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CostHelper > Home and Garden  > Flooring, Painting & Remodeling > Painting a House

Painting a House Cost


How Much Does Painting a House Cost?

 
low costLow: Do It Yourself $400-$600average costMedium: $1,500-$3,000high costHigh: $3,000-$5,000

Fresh paint not only brightens and updates a home's exterior, it also provides a protective seal against weather damage.

Typical costs:

  • Exterior paint averages $25-$40 a gallon, and a 3,000-square-foot home takes 15 or more gallons of paint, or $375-$600 just for the paint. However, really premium paint can cost $50-$100 a gallon, or $750-$1,500 for that large home. Doing it yourself also requires renting a pressure washer or sprayer for $50-$100 a day; extra-long ladders or scaffolding at $20-$75 daily; and a power sprayer for $50-$100 daily, plus masking tape, drop cloths and other supplies. However, it's possible to paint a large, two-story house for materials-only costs of $400-$600.
  • When hiring a painting contractor, paint and supplies make up about 15-25 percent of the cost, while 75-85 percent goes for labor. Costs typically average $1,500-$3,000 for an average single-story, three-bedroom home, but easily run $3,000-$5,500 or more for a multi-story or multi-level larger house.
Related articles: Painting an Interior, Exterior Door, Gutters, Replacement Windows, Pressure Washing

What should be included:
  • Choose the best quality paint you can afford; it lasts longer. Experts estimate that the outside of a house should be painted every 5-7 years, but less-expensive paint may start peeling or fading in 4 years or less while really high-quality paint will hold up a bit longer. Better Homes & Gardens[1] describes and compares the different types of exterior paint while FastFacts.com[2] reviews specific brands.
  • Prep work should include removing all loose paint, either with a pressure washer or by scraping; removing any trace of mildew using bleach and water or a commercial solution, and sealing or covering dark stains; caulking all seams, corners and around windows or trim; applying epoxy filler to repair serious woodwork problems; covering dark stains; sanding all rough surfaces, and priming the bare wood with a bonding primer.
  • For the actual painting, spraying is faster and easier (and cheaper), but hand brushing (which is time-consuming and more therefore expensive) provides a thicker coat which provides better protection by penetrating deeper into the wood and crevasses.
  • Most painters' estimates will automatically include finishing touches such as varnishing, re-finishing or painting the front door to match the new paint color, and re-painting mailboxes, street numbers, drain pipes and other accent items.
  • For do-it-yourselfers, HGTV.com[3] gives exterior house painting tips.
  • If you live in a historical district, a development covered by a homeowner association or other planning restrictions, check to see if there are any rules covering your exterior painting project. If the house was last painted before the 1980s, the existing paint could be lead-based; the National Lead Information Center[4] provides safety details.
Additional costs:
  • Rotted wood or siding should be replaced, and all loose boards or trim fixed; if extensive repairs are needed, that adds to the cost of the project. Prices will vary depending on the type and extent of the damage.
  • Changing from a light to a dark color or vice versa means more coats of paint and can add up to 25 percent or more contractors' estimates.
Discounts:
  • Contractors' prices are sometimes lower in early spring or late fall--the off-season, when fewer people want their houses painted--than in peak summer months. Or ask about a lower price if the job is done as a fill-in, with the work done in-between other projects.
Shopping for painting a house:
  • Major paint manufacturers include Behr[5] and Sherwin-Williams[6] , while EarthEasy.com lists non-toxic paint brands[7] . Behr[8] also provides a calculator to estimate the number of gallons needed.
  • ThisOldHouse.com[9] gives detailed directions for choosing a professional painter. Referrals are available from Painting and Decorating Contractors of America[10] .
  • Lowe's[11] sells exterior paint and provides do-it-yourself tips.
  • Get estimates from several contractors, request and contact references, and check that the company is properly bonded and insured, as well as licensed in your state. Only pay a small deposit, and don't pay the entire amount until the job is finished to your complete satisfaction (both painting and cleanup).
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 3 of 3   -   << Previous   1   2   3   

