ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: Exterior painting ranges from roughly $600 to $7,700 for most homes, averaging about $3,178. Labor typically runs $1-$3.50 per square foot, or $25-$100 per hour per painter.
Cost by Number of Stories
| Stories | Typical Paintable Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| One | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Two | 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $3,000-$6,200 |
| Three | 2,500-3,000 sq ft | $4,500-$10,000+ |
Cost by Siding Material
| Siding | Per Sq Ft | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $1-$3 | $700-$3,000 |
| Vinyl | $1.25-$3 | $600-$3,500 |
| Metal / aluminum | $1.50-$2.50 | $400-$3,500 |
| Concrete / fiber cement | $1-$3.50 | $500-$3,000 |
| Stucco | $1.50-$4 | $1,400-$6,000 |
| Brick | $1.50-$4.50 | $3,500-$10,000 |
Prep Work and Extras
- Pressure washing — usually included, sometimes a separate line item
- Scraping and paint stripping — $0.50-$2 per sq ft where old paint is failing
- Primer — $15-$80 per gallon; needed on bare wood and some color changes
- Wood repair — rotted trim or siding replaced before painting
- Permits — around $200-$300 where required
- Lead-safe practices — required for pre-1978 homes under EPA rules, which can add cost
How to Save
- Book early in the season or during slower months where weather allows.
- Handle simple prep yourself, like trimming shrubs and clearing the perimeter.
- Keep the same color to reduce coats and primer.
- Compare at least three itemized quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth paying for premium exterior paint?
Often yes — premium paints tend to hold color and resist cracking longer, which can stretch the time between repaints.
Does painting a house add value?
Fresh exterior paint improves curb appeal and can help a home sell, particularly if the old paint was visibly peeling or dated.