. However, it is harder to clean, as it holds onto dirt and is prone to chipping.
Satin Exterior Paint
Satin paint usually costs between $40 to $70 per gallon. It has a slightly deeper sheen to it than eggshells, making it easier to clean. Its velvet-look finish is both appealing and durable. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and scuffing. However, you should beware of darker colors in a satin finish as they appear much richer once dry.
Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint
Semi-gloss paint usually costs between $50 to $80 per gallon. This paint has a much higher gloss making it reflect a lot of light and making it easier to clean. It’s commonly used on the trim as it shows every little bump and flaw. For someone who lives in an area that is very dusty or muddy, a semi-gloss exterior paint makes cleaning the outside of the home easier.
High-Gloss Exterior Paint
High-gloss exterior paint usually costs $60 to $90 per gallon. This paint has a very glossy, reflective finish. It is very durable and works well on doors and some types of trim, or areas where the weather beats down. It is not recommended for larger exterior areas unless you are looking to spotlight it.
Cost to Paint a House Exterior by Project
While many homeowners think primarily about siding when considering exterior painting, this project often includes many other aspects. Exterior Painting of a house involves painting many elements outdoors to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the entire outside of your home. The following table highlights elements you can paint outdoors and the associated costs of every project.
| Project | Average Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Eaves | $7 – $8/linear foot |
| Soffit and Fascia | $8 – $10/linear foot |
| Downspouts | $8 – $9/linear foot |
| Gutters | $3 – $7/linear foot |
| Trim | $3 – $9/linear foot |
| Siding | $1.50 – $7/sq.ft. |
| Porch | $3 – $5/sq.ft. |
| Shutters | $60 – $90/shutter |
| Exterior Door | $190 – $390/door |
| Deck | $580 – $900/deck |
| Detached Garage | $1,700 – $3,300/garage |
Cost to Repaint a House Exterior
When using an exterior paint estimator to repaint a home exterior that has been painted before, the painting material should first be pressure washed and any loose paint needs to be removed. If necessary, repairs may also need to be made to the existing siding or surface material, and any older caulk may need to be replaced around windows and doors. Depending on the condition of the siding and whether you are making a significant color change, you may also need to prime this siding first before painting. All of this can potentially mean that repainting can result in higher overall costs, although this does come down in part to the quality of the siding.
Painting new siding that has been pre-primed will have lower costs, closer to $3,000 to $3,300, with costs slightly higher if priming is required, starting closer to $3,500 to $4,000. This is in contrast to the $2,700 average for repainting existing siding. Keep in mind that costs can vary depending on your location, climate, and the condition and type of siding you are painting, whether new or existing.
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How Often Should You Paint Your House Exterior?
Many factors impact how often you should paint a home’s exterior. It depends on the type of siding that you have, the climate that you live in, and the quality of the paint. The average homeowner will have anywhere from six to eight years between paint projects, but unique surfaces require different times between paint jobs.
Wood siding should be repainted every four to eight years, while aluminum and stucco can last between five and six. On the other hand, newer materials like cement fiberboard can go between ten and fifteen years without a paint job. Brick can last twenty years.
As a general rule of thumb, you should always repaint before noticing visible signs of wear and tear. Otherwise, you will have to spend a lot more on preparing your exterior and fixing damages before the painting can even begin.
Process To Get Exterior Painting Cost Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get your exterior painting cost estimate report.
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