What is the Average Cost for Exterior House Painting?

If you’ve decided your home’s exterior could use a fresh coat of paint, the first action to take is to create a budget for the project so that you know how much you need to save to get the job done. In order to do that, you need to know roughly how much exterior painting costs. What is the average cost for exterior house painting?
While you may have a long list of to-dos around the house, repainting your home’s exterior should be put towards the top of your list. Not only will a new coat of paint look great and enhance curb appeal, but it could also increase property value.
The cost of exterior house painting is an investment in your home. It isn’t something that should be avoided. With
VanDerKolk Painting, it’s never been easier to repaint your home’s exterior in the Grand Rapids area. Our professional techniques and trained painters will make your home look brilliant, clean, and, let’s be honest, the best-looking house in the neighborhood.
Before committing to repainting your home’s siding, educate yourself on the average cost for exterior house painting so you can decide if the investment is worth it.
Average Cost for Exterior House Painting
The average cost for exterior house painting is $1.50 to $4 per square foot. This average price includes paint, prep, and labor. So, for a 1,000-square-foot exterior, a homeowner could spend between $1,000 and $4,000 for exterior house painting.
Of course, it’s important to remember that these costs are only an average and they may not reflect the estimates you receive. There are various factors that could increase or decrease this average cost for exterior painting.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Exterior House Painting?
Every home and painting situation is different. There are many factors that must be considered when providing a cost estimate for exterior house painting. Below are some of the most common factors that will influence your quote.
The Number of Stories
A one-story home is going to be the least expensive to paint. Homes with two or three stories will cost more due to their higher square footage, more labor, and additional equipment.
Number Of Stories | Average Cost (With Labor) |
---|---|
1 | $1,000 - $6,000 |
2 | $3,500 - $8,000 |
3 | $5,000 - $12,000 |
Paint Type
The type of paint used will impact the price of the job. There are ultimately three different types of paint: oil-based, acrylic, and latex. Each type of paint is better suited for painting certain materials over others. Therefore, the type of paint you use will be dictated by the siding materials you’re painting. Using the wrong type of paint on the wrong material will impact the longevity of your paint job.
Type Of Paint | Average Cost Per Gallon |
---|---|
Latex | $20 - $70 |
Acrylic | $20 - $70 |
Oil | $30 - $90 |
Paint Finish
In addition to being divided into three different compositional categories, paints also come in five different finishes. Paints with a higher gloss finish require a higher resin count, which increases the price. The average cost for a gallon of each finish can be found below. 
Paint Finish | Average Cost Per Gallon |
---|---|
Flat | $20 - $40 |
Eggshell | $30 - $60 |
Satin | $30 - $60 |
Semi-Gloss | $40 - $80 |
High-Gloss | $50 - $90 |
Paint Quality
There is the saying that you get what you pay for and that is definitely the case with paint. Choosing a high-quality paint could inflate the cost of painting the exterior of your home, but it is definitely worth the investment. Choosing a quality acrylic paint will last longer, between 5 and 10 years, and look better.
Siding Material
Depending on the type of siding material you have, such as
aluminum, vinyl, brick, or stucco, the labor and tools involved vary, therefore affecting the cost. Stucco and brick are the most expensive materials to paint. Averages can be found for the most popular siding materials below.
Siding Material | Average Cost Per Square-Foot |
---|---|
Vinyl | $1 - $2.50 |
Wood | $1 - $3 |
Concrete | $1 - $3 |
Aluminum/Metal | $1 - $4 |
Brick | $2.5 - $5 |
Stucco | $3 - $5.5 |
Prep Work
Before a painter even thinks about dipping their brush in paint, there is a lot of prep work to be done to your home’s exterior. Sanding, power washing, stripping, and more are required to clean the surface to ensure paint adhesion and great results. The amount of prep work required will affect the final cost.
Trim Painting
If your home has exterior trim that you would like painted, the average cost per linear foot is between $1 and $6, adding to the total cost.
Labor
While labor is factored into the average per-square-foot price, depending on the season, location, and overall situation, you could expect to pay between $25 and $100 per hour for professional exterior painters.
How Often Should You Repaint Your House Exterior?
Spending a few thousand dollars to paint your home’s exterior isn’t an annual cost to account for. Fortunately, the average homeowner repaints their house every five to ten years.
However, depending on where you live and the type of paint you choose for your siding, it could last between three and 20 years.
When is the Best Time to Paint Your House Exterior?
The best time to paint the exterior of your home is in the late spring, summer, or early fall. The climate is an important factor to consider, especially if you live somewhere with high humidity.
Painting the exterior of a home takes about three to four days, so checking the weather is essential.
Is it Worth Repainting Your Home’s Exterior?
As you consider the average cost for exterior house painting, you probably wonder whether it’s worth it. Yes, it is absolutely worth repainting your home’s exterior. Choosing the right exterior color could increase your home’s value, which is particularly appealing if you plan to sell within the next few years.
Light neutral colors such as gray, beige, or white are great options for your home’s exterior siding. Plus, your curb appeal will instantly enhance, making your home one of the most attractive on the block.
Can I Paint the Exterior of My House Myself?
Sure, you could take on the herculean task of painting your home’s exterior by yourself, but it would be difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes dangerous. It isn’t impossible, but it isn’t necessarily recommended. It would cost more for you to invest in the equipment required to do the job right than it would cost to hire a professional painting company.
Hiring a painter allows you to better utilize your time to focus on the things that are more important to you without taking any risks that could result in injuries. Calling a professional painting company like VanDerKolk Painting will save you time and money while also protecting your home and yourself.
Tips to Save on the Cost of Exterior House Painting
If your budget is tight, there are ways to save on the cost of exterior house painting that don’t result in you doing it yourself.
Prep the Area Yourself
Sometimes a majority of the work is prepping the surface. You can save time and money by prepping your home’s exterior yourself. Give it a good sanding and power wash, and repair any siding that may be cracked or loose.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The longer you wait to repaint your home, the more work must be done. If you begin to notice your exterior paint fading, don’t let it go for too long - now is the time to shop around for quotes.
Choose Light Colors
To ensure you get the most out of your exterior house painting investment, choose a light paint color. This will avoid fading in the sun, preserving the paint job for years longer than if you chose a dark or bold color.
Get Your Free Exterior House Painting Quote from VanDerKolk Painting
You don’t have to guess how much it would cost to paint the exterior of your Grand Rapids home. The professional painters at VanDerKolk Painting can provide you with a free estimate. Our painters will come out to your home and walk you through your options and the associated costs.
Our team of licensed painters is here to help you choose your new paint color, decide which paint quality is best for your investment, and strategize a plan to efficiently repaint your home’s exterior.
Contact us for a free estimate for your exterior house painting project today!
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