How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Outside of a House? (2026 Pricing)

Painting the outside of your house is one of the best investments you can make in your home's curb appeal and protection. But how much does it cost to paint the outside of a house? Let's break down everything you need to know.

Quick Answer: Exterior House Painting Costs

For a typical single-family home, exterior painting costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Larger homes or those requiring extensive prep work can cost $10,000 to $15,000 or more.

Average Costs by Home Size

1,000 sq ft (1 story): $1,500 - $3,500

1,500 sq ft (1-2 stories): $2,500 - $5,000

2,000 sq ft (2 stories): $3,500 - $7,000

2,500 sq ft (2 stories): $4,500 - $9,000

3,000 sq ft (2-3 stories): $5,500 - $11,000

3,500+ sq ft (2-3 stories): $7,000 - $15,000+

What Affects Exterior Painting Costs?

1. Home Size and Height

Larger homes require more paint and labor. Multi-story homes cost more due to:

• Ladder and scaffolding requirements
• Safety considerations
• Increased labor time

  2. Siding Type

  Different siding materials have different prep requirements:

  Wood siding: High prep, Base + 10-20%

  Vinyl siding: Low prep, Base - 10%

  Aluminum siding: Medium prep, Base price

  Stucco: High prep, Base + 15-25%

  Brick: Medium prep, Base + 10%

  Fiber Cement: Medium prep, Base price

  3. Current Condition

  The condition of your existing paint matters:

  - Good: Minimal prep needed

• Fair: Power washing + minor repairs
• Poor: Scraping, sanding, extensive repairs (adds 20-40%)

  4. Prep Work Required

  Common prep work and costs:

• Power washing: $200 - $400
• Scraping loose paint: $500 - $1,500
• Caulking: $300 - $600
• Wood repair: $200 - $1,000+
• Primer: $500 - $1,000

  5. Paint Quality

  Higher quality paint provides better protection:

  Economy grade ($25-35/gallon): 4-6 years lifespan

  Mid-Range ($40-55/gallon): 6-8 years lifespan

  Premium ($60-80/gallon): 8-12 years lifespan. We recommend Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Sherwin-Williams Duration for exterior projects. Visit benjaminmoore.com or sherwin-williams.com to explore colors.

  Ultra-Premium ($80-100+/gallon): 12-15+ years lifespan. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior and Sherwin-Williams Emerald provide outstanding protection.

  6. Number of Colors

  - One color: Base price

• Two colors (body + trim): Add 15-20%
• Three+ colors: Add 25-35%

  What's Included in a Professional Quote?

  A quality exterior painting estimate should include:

  Preparation

• Power washing
• Scraping loose paint
• Sanding rough areas
• Caulking gaps and cracks
• Priming bare wood

  Painting

• High-quality exterior primer
• Two coats of paint
• Brush and roll detail work
• Spray application for large areas

  Cleanup

• Removal of drop cloths
• Cleaning of overspray
• Disposal of materials

  Cost by Area

  Siding Only

Average home: $2,000 - $5,000

Trim Only

Average home: $1,000 - $3,000

Soffits and Fascia

Average home: $500 - $1,500

Shutters

Per pair: $75 - $150

Front Door

$100 - $300

Deck/Porch

Per square foot: $2 - $5

DIY vs. Professional Exterior Painting

DIY Approach

• Pros: Lower cost ($500-1,500 in materials)
• Cons: Safety risks, time commitment (1-2 weeks), potential quality issues

  Professional Approach

• Pros: Safety, efficiency, quality results, warranty
• Cons: Higher upfront cost

  Our recommendation: Always hire professionals for multi-story homes or homes requiring significant prep work.

  How Often Should You Repaint?

  Wood siding: Every 5-7 years

  Vinyl siding: Every 5-10 years

  Aluminum siding: Every 5-7 years

  Stucco: Every 5-6 years

  Fiber Cement: Every 10-15 years

  Tips for Saving Money

  1. Schedule During Off-Season

Late fall and early spring often have better pricing.

2. Do Simple Prep Yourself

Move outdoor furniture, trim bushes away from house.

3. Limit Color Choices

Stick to 1-2 colors for the best value.

4. Maintain Regularly

Touch up problem areas annually to extend paint life.

5. Choose Quality Paint

Better paint lasts longer, reducing long-term costs.

Getting Accurate Estimates

When getting quotes, ensure contractors:

• Visit your home in person
• Provide detailed written estimates
• Show proof of insurance
• Offer references
• Explain their process

  Ready to Transform Your Home's Exterior?

  Pro House Painters specializes in exterior painting throughout northeastern Connecticut. We provide:

  - Free, detailed estimates

• Premium paint products
• Thorough surface preparation
• Professional, insured crews
• 100% satisfaction guarantee

  Call (860) 926-3009 to schedule your free exterior painting consultation!