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Cost Guides / Paint a house exterior

Exterior House Painting Cost

Current US planning data places this project at $1,819–$4,551, with an average about $3,177. The broad working rate is $1.50–$4 per sq ft of paintable exterior. Use these figures as market context—not a local quote.

ProjectMeter Editorial TeamUpdated · How we review

Paint Calculator project reference
Project scope reference
Single-story$1,500–$3,500

Sound siding, simple elevations and routine washing and spot preparation.

Two-story$3,000–$6,200

More staging, ladder movement, trim and weather exposure.

Complex$6,200–$10,000+

Three stories, peeling coatings, intricate trim or difficult access.

What a complete price should include

A useful estimate separates the base installation from preparation, removal and finishing. Check that every bid states the same scope before comparing totals.

  • Washing, scraping, sanding and caulking defined by condition
  • Primer and exterior finish coats identified by product line
  • Siding, soffits, fascia, trim, doors and shutters itemized
  • Access equipment, protection, cleanup and disposal

Cost drivers that change the quote

Height and access

Upper stories, dormers, steep grades and limited staging space slow production and add ladders, lifts or scaffolding. Ask how access and daily equipment setup are priced.

Existing coating condition

Chalking, peeling, bare wood, failed caulk and mildew require different preparation. A low quote that assumes sound paint is not comparable with a restoration scope.

Siding and detail

Wood clapboard, stucco, brick and vinyl need different cleaning, primers and application methods. Shutters, divided windows and decorative trim add hours without much wall area.

DIY versus professional installation

Ground-level spot work may be manageable with the correct coating and stable access, but whole-house exterior painting combines fall exposure, weather timing and extensive preparation. Homes built before 1978 can also trigger lead-safe renovation requirements when painted surfaces are disturbed.

Questions to put in the written quote

  • Measured paintable surfaces and every included component
  • Preparation standard and repair limits by elevation
  • Primer, coating line, sheen and finish-coat count
  • Access plan, weather delays, lead-safe controls and cleanup

Frequently asked questions

Is exterior painting priced from floor area?

No. Paintable exterior surface, stories, trim and preparation matter more than interior floor area. Measure each wall and deduct only large openings.

Does pressure washing replace scraping?

No. Washing removes dirt and some loose material, while failed coatings still need suitable scraping, sanding, edge treatment and primer.

Why can one side of a house cost more?

Sun, wind and moisture exposure can damage one elevation more severely, increasing preparation and sometimes requiring a different coating approach.

Sources and update basis

Prices vary by location, access and specification. Market-price references establish the planning range; official and industry technical references support the safety, measurement and scope guidance. Neither replaces a local written quote, product instructions or applicable code.