In the US, the cost to paint house exteriors by a professional painter is between $3,438 and $7,675. Most homeowners spend about $5,356 to paint a 1500 SF home with wood siding, trim, and minor prep work. The average price is about $3.57 per SF, ranging from $2.29 to $5.12 per SF. The total cost of hiring a professional painter includes the cost of paint, labor, and preparation.
| House SF | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | $2,425 | $5,650 | $3,838 |
| 1500 | $3,438 | $7,675 | $5,356 |
| 2500 | $5.463 | $11,725 | $8,394 |
| 3500 | $7,488 | $15,775 | $11,431 |
If you paint the outside of your house, you can improve curb appeal and save money on labor. However, you will still have to buy paint and supplies. You’ll spend about $35 to $100 per gallon for paint and primer.
You will also need ladders, scaffolding, brushes, and rollers, which will cost between $300 and $1000. Before painting your house, consider renting a pressure washer from Home Depot. It costs $45 to $85 each day.
Let’s examine how much it costs to paint an exterior house calculator.
Exterior Paint Calculator
You can estimate your exterior house painting costs using our paint estimate calculator. You’ll find out how much paint and trim you need for your exterior paint job. It will also estimate the cost of painting the exterior of a house by a professional painting company. Please give us your basic details so the painting calculator can adjust to your requirements.
Our house painting cost estimator helps you not overpay for a professional painting contractor or estimate the amount of paint to buy for your painting project.
Also, see our guide Cost to Paint House Interior: Interior Painting Cost Calculator.
Get FREE quotes from the best local painters in your area today. Whether you need a whole house painted or just a bedroom, we can help with all your interior or exterior painting needs!
How Much Does It Cost to Paint House Exterior?
Painting your house exterior can be daunting, but if you do it yourself, you can save money while giving your home’s exterior a new look. If you’re considering tackling the job yourself, you may wonder how much it will cost.
The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of paint used and the size of your house. Consider some things when estimating the cost of painting your house exterior.
Cost To Paint Exterior Of House
The cost to paint the exterior of a house depends on various factors, such as the size of the house, its condition, location, and the quality of paint used. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,800 and $4,000 for a professional painting job. Getting multiple quotes from painting contractors to find the best deal is advisable.
Cost to Paint House Exterior Per Square Foot
Without accurate estimation, you may overspend on your house exterior painting project. Here are a few ways to estimate your home’s size without a measuring tape.
First, calculate the total area to determine how much paint you’ll need for your house in the United States. Include attached rooms and garage. This “ballpark” method should get you within 500-1000 sqft of the space needed to be painted. According to recent statistics, exterior paint costs an average of $3.57 per sqft.
You must add 10-50% more square footage for complex designs, like a second story, many corners, or a home with a sloped roof and dormers. These areas take more time and effort to paint, so you’ll need more money in your budget. The same goes for any place with peeling or failing paint – you’ll need to do extra work before you can start painting.
To calculate how much it will cost to paint the house exterior, use this equation:
Home’s square footage X $3.57
To find the square footage of your home, measure your house’s length and width and multiply those numbers.
Cost To Paint 1500 Sq Ft House Exterior
The cost to paint a 1500 sq ft house exterior typically ranges between $3,000 and $6,000, excluding additional materials or labor. Project cost factors such as the job’s complexity, poor exterior paint condition, type of paint, and region can affect the final price. It is recommended to obtain quotes from professional painters for an accurate estimate.
Are you looking for another way to measure the size of your house? Another approach is using Google Maps from a satellite view perspective. You can also use county records to cross-reference and get accurate measurements of your property and buildings.
More Exterior Painting Price Factors
If you plan to make drastic paint color changes or have surfaces like brick or stucco, you should budget an extra 50%. Usually, you’ll need a fresh coat of primer and two coats of paint for good coverage.
A dark exterior house color can take more than two coats. You must first use a primer to cover a dark color with a lighter color. The primer stops the dark paint color from showing through and gives you the right color.
- The average cost per linear foot for caulking is between $0.48 and $0.92,
- Power washing tends to fall between $50 and $80 per hour
- Scraping, sanding, and priming services cost about $0.60 and $1.00 per square foot.
Not neglecting these essential exterior home pricing details is crucial, or you’ll eventually spend much more money.
Average Cost To Paint A House Exterior
The price to paint a house outside changes depending on its size, location, and condition. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 for a professional painting job. Factors like project complexity and material quality can also affect the final cost.
Remember, these are just rough estimates for painting the outside of a house. The style and size of each house affect the cost of painting and your budget.
If you want to paint the inside of your home, check this guide for affordable prices.
Prep Work Labor Rates
Prep work is used for surface preparation tasks that must be completed before an exterior repaint. Preparing surfaces by power washing, scraping, priming, and caulking can be time-consuming.
The labor cost to paint a house exterior varies but usually costs $50 to $200 an hour. The actual cost can be hard to pinpoint, especially for novice painters.
When getting ready to repaint the outside of a building, there are some extra things to consider. You need to make sure that any lead paint is contained properly. You also have to replace any wood that is rotting or siding that is damaged.
