The Lowdown on the Cost of Exterior House Painting: What You Need to Know

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Are you thinking of giving your home’s exterior a fresh new look? Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to break down the cost of exterior house painting, so you can plan your project like a pro.

What Affects the Cost of Exterior House Painting?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of pricing, let’s talk about the factors that affect the cost of exterior house painting. These include:

Size of your house: The bigger your house, the more paint you’ll need, and the higher the cost.
Type of paint: Different types of paint have varying price points. For example, latex paint is generally cheaper than oil-based paint.
Number of stories: Painting a two-story house is more complicated and expensive than painting a one-story house.
Complexity of the job: If your house has a lot of nooks and crannies, it’ll take longer to paint, which means higher labor costs.

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: PaintPrices

Now that we’ve covered the factors that affect pricing, let’s talk about the actual cost of exterior house painting. Here are some general estimates:

Latex paint: $20-$40 per gallon

Oil-based paint: $30-$60 per gallon
High-end paint: $50-$100 per gallon

Keep in mind that these prices are just for the paint itself, and don’t include labor costs.

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: Labor Costs

Labor costs can vary widely depending on the location, experience of the painter, and complexity of the job. Here are some general estimates:

National average: $2-$4 per square foot
High-end painters: $4-$6 per square foot
Low-end painters: $1-$3 per square foot

Labor Costs: What’s Included?

When you hire a professional painter, labor costs typically include:

Preparation: Cleaning, sanding, and priming the surface
Painting: Applying the paint and any additional coats
Cleanup: Cleaning up the work area and disposing of materials

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: DIY vs. Professional

If you’re handy with a brush, you might be considering painting your house yourself. While this can save you money on labor costs, keep in mind that painting a house is a big job that requires specialized equipment and expertise.

Here are some estimates for DIY paint costs:

Latex paint: $500-$1,000
Oil-based paint: $1,000-$2,000
High-end paint: $2,000-$3,500

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: Additional Expenses

In addition to paint and labor costs, there are some other expenses to consider:

Equipment rental: $100-$300
Ladders and scaffolding: $200-$500
Drop cloths and tarps: $50-$100
Primer (if necessary): $100-$300

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: ROI and Durability

Painting your house is a big investment, but it’s also a smart one. A fresh coat of paint can:

Increase curb appeal: Boost your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers
Protect your siding: Prevent damage from the elements and extend the life of your siding
Save you money: Reduce maintenance costs and prevent costly repairs

The lifespan of exterior paint varies depending on the type and quality of the paint, as well as the climate and conditions. Here are some general estimates:

Latex paint: 5-7 years
Oil-based paint: 8-10 years
High-end paint: 10-15 years

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: Tips for Saving Money

While painting a house can be expensive, there are some ways to save money:

Shop around for quotes: Compare prices from different painters to find the best deal
Consider off-season painting: Many painters offer discounts during the off-season (usually winter or spring)
Opt for a simpler paint job: Avoid complex designs or bold colors to save on labor costs
Use a mid-range paint: Avoid high-end paint prices by choosing a mid-range option

The Cost of Exterior House Painting: Conclusion

The cost of exterior house painting can vary widely depending on the size of your house, type of paint, number of stories, and complexity of the job. While it’s a big investment, it’s also a smart one that can boost your home’s value, protect your siding, and save you money in the long run.

Key Takeaways:

The cost of exterior house painting can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of your house and complexity of the job.
Paint prices vary depending on the type and quality of the paint.
Labor costs can range from $2-$6 per square foot, depending on the location, experience of the painter, and complexity of the job.
DIY paint costs can save you money on labor costs, but require specialized equipment and expertise.
Additional expenses include equipment rental, ladders and scaffolding, drop cloths and tarps, and primer (if necessary).
The lifespan of exterior paint varies depending on the type and quality of the paint, as well as the climate and conditions.