The Lowdown on the Cost to Paint a House Exterior: What You Need to Know
Are you thinking of giving your house a fresh new look? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got the scoop on the cost to paint a house exterior. It’s a big job, but with the right info, you can plan and budget like a pro. In this article, we’ll break down the cost to paint a house exterior, so you can make an informed decision.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Paint a House Exterior
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost to paint a house exterior, let’s talk about the factors that affect it. These include:
- Size of your house: The bigger your house, the more paint you’ll need, and the higher the cost to paint a house exterior.
- Type of paint: Different types of paint have different price points, and some may require special prep work, which can add to the cost to paint a house exterior.
- Number of stories: Two-story houses are more expensive to paint than one-story houses, since you’ll need to rent or buy equipment to reach those high areas.
- Surface complexity: If your house has a lot of angles, curves, or trim work, it’ll be more challenging to paint, and the cost to paint a house exterior will be higher.
- Location: If you live in an area with high labor costs or strict regulations, the cost to paint a house exterior will be higher.
Size of Your House
The size of your house is a major factor in determining the cost to paint a house exterior. A larger house means more surface area to paint, which means more paint, more labor, and a higher cost to paint a house exterior.
| Square Footage | Cost to Paint a House Exterior |
|---|---|
| 1,000-1,500 | $1,500-$3,000 |
| 1,500-2,500 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| 2,500-3,500 | $5,000-$7,000 |
| 3,500-4,500 | $7,000-$9,000 |
Type of Paint
The type of paint you choose can also affect the cost to paint a house exterior. Here are some common types of paint and their price points:
- Latex paint: $20-$40 per gallon
- Oil-based paint: $30-$50 per gallon
- High-end paint: $50-$70 per gallon
- Specialty paint (e.g., low-VOC, textured): $70-$100 per gallon
Number of Stories
The number of stories your house has can also impact the cost to paint a house exterior. Two-story houses require more equipment and labor to paint, which increases the cost.
| Number of Stories | Cost to Paint a House Exterior |
|---|---|
| One-story | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Two-story | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Three-story | $5,000-$7,000 |
Surface Complexity
If your house has a lot of angles, curves, or trim work, it’ll be more challenging to paint, and the cost to paint a house exterior will be higher. Here are some examples of complex surfaces and their price points:
- Trim work: $500-$1,000
- Angles and curves: $750-$1,500
Location
The location of your house can also affect the cost to paint a house exterior. Labor costs, regulations, and permit fees can vary significantly depending on where you live.
| Location | Cost to Paint a House Exterior |
|---|---|
| Urban area | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Suburban area | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Rural area | $1,500-$3,000 |
The Cost to Paint a House Exterior: A Breakdown
Now that we’ve talked about the factors that affect the cost to paint a house exterior, let’s break down the actual costs. Here’s a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay:
- Paint: $500-$1,500
- Labor: $2,000-$4,000
- Equipment: $500-$1,000
- Permits and inspections: $500-$1,000
- Miscellaneous (e.g., materials, supplies): $1,000-$2,000
Total cost to paint a house exterior: $4,000-$9,500
How to Save Money on the Cost to Paint a House Exterior
While the cost to paint a house exterior can be significant, there are ways to save money. Here are some tips:
DIY Painting
One way to save money on the cost to paint a house exterior is to do it yourself. This can save you thousands of dollars in labor costs, but keep in mind that it may require specialized equipment and expertise.
- DIY painting: Save $2,000-$4,000
Hire a Local Contractor
Hiring a local contractor can also save you money on the cost to paint a house exterior. Local contractors may charge lower labor costs than large painting companies.
- Hire a local contractor: Save $1,000-$2,000
Shop Around for Paint
Another way to save money on the cost to paint a house exterior is to shop around for paint. Compare prices at different stores, and consider using leftover paint from previous projects.
- Shop around for paint: Save $500-$1,000
Negotiate with the Contractor
If you’re hiring a contractor to paint your house, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Ask them to provide a detailed estimate and compare prices with other contractors.
- Negotiate with the contractor: Save $1,000-$2,000
Conclusion
The cost to paint a house exterior can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. However, by understanding these factors and taking steps to save money, you can get a beautiful, professional-looking finish without breaking the bank.
The cost to paint a house exterior may seem daunting, but with the right info, you can make an informed decision and get the results you want. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to hire a contractor, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and tips to help you plan and budget for your exterior painting project.