Exterior House Painting Cost
Last updated February 1, 2026A fresh exterior paint job protects your home from the elements and dramatically boosts curb appeal. Costs depend primarily on home size, number of stories, and surface condition. Here are 2026 averages.
Typical Costs
Small House (under 1,500 sq ft)
Medium House (1,500-2,500 sq ft)
Large House (2,500+ sq ft)
What Affects the Cost?
- House Size
- Exterior painting is priced by square footage of paintable surface. A 2,000 sq ft home has roughly 3,000-4,000 sq ft of exterior wall area.
- Stories / Height
- Two-story and three-story homes require scaffolding or lifts, adding $500-$2,000 to the project for equipment and safety.
- Siding Type
- Smooth siding (vinyl, aluminum) paints faster. Textured surfaces (stucco, brick, wood shingles) require more paint and labor per square foot.
- Paint Quality
- Exterior-grade premium paint ($50-$80/gallon) lasts 10-15 years vs. 5-7 years for builder-grade. The labor cost is the same either way.
- Surface Prep
- Power washing, scraping peeling paint, caulking gaps, and priming bare wood are essential. Extensive prep adds 20-40% to total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homes need exterior repainting every 7-10 years. Homes in harsh climates (heavy sun, coastal salt air) may need repainting every 5-7 years.
Late spring through early fall is ideal. Paint needs temperatures above 50 degrees F and low humidity to cure properly. Avoid painting in direct hot sun.
Yes. A fresh exterior paint job is consistently ranked as one of the highest-ROI home improvements, recouping 55-70% of costs at resale and improving sale speed.
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