Exterior House Painting Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $250–$600 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $400–$900 | $1,800–$3,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $600–$1,200 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $800–$1,600 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $1,000–$2,000 | $4,500–$9,000 |
What Affects Exterior Painting Cost?
Siding type. Smooth vinyl siding is the cheapest to paint. Rough wood, stucco, and brick absorb significantly more paint and take longer — adding 30–50% to both material and labour costs.
Number of storeys. Two and three storey homes require ladders, scaffolding, or lift equipment — adding $500–$2,000 to professional labour.
Surface prep. Peeling paint, rot repair, power washing, and caulking gaps all add to the cost. Homes with extensive prep needs can see prep costs equal to or exceed the painting cost.
Number of colours. A second colour for trim, shutters, or accents adds masking time and cost. Each additional colour typically adds $200–$500 to a professional job.
Exterior Paint Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | DIY (1,500 sq ft) | Professional (1,500 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior paint (10 gal) | $300–$800 | Included |
| Primer (3 gal) | $60–$120 | Included |
| Tools & equipment | $50–$200 | Included |
| Labour | Your time (2–4 days) | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Total estimate | $410–$1,120 | $1,800–$3,500 |
Related Paint Calculators
- Exterior Paint Calculator →
- Whole House Paint Calculator →
- Best Exterior Paint for Houses →
- How Much Paint for a 2000 Sq Ft House? →
- Paint Cost Calculator →
- Cost to Paint Whole House Interior →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?
A typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft home costs $1,800–$5,000 professionally and $400–$1,200 DIY for two coats on the siding.
How much do painters charge per sq ft for exterior?
Professional exterior painters charge $1.50–$4 per square foot of siding area including labour and paint.
How long does exterior house painting last?
Quality exterior paint properly applied lasts 7–15 years. Cheap paint or poor prep leads to peeling within 3–5 years.
Can I paint the exterior of my house myself?
Yes — DIY exterior painting is feasible for a one-storey home. Two-storey homes require scaffolding or tall ladders which add safety risks and equipment cost.
What is the best time of year to paint the exterior?
Late spring and early autumn — mild temperatures between 50°F and 85°F with low humidity and no rain forecast for 24–48 hours after application.
How many gallons of paint for house exterior?
A 1,500 sq ft home needs 7–10 gallons. A 2,000 sq ft home needs 10–14 gallons for two coats. Use the exterior paint calculator for your specific home size.