Exterior painting typically costs $2,500-$8,000 for a professionally painted, average-size U.S. house, with a national midpoint near $5,000. The price depends mainly on paintable surface area, siding condition, paint quality, house height, and local labor rates; estimating by wall area helps homeowners compare quotes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-house project | $1,500 | $5,000 | $12,000+ | Small, accessible homes through large or complex exteriors |
| Paintable wall area | $1.50 per sq ft | $3.00 per sq ft | $5.00+ per sq ft | Labor, standard paint, and routine preparation |
| Trim and detail work | $1.00 per linear ft | $2.50 per linear ft | $5.00+ per linear ft | Separate pricing may apply to detailed trim |
| Labor | $30 per hour | $55 per hour | $85+ per hour | Rates vary with location and crew experience |
What a typical exterior house painting quote includes
For a 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot home with sound siding, a straightforward one- or two-story job commonly falls around $3,000-$6,500. That assumes standard exterior acrylic paint, ordinary access, washing, scraping loose paint, spot priming, and one or two finish coats. Square footage of the house is not the same as paintable wall area; contractors measure walls, trim, and other surfaces separately.
A useful planning range is $1.50-$5.00 per paintable square foot, with about $3.00 common for uncomplicated work. Larger homes, extensive trim, premium coatings, and repair needs can push a total above $8,000. Assumptions: typical U.S. labor rates, standard-quality paint, normal access, and no major siding repairs.
How siding preparation, paint, and labor shape the quote
Ask for an itemized estimate that states what surfaces are included, how many coats are planned, and which preparation tasks are covered. A low bid may exclude scraping, primer, trim, or cleanup, making it difficult to compare with a complete quote.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing and preparation | $300-$1,200 | $0.20-$0.75 per sq ft | Peeling paint, mildew, and scraping time |
| Paint and primer | $400-$1,500 | $30-$80 per gallon | Coverage, product grade, and number of coats |
| Application labor | $1,500-$5,000 | $30-$85 per hour | Access, crew size, trim, and spray or brush work |
| Equipment and protection | $100-$700 | $50-$250 per day | Scaffolding, lifts, masking, and landscaping protection |
| Repairs and disposal | $100-$1,500+ | $3-$12 per sq ft of repair | Damaged siding, caulking, and old-paint handling |
Labor is often the largest variable, so the estimate should identify preparation and application separately. Paint quantities also matter: many products cover roughly 250-400 square feet per gallon per coat, depending on surface texture and condition.
How house height and siding condition change the price
One-story homes are generally less expensive to paint than otherwise similar two-story homes because crews can work from ladders and move equipment more easily. A second story, steep grade, or difficult access can add roughly 10%-30%; a lift or extensive scaffolding may add several hundred to more than $2,000, depending on rental time and site conditions.
Surface condition can matter more than house size. If more than 20% of the siding has peeling paint, the extra scraping and priming can add $500-$2,000 or more. Painting bare or weathered wood may require a full primer coat, while sound previously painted siding may need only spot primer. Heavy trim, shutters, and porch railings also increase labor even when wall area is modest.
How long a painting crew takes on a typical home
A two- or three-person crew often needs 3-7 working days for a standard home, including washing, preparation, and painting. A small, single-story house with little scraping may take 2-3 days; a large two-story home with repairs and detailed trim can take 1-2 weeks. Rain, high humidity, strong wind, and temperatures outside the paint maker’s recommended range can interrupt work or extend drying time.
Estimate labor from crew hours, not just calendar days. For example, three painters working 32 total crew hours at $55 per hour represent $1,760 in direct labor before overhead, materials, and profit. Confirm whether the quote includes return visits for additional coats or weather delays.
Why exterior painting prices differ by U.S. region
Labor rates and contractor availability vary by metro area. As a broad comparison, a similar job may cost 10%-20% below a national midpoint in lower-cost rural markets, near the midpoint in many suburbs, and 15%-30% above it in high-cost coastal cities. These are planning comparisons rather than fixed regional price lists; local demand, insurance, travel distance, and access can shift a specific quote.
Compare local bids on the same scope, not just the total. A $4,500 estimate that includes extensive scraping and two coats may be a better value than a $3,500 bid that excludes repairs or counts only one coat. Request comparable paint brands or performance grades and clarify whether sales tax is included.
Three sample exterior painting quotes by house size
These examples show how area and condition affect totals; they are not guaranteed market prices. Each assumes standard paint, routine preparation, and accessible surfaces.
| Example | Scope | Labor estimate | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small ranch | 1,200 sq ft of wall area at about $2.50 per sq ft | 40-55 hours | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Two-story home | 2,000 sq ft at about $3.00 per sq ft, moderate trim | 65-90 hours | $5,000-$7,000 |
| Large older house | 2,800 sq ft at about $4.00 per sq ft, extensive prep | 100-140 hours | $9,000-$13,000 |
Higher labor hours and per-square-foot rates usually signal added access, detail, or preparation work. Ask contractors to explain those differences before selecting a bid.
Which preparation and paint choices can lower the bill
Reducing avoidable scope is usually safer than cutting essential surface preparation. Homeowners can move outdoor furniture, trim nearby vegetation, and clear access to walls if the contractor agrees that this work is appropriate. Keeping sound trim out of the repaint scope, choosing a standard color, and avoiding unnecessary decorative upgrades may also reduce labor or material expense.
Compare at least three written quotes with matching surfaces, prep, paint coats, and cleanup. Ask whether spot repairs are sufficient before approving full siding replacement, but do not paint over loose or failing coating. A less expensive paint can cost more over time if it needs earlier recoating; check product coverage and warranty terms rather than choosing on gallon price alone.
When repairs, removal, or lead-safe work add extra charges
Caulking gaps, replacing rotten boards, removing shutters, or repairing stucco may be priced separately from painting. Small repairs can add $100-$500, while widespread wood or stucco damage can add $1,000-$5,000 or more. Pressure washing may be included or billed separately, often around $150-$500 for a typical home.
Homes built before 1978 may require lead-safe procedures when painted surfaces are disturbed. Containment, specialized cleanup, and certified labor can add hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on the amount of affected material. Ask whether the contractor has assessed older coatings and whether disposal or compliance costs appear in the written price.