03 Jun How much does it cost to paint the exterior of my house?
Painting the exterior of your home is one of the easiest ways to protect your home and keep it looking beautiful at the same time. Figuring out the cost to have it done professionally requires consideration of several factors such as knowing exactly which areas need to be painted, the condition of the surfaces to be painted, level of preparation required, and the materials to be used.
Which surfaces need painting?
Every home is unique in its own way. Some homes have only a few areas that need to be painted while other may need every inch of the exterior painted. For instance, some older homes have wooden windows that have paint on the sashes whereas many newer homes will have vinyl window sashes that do not need paint. Before calling for an estimate, make sure you walk around your home and identify which areas to paint.
Condition of the existing paint
Over a given amount of time, paint will eventually deteriorate. Some signs of deterioration include peeling, cracking, and wood rot. The worse the conditions, the more preparation needed to bring the surface back to where it should be. If paint is peeling and cracking, simply sanding the surfaces will not be enough. Scraping and in some cases, even stripping off the paint will be required. If wood rot is present, then the area will either need to be filled with a wood filler for a short term solution or completely replaced for longer term solution. Another step that is required with most exterior painting projects is power washing to get out any dirt and grime that has built up over time.
Materials
Before starting any painting project, you’ll need to consider what materials are needed to complete the job. You’ll have consider if you’re doing one coat or two coats of paint. We always recommend two coats of paint, especially if you are doing a color change. When you are replacing wood rot, you have the option of using wood or PVC materials. We recommend using PVC materials because it is sturdier, will last longer, and has better curb appeal. There are also several levels of the quality of paint to choose from. When it comes to painting your exterior, you want to purchase a paint that will hold up against various weather conditions such as rain, humidity, and direct sunlight just to name a few.
Hiring a professional
A professional painting estimator takes all of these factors into account when they prepare a proposal. No two jobs are the same and attention to detail is vital when writing an estimate. The total cost of hiring a painting contractor will be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it will be safer, and the improved skill and time saved in personal labor is often worth the cost.
FAQ
What factors influence the cost to paint a house exterior?
The main factors include the size of your house, the type and condition of the exterior surface, the quality of paint used, the number of stories, the complexity of the architecture, and your location. Additional costs may arise if extensive preparation or repairs are needed before painting.
How is the total painting cost typically calculated?
Painting contractors usually estimate costs based on the total square footage of the exterior surface, the number of coats required, and labor charges. Some may also include the cost of materials, scaffolding, and cleanup in their quotes.
What is the average cost per square foot to paint a house exterior?
The average cost per square foot can vary depending on the region, type of paint, and labor rates, but it generally ranges from 1.5 to 4 US dollars per square foot for most homes.
Are there ways to reduce the cost of exterior house painting?
You can reduce costs by doing some of the preparation work yourself, choosing a less expensive paint, painting during off-peak seasons, or getting multiple quotes from different contractors to compare prices.
How often should I repaint my house exterior, and does this affect the overall cost?
Most homes need repainting every 5 to 10 years, depending on the paint quality, climate, and exposure to weather. Regular maintenance and timely repainting can prevent costly repairs and help keep future painting costs down.
Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.
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