Before starting the project, get a detailed estimate from your painting contractor. They should outline all the prep work they will do.
Cost to Paint House Exterior Per Hour
The exterior painting costs $55 to $95 per hour. The hourly rate depends on your location. Keep in mind that the numbers can differ a lot between cities. Use them as a general guide when budgeting for the project.
Cost to Paint House Exterior by Story
It costs $3,750 to $9,750 to paint a single-story home. The price may increase if the house needs a lot of preparation or special paint.
Professional painters typically charge between $6,250 and $16,250 to paint two-story homes. The average cost, including labor and materials, is around $8,925.
They’ll charge around $8,750 to $22,750 to paint three-story homes, with an average of $12,495 for labor and materials.
Painting a tall house alone is harder because you’ll need expensive ladders and equipment. It’s also much riskier than painting a one-story home.
What’s Included in the Price of Professional Painting?
When hiring a professional painter, the cost should cover materials and labor for larger homes, such as a 2,000-square-foot or 2-story house. The estimate should include extra costs for hard-to-reach areas, like a stucco house that needs special attention. If there is lead-based paint, you should remove it using appropriate methods.
The painter needs to use paint that works well on your surface. You could choose premium paint for a finish that lasts longer. One gallon of paint can cover a specific area. Remember to prepare properly for good adhesion.
Ask the painter how they clean up after painting. This includes drop cloths, tape, brushes, rollers, and hard-to-reach areas. Find out if this is included in the cost.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Pro
Hiring a professional painter has several benefits. One benefit is that you don’t have to paint the outside yourself. Professionals can do it faster and better.
They also come with a certain level of expertise that ensures the job will be done correctly and look great.
The downside of having a professional painter is that it can be expensive, depending on the size and scope of your project. Additionally, if there are any problems with the job or you’re unhappy with the results, you may spend more money to fix mistakes or redo parts of the job.
Cost to Paint House Exterior by Location
The cost to paint the house exterior will vary depending on your location. Labor costs have the most impact on professional painting costs. They can differ from region to region, so it is important to consider the area you live in when estimating painting costs.
The cost of painting outside your house depends on a few things. These include the house size, paint type and quality, prep work, and location. It is important to accurately assess these factors before committing to any painting job.
To get an accurate estimate of the project’s costs, it is best to contact a professional house painter. They can provide more detailed information on what to expect and what materials will be needed.
Cost to Paint House Exterior Siding
The price to paint your exterior surfaces largely depends on the siding materials. Some cost more time and effort to prep than others.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is smooth and doesn’t fade like other colors. It costs $1 to $5 per square foot.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is popular because it’s easy to paint and cheap, costing $1.25 to $3.25 per square foot. Engineered wood is also pre-primed, costing $1.25 to $2.25 per square foot to paint.
Concrete Walls
Poured concrete or concrete block isn’t as popular because of its high cost. However, some people choose it due to its durability. Painting concrete is simple, but it costs more than other materials. Extra labor adds $1.20 to $2.75 per square foot.
Fiber Cement Siding
If you want to save money on your project, choose fiber cement siding for repainting. The average cost per square foot for this material is $1.30 to $3.35. Vinyl siding, however, has a significantly higher price range of $0.55 to $2.60 per square foot.
Vinyl Siding
Due to its low maintenance, vinyl siding is prevalent in many places. Not many people paint vinyl siding, but it can be worth it if the color fades and the siding is in good condition. It costs about $0.55 to $2.60 to paint vinyl, and you need to be sure the painter uses paint that bonds with the vinyl siding well.
Steel Siding
Steel siding is your best bet if you’re looking for a material that’s like aluminum siding but more durable. It doesn’t need to be painted unless the homeowner wants to, in which case they would pay $1.55 to $2.60 per square foot.
Brick Masonry
Painting brick masonry seals it when it starts to crumble from age or if the brick doesn’t match. Painting brick houses can also hide step crack repairs from foundation movement. Brick masonry usually only requires two coats and costs between $2.50 and $5.25 per square foot.
It’s best to paint brick with a paint sprayer for even coverage. It also saves time and money on labor costs.
Stucco Siding
Stucco exterior costs between $1.60 and $4.20 per square foot and usually requires multiple coats of paint. Many painters prefer a paint sprayer over a roller on stucco surfaces because it gives even coverage.
To estimate the cost of your project, consider labor and material costs to make an informed decision. Research local contractors and compare their quotes before committing to a paint job.
| Siding Type | Cost to Paint |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $0.55 to $2.60 |
| Wood | $1.25 to $3.25 |
| Metal / Aluminum | $1.00 to $5.00 |
| Concrete | $1.20 to $2.75 |
| Fiber Cement Board | $1.30 to $3.35 |
| Steel | $1.55 to $2.60 |
| Stucco | $1.60 to $4.20 |
| Brick / Stone | $2.50 to $5.25 |
How Many Gallons of Paint You’ll Need for Exterior Siding
There’s some math involved in figuring out how many gallons of paint you’ll need for siding. Measure your siding carefully, as one gallon of paint covers about 300 square feet of surface area.
When planning your budget, remember to include the cost of painting the outside of your house.
