You pull into your driveway, and you don’t love what you see. Your lawn is immaculate, but the exterior of your house causes you aggravation. It just doesn’t have the curb appeal that you envisioned.
Is the paint a mere memory of the vibrant color it once was? Is it chipped? Are you tired of the same dull color?
If the answer is yes, then it’s time for an overhaul. What better way to fall in love with your home again than through a fresh, new look?
How much does it cost to paint the exterior of your house?
We’ll answer this question and more as you discover how to calculate the cost of an exterior makeover.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost To Paint a House Exterior?
- 9 Factors That Influence How Much It Costs To Paint a House Exterior
- FAQs About How Much It Costs To Paint the Exterior of a House
- How Do You Calculate the Cost of Painting the Exterior of a House?
- Two Brothers Painting: Exterior Painters You Can Trust
How Much Does It Cost To Paint a House Exterior?
The cost to paint the exterior of your home will vary depending on:
- The type of siding
- The number of stories
- Any repairs needed
It can range anywhere from $1,500 to $8,400 or more, with the average being about $4,600.
This translates to $1-4 per square foot.
Is painting the exterior of your home a task you don’t want to DIY? Two Brothers Painting can help! We have a combined 150+ years of painting experience and offer high-quality, professional services.
9 Factors That Influence How Much It Costs To Paint a House Exterior
The cost of painting the exterior of your home varies as a result of many factors.
#1: House Size
One of the biggest factors that determines the cost of painting the exterior of your home is its size. Logically, a smaller, one-story home will cost less to paint than a larger, two-story home.
A 1,000-square-foot home could cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to paint, whereas a 2,500-square-foot home could cost between $2,100 and $8,400.
#2: Type of Paint
Equally important is the type of paint you wish to use. Do you prefer oil-based or latex?
Oil-based paints withstand weathering longer and provide more water resistance, but can be harder to clean and take longer to dry. They produce a smooth finish that can give your home the look you are after.
Latex and acrylic paints are water-based. They are advantageous in the fact that they are easier to apply, easier to clean, and less likely to crack.
The cost per gallon for oil-based paint ranges from $30-60. Latex and acrylic exterior paint ranges from $23-63 per gallon. Additional features such as rust inhibitors and weathershield protection will put the cost of paint at the higher end.
#3: Paint Quality
Skimping on the paint you use is not a great idea. When you choose a high-quality paint, you are choosing to make your home look its best for many years to come.
Typically, the higher the cost of the paint, the higher the quality.
High-quality paints tend to have less liquid and more pigment and binders, which means the paint will adhere to the siding better and have better durability. Higher-quality paints also provide better coverage and a more vibrant color.
The key is looking for paint that has a higher percentage of solids.
Lower-quality paints (usually lower priced) contain fewer pigments. This results in poor coverage, meaning you will have to buy even more paint, and the paint does not last as long.
In the long run, cheaper paint will cost you more money.
#4: Paint Finish
Choosing paint isn’t as simple as just picking your favorite color. Along with picking the paint base, it is also necessary to consider the finish.
The glossier the paint, the better it withstands the elements and the easier it is to maintain. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are also more expensive due to the materials added to the paint to achieve each level of sheen.
#5: Siding Material
The type of siding your home has will also factor into the cost. Some materials require extra prep and maintenance before and after painting. Wood will require sealants to help maintain the paint and prevent peeling, while concrete and brick will require a primer to help with paint absorption.
#6: Trim and Accents
Does your home have beautiful French doors leading out to your patio? Does it have numerous windows with shutters and trim?
These accents that add character and charm to your home also affect the cost of painting the exterior since you may need multiple colors of paint to make these accents stand out and achieve the look you’re after.
#7: Required Prep
The task of painting your home can be daunting. It isn’t as easy as just slapping on some paint and calling it a day.
If your home has even some minor damages, you will want to address those before painting, which can add to your overall cost.
Nothing would be more disappointing than painting your home and seeing all the flaws amplified because they were not corrected first.
