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Painting the exterior of your house can give it a fresh and attractive look, but it can also be a costly and time-consuming project. The cost of painting a house exterior depends on several factors, such as the size and condition of your house, the type and quality of paint you choose, the amount of prep work needed, and the labor costs of professional painters.
In this article, we will break down the average cost of painting a house exterior in 2023 by different factors, and provide some tips on how to save money and choose the best paint for your home.
Average Cost of Painting a House Exterior
The average cost of painting a house exterior in 2023 is between $1,900 and $6,900, according to HomeGuide. This includes both labor and materials costs. However, this is a broad range that can vary significantly depending on the specifics of your project.
The main factor that affects the cost of painting a house exterior is the size of your house. The larger your house, the more surface area you have to cover with paint, and the more labor and materials you will need. The number of stories also matters, as painting higher levels requires more equipment and safety measures.
The table below shows the average total cost of painting a house exterior by square footage and number of stories, based on data from HomeAdvisor and This Old House.
| Home Square Footage | One Story | Two Stories | Three Stories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | $800–$3,200 | N/A | N/A |
| 1,000 | $1,000–$4,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 1,200 | $1,200–$4,800 | N/A | N/A |
| 1,500 | $1,500–$6,000 | $3,500–$8,000 | N/A |
| 1,800 | $1,800–$7,200 | $4,000–$9,000 | N/A |
| 2,000 | $2,000–$8,000 | $4,500–$10,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| 2,500 | $2,500–$10,000 | $5,500–$12,500 | $6,500–$15,000 |
| 3,000 | $3,000–$12,000 | $6,500–$15,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
Another factor that affects the cost of painting a house exterior is the type and condition of your siding. Different siding materials require different types of paint and prep work. For example,
- Wood siding is one of the most common and affordable siding materials to paint. However, it may need scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, or repairing before painting.
- Vinyl siding is easy to clean and does not need much prep work. However, it may fade or crack over time, and it requires special paint that adheres well to plastic.
- Brick siding is durable and low-maintenance. However, it may need power washing, repairing mortar joints, or applying a sealant before painting.
- Stucco siding is textured and porous. However, it may need patching cracks, filling holes, or applying a primer before painting.
The table below shows the average cost per square foot of painting different siding materials,
based on data from Fixr.com.
| Siding Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1.50–$4 |
| Vinyl | $2–$4 |
| Brick | $2.50–$5 |
| Stucco | $3–$6 |
| Metal | $3–$7 |
| Fiber Cement | $4–$7 |
The final factor that affects the cost of painting a house exterior is the quality and color of paint you choose. The quality of paint determines how well it covers your siding, how long it lasts, and how resistant it is to fading, peeling, or cracking.
The color of paint determines how much paint you need, how many coats you need, and how it affects the temperature and energy efficiency of your home.
The table below shows the average cost per gallon of different paint qualities, based on data from Forbes Home.
| Paint Quality | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Low | $15–$40 |
| Medium | $40–$70 |
| High | $70–$100 |
The table below shows the average cost per gallon of different paint colors, based on data from Remodeling Expense.
| Paint Color | Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| White | $20–$50 |
| Beige | $25–$55 |
| Gray | $30–$60 |
| Blue | $35–$65 |
| Green | $40–$70 |
| Yellow | $45–$75 |
| Red | $50–$80 |
How to Save Money on Painting a House Exterior
Painting a house exterior can be a big investment, but there are some ways to save money and still get a great result. Here are some tips to consider:
- Compare quotes from different painters. You can use online platforms like HomeAdvisor or HomeGuide to find and compare local painters in your area. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, or neighbors who have recently painted their homes. Make sure to check the reviews, ratings, and credentials of the painters before hiring them.
- Choose the right time of year. The best time to paint a house exterior is usually in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and dry. Avoid painting in the summer or winter, when the temperatures are too high or low, or when there is rain, snow, or humidity. Painting in unfavorable conditions can affect the quality and durability of the paint job.