Consider the colors for the outside of your house and look at different paints that work well with the type of siding you have, such as stucco. Check the state of your siding. If it’s bad, you should prepare more.
If you have high walls, remember to consider using tall ladders. Additionally, include painting the exterior doors in your improvement project.
The estimated amount of paint calculation for two coats:
- Single-story house: 10 to 12 gallons
- Two-story house: 16 to 20 gallons
- Three-story house: 25 to 30 gallons
How Much Paint You’ll Need for Exterior Trim?
The estimated amount of paint calculation for two coats:
- Single-story house: 5 to 7 gallons
- Two-story house: 10 to 12 gallons
- Three-story house: 15 to 18 gallons
Average Cost of Paint Per Gallon
The cost of paint greatly depends on the type and quality you select. Low-end paints average about $35 to $40 per gallon, while high-quality paint can run up to $115 or more per gallon.
You’ll also need primer, which typically costs around the same price as paint. Some of the most popular paint prices are listed below. For Paint+Primer, add $4 to $7 per gallon.
| Paint (Add $4 to $7 for Paint+Primer) | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Glidden Essentials | $28.98 |
| Glidden Premium | $38.98 |
| Behr Premium Plus | $47.98 |
| Behr Ultra | $55.98 |
| Behr Marquee | $68.98 |
| HGTV HOME® by Sherwin-Williams Everlast | $69.98 |
| Valspar Defense | $61.98 |
| HGTV HOME® by Sherwin-Williams Weathershield | $56.98 |
| Valspar Duramax | $51.98 |
| Valspar SeasonFlex | $41.98 |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint | $78.99 |
| Sherwin-Williams Resilience | $90.49 |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald | $110.49 |
Cost to Paint House Exterior Yourself
Painting your house exterior yourself can save you money on labor costs. But remember, it could require more time and effort than hiring a pro painter. In addition, people who do their own painting might have different resources than professionals. This could lead to them spending more on materials.
Cost of the Paint Materials You’ll Need
When you’re ready to paint your house exterior, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools.
To paint a room, gather drop cloths, painter’s tape, sandpaper, a ladder (or scaffolding if needed), paintbrushes of various sizes, rollers, primer, caulk and putty knives, sanding blocks, and paint. You can also consider using a paint sprayer to save time.
When using oil-based paint, ensure you have mineral spirits for cleaning up. The paint you need depends on your house’s size and the coverage you want. Make sure to research and buy the right paint finish for your project.
Painting Time You’ll Need
How much time you will need to paint your house exterior depends on the size of your project. If you get some help and work fast, you can paint a small one-story home over a weekend. Cleaning could take a long time if your home is big and has multiple floors. It may take days or weeks if you’re doing it yourself.
Consider the Skill level You’ll Need
You don’t need special skills to paint your house exterior. Some experience or knowledge of painting techniques is helpful. Beginner painters can learn the basics by watching online tutorials or reading how-to guides. Experienced painters may find that their existing knowledge saves them time and money.
Exterior House Painting FAQs
If you want to paint the outside of your house, you might wonder if you should do it yourself or hire professionals.
Can I paint my house exterior by myself?
Yes, painting your house exterior yourself is an option. DIYers can save money on labor costs but may need the same resources as professional painters.
Is it cheaper to paint the house exterior myself?
It may appear cheaper to paint the house exterior yourself, but you could lose time and money overall. It depends on your skill level and the paint job size. If you do it yourself, you can save money, but you might not have the same tools as professionals. So, make sure to research and compare prices before you decide.
How long does it take to paint a house exterior by yourself?
Painting the exterior of a house can be a time-consuming project. Depending on the size and complexity of your home, it could take anywhere from several days to multiple weeks for you to finish.
To speed up the process, have all the necessary paint and materials before starting the job. It also helps to familiarize yourself with painting techniques before starting the project.
Is it better to spray or roll exterior paint?
If painting a textured surface, it’s best to use an airless sprayer for even coverage. Rolling is typically better for smooth surfaces since it lets you evenly spread the paint.
Can I paint over the existing exterior paint?
Yes, you can paint over the existing exterior paint if it is clean and in good condition. Inspect the surface and ensure no loose or peeling areas before painting. Use a pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the new coat of paint.
Should I pressure wash my house before painting?
We suggest pressure washing your house before painting. This will remove dirt and debris. It helps the new paint go on smoothly. Pressure washing can also help reveal any areas of water damage that need repair before painting. Allow the surface to dry completely before starting the project.
Does exterior paint need a primer?
Before applying exterior paint, use a primer for better adhesion and increased durability. If damage is present, it should be prepped and primed before painting. Certain newer, better paints can be used without priming if the old paint is clean and in good shape.
Conclusion
You can customize and personalize your home by painting the exterior yourself. Consider the Curb Appeal, which can significantly impact your home’s value. Look at the fresh paint and analyze the various surfaces and siding types outside to determine what needs painting. Before making a budget, determine the total cost to paint your house, including labor and other expenses.
Choose appropriate latex paints for durability and ease of application. Preparing and understanding its needs is important for a successful project with brick siding. Before you start painting, research techniques and gather all materials and tools.