Possible costs to consider:
- Caulking the perimeter ($200-500): Water can be your home’s number one enemy. By properly sealing everything first, you can prevent damage and mold and help preserve the structural integrity of your home. Caulk also prevents pests and drafts, and makes your home look and feel great!
- Recaulking windows ($50-70 per window): Tired of feeling the air rush in your window every time there is a wind advisory? It may be time to recaulk your windows. New caulk will seal any cracks and will make your home easier to paint and more aesthetically pleasing.
- Power washing ($240–400): Is your siding green with grime? Painting over the grime will not give you the quality look you desire. Power washing the home before painting may be necessary for the paint to adhere and for the finished product to look as good as possible.
- Mold remediation: ($1,100–3,400): Painting over mold will not destroy it, it simply covers it. Over time, mold will grow right through the paint, ruining your dream of a visually appealing home.
- Termite damage repair costs: ($250–3,000+): Termites are tiny but mighty, causing both seen and unseen damage to your home. Termites affect the structural integrity of your home if left to fester, and the damage can make your perfect new paint job look less than perfect. If the damage is corrected ahead of time, the paint will adhere properly and prevent future infestations, saving you money.
#8: Permits
Although most places do not require a permit to paint your home’s exterior, it is important to check the local regulations in your community. If you are an HOA member, refer to your bylaws to determine if you will need prior approval.
#9: Location
The location of your home affects the cost. If you live in a small, rural community in Missouri, your costs are likely to be less than if you live in the middle of downtown Los Angeles.
If you are someone looking to paint the exterior of your home in the Portland Metro Area, Two Brothers can provide the quality and service you are looking for.
FAQs About How Much It Costs To Paint the Exterior of a House
How Do You Calculate the Cost of Painting the Exterior of a House?
Calculating the cost of painting the exterior of your home requires many factors, including the square footage of your home, the type and quality of paint, and any prep work that needs to be done.
Calculating Square Footage:
To calculate the square footage of your home, measure the height of the wall, multiply it by the length of the wall, and then add the measurements of each wall to get the total square footage.
Gallons of Paint:
Each gallon of paint typically covers 350-400 square feet. Depending on the color of your paint, you may need more than one coat to get a quality finish.
Labor Time:
How long will the project take from start to finish? First, the surface will have to be prepped. Perhaps you will need to power wash the siding or prime the concrete. Maybe you will need to make repairs to the wood.
Determine how long it may take to paint each wall and to finish up the trim work. Can you recruit your brother to help you in exchange for some pizza, or will you be tackling the work solo? Will you hire a professional to save you the inconvenience?
How Much Does It Cost To Paint the Exterior of a Historic Home?
If you live in a registered historic home, there are specific requirements that you must meet when determining the color, the composition of the paint, and the trim work.
When painting the outside of your historic home, you must choose colors that closely match the original colors of the home when it was built. You must also choose paint that meshes with the materials the home is made of to fit with preservation efforts and prevent damage. The trim work must also be close to its original appearance.
You don’t want to change the integrity of your home by trying to modernize the exterior.
Want to take some of the guesswork out of it? The professionals at Two Brothers Painting specialize in painting historic homes. With over 20 years of experience, we can take care of your exterior painting needs while ensuring that your home meets the necessary requirements.
How Much Does It Cost To Paint the Exterior of a 2,500-Square-Foot Home?
The estimated cost to paint the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot home is dependent on many variables, such as the current condition of the exterior of the home, the amount of prep work needed, the paint selected, the material the siding is made of, and how many stories the home has.
Considering all of these factors, the range is typically from $2,100 on the lower end with minimal prep work and cheaper materials to $8,400 on the higher end, with the average being $5,250.
To get a better idea of how much it will cost to paint your home’s exterior, contact Two Brothers Painting for an on-site estimate.
Two Brothers Painting: Exterior Painters You Can Trust
Painting the exterior of your home can be a huge headache. Trying to find the right paint and supplies, completing the prep work, and actually getting the job done can take time that you don’t have.
Let the professionals take care of it for you!
Whether your home is historic, a newer build, or somewhere in between, you can rely on Two Brothers Painting to provide quality, professional work that gives you the look you desire for your home without the hassle of doing it yourself.