House Painting
Amount: $2,600.00
Posted by: SE in Elizabethtown, NC.Posted: July 25th, 2017 06:07PM
Sq Ft of Home: 1400Number of Stories: 1
Painter: Handyman Plus
These people are GREAT. They scraped all the peeling paint, put primer on the exposed wood, and then painted the siding, shutters, and all the trim work, and furnished the paint. They even gave me an additional 10% Senior Citizen Discount.
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Exterior Painting
Amount: $7,000.00
Posted by: Loveland Painting Pros in Loveland, CO.Posted: June 29th, 2017 07:06AM
Sq Ft of Home: 5000Number of Stories: 2
These guys did an amazing job on my exterior. The new color brings new life to our house and everybody in the neighborhood has been complementing us on the new look.
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Painting exterior of the house
Amount: $1,850.00
Posted by: RAJ DAYAL in Durham, NC.Posted: March 22nd, 2017 03:03PM
Sq Ft of Home: 1285Number of Stories: 1
Painter: Jim the Painter
I hired a retired Painter to paint the exterior of the house. The labor was $1500 and he recommended that I buy Sherwin williams Paint which was $50 per gallon and I purchased 12 of those from Lowes and got $250 in rebates. The paint Looks Good.
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exterior paint
Amount: $1,662.00
Posted by: sammual in Maquoketa, IA.Posted: May 3rd, 2016 08:05PM
Sq Ft of Home: 980Number of Stories: 1
Painter: Jennifer Fowler Painting
Women run business! Clean and well done. 3 colors. detailed awning work. 3days
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STUCC AND PAINTING THE EXTERIOR OF HOUSE
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: r. angel in torrance, CA.Posted: December 31st, 2015 02:12PM
Sq Ft of Home: Number of Stories: ONE
Put new stucco on one side of the house - did remolding already paid for --- remoding old stucco on the rest of the house --- painting the whole house after stucco job ---
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What should I expect to pay?
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Henry Barros in San Francisco East Bay Area, CA.Posted: August 11th, 2015 09:08PM
Painter: To be determined
1300 square foot house + single car garage. House on hill, 1/2 of house is 2 story, 1/2 1 story. South side of house needs LOTS OF PREP WORK! Paint peeling & flaking off. Want eves & facia white--stucco bottom white--wood siding blue grey--window trim white--and small accents, window sash, and single garage door antique white. (Sherwin Williams paint design colors). 1 base coat, 2 finish coats. Cost in CA.
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suggested estimate
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: mary and rudy in san antonio, TX.Posted: July 4th, 2015 04:07PM
Painter: R.E.
I've been asked to tape, float, caulk and texture. Paint bathroom, dinning , kitchen, bedroom also hallway, baseboards and door trims, exterior face.
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Exterior Brick/Siding Painting
Amount: $4,800.00
Posted by: LAS in Dallas, TX.Posted: June 28th, 2015 11:06AM
Sq Ft of Home: 2890Number of Stories: 1
Painter: DFW Painting
We recently had our exterior brick, siding, and all trim painted for $4,800 including all paint, supplies and labor. It took 2 days with about 6 crew members.
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Exterior Painting
Amount: $5,320.00
Posted by: Mike B. in Chino Hills, CA.Posted: May 19th, 2015 08:05AM
Sq Ft of Home: 2200Number of Stories: 2
Painter: Mike B.
Performance Construction & Remodeling Inc. out of Chino Hills, CA. (714) 655-6427 Licensed painting contractor.
Most jobs we do are 2 story, stucco repaints with wood eaves, and fascia boards. Occasionally, there is accent siding at the front of the house and a wood patio cover. A typical job takes my crew of 3 professional painters 4-5 days to complete.
Our process includes
1. Pressure wash entire house, scrape loose paint, patch holes and stucco, prime bare wood, and mask off doors and windows.
2. Spray stucco and eaves with high quality exterior paint.(typically 1 solid coat is good on stucco). Drop clothes are used to protect walkways and planters.
3. Paint siding, trim, eaves, and doors 2 coats, with high quality paint. Some homes have accent/multiple colors.
4. Put back lights, address signs, hose reels, etc.
Cost breakdown
1. Material $800
2. Pressure washer/airless $200
3. Labor: 3 men, 8 hours, 4 days, $45/hr $4320
4. Total $5320 ($6400 for larger 5 day job)
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Painting interior
Amount: $1,900.00
Posted by: Lucy106 in tampa, FL.Posted: May 19th, 2015 08:05AM
Sq Ft of Home: 2400Number of Stories: 2
I'm having the interior painted one color. I am paying $ 1900 to have all common rooms painted, not including bedrooms. I have a two story house and the living room has 20 foot tall walls.
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near future painting job
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: jason brett in Hattiesburg, MS.Posted: April 20th, 2015 05:04PM
Painter: myself and a friend
A lady asked me to paint the exterior of her 800 square foot rental property im charging her 560.00 is that enough or do i charge more??
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Exterior home/ garage painted
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Rusty Shakelford in Bend, OR.Posted: October 30th, 2014 11:10AM
Sq Ft of Home: 1600 + GarageNumber of Stories: 1
Painter: Rusty Shakelford
Wondering the price/bid that it would take to get this job finished. The home is around 1600 Sf with a garage with two stories and an unknown Sf. I don't want to empty the guys wallet, but also don't want to undercut myself if it turns out to be more work then originally planed.
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house painting
Amount: $2,500.00
Posted by: Ronald ciccone in fair lawn, NJ.Posted: September 18th, 2014 05:09PM
Sq Ft of Home: 1100Number of Stories: 1
Painter: frank kapschull
Did I pay to much for seven rooms painted and
cracks repaired and a large three food crack
from water damage three coats of paint were used
