Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see. A fresh coat of paint can boost curb appeal and protect your house from the weather. Over time, sun, rain, and wind wear down the paint, making your home look old and worn out. Repainting improves appearance and helps prevent costly damage to wood, stucco, and other materials. But to do this, you need a rough idea about how much it cost to paint exterior of a house.
The cost of painting a house’s exterior is not the same for everyone. Several factors determine how much you will pay. On average, homeowners spend between $3,000 and $5,000 to paint their exterior of house, but prices can range from $1,500 to over $10,000 depending on these factors.
Understanding what goes into the cost can assist you plan your budget and make wise choices when hiring a painter or deciding to do the job yourself.
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KEY Takeaways
Average Exterior House Painting Cost
Painting a house isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the best ways to refresh your home’s look and protect it from the weather. The average cost to paint a home’s exterior ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, but this number can go higher or lower depending on different factors.
Most painters charge by square foot, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $4 per square foot. That means a smaller house will cost less to paint, while a bigger home will require more paint, more time, and more labor, increasing the price. A small, one-story home may cost between $1,500 and $3,500. A medium-sized home usually falls in the $3,000 to $6,500 range. If you own a large home expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to over $10,000.
No. of Stories | Average Cost |
1 Storey | $1,500 - $3,500 |
2 Storey | $3,000 to $6,500 |
3 Storey | $5,000 - $10,000+ |
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Cost to Paint Based on Home Size
The cost of painting your home depends on its size, with larger homes requiring more paint and labor. Below are estimates for different house sizes based on $1.50 to $4 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Painting a 2,000 square feet outside home costs between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the number of stories, siding type, and prep work needed. A single-story home is on the lower end, while a two-story home costs more due to additional labor and equipment.
The cost is $4,500 to $12,000 for a 3,000 square feet exterior house painting. This size requires more paint and prep work; if it’s multi-story, painters may need scaffolding, increasing costs.
A 1,500 square feet house exterior typically costs $2,250 to $6,000. The final price depends on the home’s height, surface condition, and paint quality.
A 1,000 sq. ft. home is on the smaller side, making it the most affordable to paint. Costs range from $1,500 to $4,000, with variations based on siding material and prep work.
Go here to learn the cost of new 1500 square feet painting home.
House Size | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
1,000 square feet | $1,500 - $4,000 |
1,500 square feet | $2,250 to $6,000 |
2,000 square feet | $3,000 - $8,000 |
3,000 square feet | $4,500 - $12,000 |
Factors Affecting Painting Cost of a Exterior House
Many factors change the price, from the size of your home to the type of siding you have. These criteria can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
Home Size & Stories
The bigger your home, the more paint you need. A one-story house costs less to paint than a two-story home because painters can reach everything easily. Taller homes require ladders, scaffolding, and more time, which increases labor costs. Expect to pay more if your house has extra features like a detached garage or large porch.
Siding Material
The type of siding on your house changes how much paint and prep work are needed. Wood and stucco absorb more paint, requiring extra coats. Brick does not always need full coverage but may require special paint to protect against moisture. Vinyl and aluminum siding are easier to paint, needing less material and labor, which lowers the cost. If your siding is damaged or dirty, it may need repairs or cleaning before painting, adding to the expense.
Labor Costs
Hiring professional painters is the biggest part of the cost. Painters charge $1 to $3.50 per square foot or $25 to $100 per hour. Labor costs depend on the job’s complexity, the painter’s experience, and where you live. In some areas, painters charge more because of higher demand or cost of living.
Paint Type & Quality
Not all paint is the same. Cheaper paint costs less upfront but may fade or peel faster, meaning you must repaint sooner. Budget paint costs around $20 to $40 per gallon, while mid-range paint costs $40 to $70 per gallon. Premium paint, which lasts the longest and resists fading, costs $70 to $100+ per gallon. A high-quality paint job may cost more now but will save you money in the long run.
Prep Work & Repairs
Your home may require preparation before painting. Peeling paint must be scraped off, cracks in stucco or wood need repairs, and surfaces often require power washing to remove dirt and mold. Prep work can add $500 to $2,000 to the total cost, depending on how much work is needed. Skipping prep work may lead to a poor finish and a shorter lifespan for your paint job.
Geographic Location
Where you live affects painting costs. Prices are higher in big cities or places with a high cost of living. The climate also plays a role. In areas with extreme heat, humidity, or heavy rainfall, painters may use special weather-resistant paints, which can be more expensive. Painting during the right season is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a lasting finish if you live in a region with harsh winters.
DIY vs. Professional Exterior House Painting
Painting your house yourself might seem like a good way to save money, but it is not always the best choice. While DIY painting can cost between $500 and $2,400 for supplies, hiring a professional painter usually costs $3,000 to $5,000 or more. The decision comes down to time, effort, and desired results.
If you choose to paint your house yourself, you must buy paint, brushes, rollers, painter’s tape, ladders, and a paint sprayer. While this can save money, painting a house is a tremendous job. You will have to scrape off old paint, clean surfaces, and apply multiple coats. If your house is tall, climbing ladders or renting scaffolding can be dangerous.
DIY painting gives you control over the project and saves on labor costs. However, professionals bring experience, better tools, and high-quality materials that make the job last longer. A poorly done DIY paint job may start peeling or fading within a few years, forcing you to repaint sooner. Professional painters know how to prepare surfaces, apply paint evenly, and handle tricky areas like trim, windows, and corners.
Painting a house isn’t a weekend project. A professional crew can finish in a few days, while a DIY project might take several weeks, depending on your schedule and weather conditions.
You can save money by painting your house, but it’s a big job. However, professional painters bring experience, high-quality materials, and the right equipment to do the job faster and with better results. While hiring a pro costs more, it ensures a long-lasting, polished finish, and you would not have to deal with the stress of climbing ladders, scraping old paint, or making mistakes. If you are on a tight budget and have time, doing this yourself might be worth it. But if you want a durable and professional look, hiring a painter is the best choice.
How to Save Money on Exterior House Painting
Painting your home is expensive, but thoughtful planning can cut costs.
- Right Time for Discounts
Painters are busiest in spring and summer. Schedule your project in late fall or early winter when demand drops and companies may offer discounts.
- Get Multiple Quotes
Compare at least three quotes from different painters. A lower price isn’t always better—check what’s included and the painter’s experience.
- Choose Cost-Effective Paint
Skip the cheapest paint, but don’t overpay for premium brands. Mid-range options like Behr, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore provide durability at a fair price. Buy during sales or in bulk for extra savings.
- Do Minor Prep Work
Painters charge extra for cleaning, scraping, and taping. Handling these tasks yourself reduces labor costs and speeds up the job.
- Light Colors Selection
Some colors fades in the sun so pick light colors to control the fading keep the paint job prolong than a dark or bold color.
Conclusion
Painting your exterior home is a great way to improve its look and protect it from the elements. Costs vary based on home size, siding material, labor rates, and paint quality, ranging from $1,500 to over $10,000. While DIY painting can save money, hiring a professional painter ensures better results and long-term durability.
To keep costs down, plan your project wisely. Get multiple quotes, choose mid-range quality paint, and handle minor prep work yourself. Scheduling your painting during the off-season can also lead to discounts.
If you are ready to refresh your home’s exterior, compare prices from trusted local painters today. Get free quotes and find the best deal for your budget!