- Do some prep work yourself. You can save some labor costs by doing some of the prep work yourself, such as cleaning, scraping, sanding, caulking, or priming your siding. However, be careful not to damage your siding or injure yourself in the process. You can also buy some of the materials yourself, such as paint, brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, or ladders. However, make sure to consult with your painter before buying anything to ensure you get the right type and quantity of materials for your project.
- Choose a simple color scheme. You can save some paint costs by choosing a simple color scheme for your house exterior, such as one or two colors that complement each other and your surroundings. Avoid choosing too many colors or contrasting colors that require more paint and more coats to cover your siding. You can also choose a lighter color that reflects more light and heat and helps keep your home cooler and more energy-efficient.
How to Choose the Best Paint for Your House Exterior
Painting a house exterior is not only a matter of cost but also of quality and aesthetics. You want to choose a paint that suits your siding material, your personal style, and your environmental conditions.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best paint for your house exterior:
- Paint type. There are two main types of paint for house exteriors: latex and oil-based. Latex paint is water-based and more eco-friendly, easier to clean, and faster to dry than oil-based paint. However, oil-based paint is more durable, more resistant to stains, and better for wood siding than latex paint. You should also look for paint that has additives that protect it from mold, mildew, UV rays, and insects.
- Paint finish. There are three main types of paint finishes for house exteriors: flat, satin, and gloss. Flat finish has no shine and hides imperfections well, but it is more prone to dirt and stains than other finishes. Satin finish has a slight shine and is easy to clean and maintain, but it may show brush marks or roller marks if not applied well. Gloss finish has a high shine and is very durable and resistant to weathering, but it may highlight flaws and cracks on your siding.
- Paint color. The color of your paint should match your siding material, your architectural style, and your neighborhood. You should also consider how the color will look in different lighting conditions and seasons. You can use online tools like Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap Visualizer or Behr ColorSmart to preview how different colors will look on your house exterior. You can also get some samples from your local paint store and test them on a small area of your siding before making a final decision.
DIY vs. Professional Painting
One of the biggest decisions you have to make when painting a house exterior is whether to do it yourself or hire a professional painter. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your budget, skills, and preferences.
DIY painting can save you some money on labor costs, but it can also be more time-consuming, challenging, and risky. You will need to buy or rent all the equipment and materials, do all the prep work and cleanup, and follow all the safety precautions. You will also need to have some basic painting skills and knowledge, or learn them from online tutorials or books. DIY painting can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, but it can also result in a poor-quality or uneven paint job if not done properly.
Professional painting can save you some time and hassle, but it can also be more expensive and less flexible. You will need to find a reliable and reputable painter, get a written contract and warranty, and pay for the labor and materials costs. You will also need to schedule the project in advance and coordinate with the painter on the details and expectations. Professional painting can ensure a high-quality and durable paint job, but it can also result in a lack of control or customization if you are not happy with the results.
The table below shows the average cost of DIY vs. professional painting for a 2,000-square-foot house exterior, based on data from HomeGuide.
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY | $400–$1,800 |
| Professional | $1,900–$6,900 |
Conclusion
Painting a house exterior is a major home improvement project that can enhance the appearance and value of your home. However, it can also be a costly and complex project that requires careful planning and execution.
The average cost of painting a house exterior in 2023 is between $1,900 and $6,900, depending on the size, condition, and type of your house, the quality and color of your paint, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional painter.
To save money on painting a house exterior, you can compare quotes from different painters, choose the right time of year, do some prep work yourself, and choose a simple color scheme.
To choose the best paint for your house exterior, you should consider the type, finish, and color of your paint, and how they match your siding material, your personal style, and your environmental conditions.
Painting a house exterior can be a rewarding and worthwhile investment, but it can also be a challenging and risky endeavor.
You should weigh the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional painting, and decide what option suits your budget, skills, and preferences best.