period eleven days.
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Energy Efficient Exterior Paint Job
Amount: $11,800.00
Posted by: transitplanner in San Dimas, CA.Posted: August 21st, 2014 04:08PM
Sq Ft of Home: 1250Number of Stories: 1
Painter: Treeium
I was quoted a total price of $11,900 to paint the exterior of my home. Here's what I get: Energy efficient paint of my stucco wall and wood triming, primer,power wash, sand blast of stucco, stucco repair and replacing some of my faicia boards, and caulking. They promise I won't have to paint at least for 10 of mor years. Is this price too much?
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RIPPED OFF
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: maddd in ontario, AR.Posted: July 27th, 2014 08:07PM
Sq Ft of Home: 3500Number of Stories: 3
Painter: me
Im asking $2500 AFTER I painted a 3 story 6 bedroom home... everything need almost 3 coats.. It was a student house.... Lady is only giving me $1000.. What should I do. The $1000 also included me REDOING her 100+ year old hardwood floors. I never touched the floors. That's a $10,000 to $15,000 job on itself
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housepainting and garage
Amount: $850.00
Posted by: painter quit middle of job in mount pleasant, PA.Posted: June 11th, 2014 04:06AM
Sq Ft of Home: Number of Stories: 1-1/2
Painter: rather not say
I hired a painting company to paint my house and garage. Price was about $5,000.Sherwin Williams paint T-1000. When he was questioned about the paint peeling two days after he painted the garage he quit even with a contract not a very professional person. So,now I have to find someone else to paint my house.After 3 weeks of them trying to paint around the rain. The original time frame was 3-4 days.Yes 3 weeks and all that got done was a small two car garage that could have been done in two days.I know he did not prep correctly and properly I will end up having to redo the garage. I went to Sherwin Williams and got the colors.So beware even with a contract and good references.
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I need an opinion about Painting Exterior Home
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Franklin, MN.Posted: May 12th, 2014 04:05PM
Sq Ft of Home: 5800Number of Stories:
How much should it cost to paint exterior of a house that's 5800 sq ft and just to repaint it?
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Exterior paint lots of patching in ceiling
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: Bradley in Fort Lauderdale, FL.Posted: March 20th, 2014 11:03AM
Sq Ft of Home: 2500Number of Stories: 1
Painter: Tom Hepple
He didn't see the awning so that will be extra
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Exterior Painting
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: a user in Tampa, FL.Posted: December 30th, 2013 10:12PM
Sq Ft of Home: 2700Number of Stories: 2
Painter: Irena & Boris
There were 17 gallons of paint (plus 1 extra for the trim) for repainting the house. Including the prep work (pressure washing, sealing, placing tape around windows, etc) and the actual work, it took two of us three days to complete the project.
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Really
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: dying in Yonkers, NY.Posted: July 28th, 2013 06:07PM
Sq Ft of Home: 3200Number of Stories: 2
Painter: me
Ha,
You have to be kidding me. The lowest estimate I got recently was 15K. An estimate where they will actually prep the surface was 25k.
I had to remove 750 square feet of siding because of rot. That was not even included in the estimate!
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Cost of painting brick house and garage
Amount: $3,214.00
Posted by: dinetrading in Cortez, CO.Posted: July 12th, 2013 01:07PM
Sq Ft of Home: 1580Number of Stories: 1
House was 1,100 SQ Ft and only soffit and trim were painted. Garage was 480 Sq ft and that needed 100% of area painted. Charged me $524.00 for supplies and $2,690.00 for labor. I feel like he charged nearly $1,000 too much. He did not repair any wood but said he washed the exterior and sanded and caulked as needed. Did I pay too much?
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Exterior All wood trim on brick home
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: left-lane in Oxford, AL.Posted: June 4th, 2013 12:06PM
Sq Ft of Home: 1800Number of Stories: 1-1/2
Painter: FW
Replaced some bad wood, some scraping, power washed, primed, painted with quality Ace paint. Is $2k a fair price?
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PAINT
Amount: $2,200.00
Posted by: TEALSPORTS in GROVE CITY, OH.Posted: May 15th, 2013 07:05AM
Sq Ft of Home: 2100Number of Stories: 2
What is the best brand of paint to use on the exterior of a home? I have stucco and cedar trim, my painter wants to use Sherwin Williams? I live in Grove City Ohio. Wondering how much extra to anticipate for paint costs.
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EXTERIOR
Amount: $2,200.00
Posted by: TEALSPORTS in GROVE CITY, OH.Posted: May 15th, 2013 07:05AM
Sq Ft of Home: 2100Number of Stories: 2
I have a two story home and was given the estimate of $2,200 plus paint. I don't know how much plus paint would be... they would paint all trim, stucco and cedar using Sherwin Williams paint. They also will patch and power wash. Is this a good price, how much extra should I plan on the paint costing?
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External Resources:
  1.  www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/pick-the-right-exterior-paint/
  2.  www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/exteriorPaint.htm
  3.  www.hgtv.com/topics/exterior-painting/index.html
  4.  www2.epa.gov/lead
  5.  www.behr.com/Behr/home#
  6.  www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/
  7.  eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm
  8.  www.behr.com/Behr/home#?subnav=extcalc
  9.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,218545,00.html
  10.  www.findapainter.com/
  11.  www.lowes.com/cd_Paint+an+Exterior_728617177_
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