What Does it Cost to Paint an Exterior Home in 2024
Exterior Painting Costs
The cost to paint a home’s exterior can vary widely based on several factors. These factors include the size of the house, the number of stories, the type of siding, the condition of the surfaces, the quality of paint and materials used, the project’s complexity, labor costs in your area, and any additional preparation or repairs needed. Here are some general guidelines:
- Size of the Home: Professional painting companies use production rates that calculate square footage or linear feet.
- Number of Stories: A multi-story home may require additional equipment and time, affecting the overall cost.
- Type of Siding: Different types of siding materials (e.g., wood, vinyl, stucco) may require different preparation and painting techniques, impacting the cost of both labor and materials. For example, vinyl, aluminum, and hardy boards are smooth and easy surfaces. A gallon of paint can go as far as 350 square feet. Conversely, brick and other porous masonry surfaces take more time to paint and a gallon may only spread 80-150 feet per gallon.
- Condition of Surfaces: If there is significant peeling, cracking, or damage to the existing paint or surfaces, additional preparation work may be needed, increasing the cost.
- Quality of Paint: Higher quality paints are generally more expensive but can offer better durability and longevity.
- Labor Costs: Labor costs vary by region. Areas with a higher cost of living may have higher labor rates.
- Additional Preparations or Repairs: If your home requires extensive repairs or if there are unique features (e.g., intricate trim work), these factors can contribute to higher costs.
Labor Costs Affect The Cost of Painting an Exterior Home in 2024
Recent market trends have shown an increase in hourly wages for painters.
In 2020, painters were earning between $20.00 to $25.00 per hour based on their experience, while today, the average cost is $25.00 to $30.00 per hour.
This increase translates to a significant 20-25% rise in costs for painting contractors- which they are unable to absorb.
The main reason for this price hike is the high labor cost, which makes up about 85% of the total cost of painting a home. Hence, it is understandable that customers may experience some sticker shock.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the shortage of skilled workers in this industry has also contributed to the increase in labor costs.
Thus, it is unlikely that labor costs will decrease shortly, making it essential to choose a reliable painting service that can provide quality work at a fair price.
Prep Work Affects the Cost of Painting the Exterior of A Home in 2024
Preparation is essential before embarking on any painting project, whether indoors or outdoors.
The preparation cost can vary significantly, depending on the condition of the substrate.
If the surface has been painted previously, the preparation work may take up to 50% of the total cost.
Usually, previously painted wood is the most challenging surface to prepare, meaning it requires a thorough wash, sanding, and other techniques to ensure the paint adheres well.
However, suppose the paint is still in good condition without peeling.
In that case, you may only need to clean the surface and apply some caulk to fill the gaps.
The typical cost of cleaning or power washing a home is about $200-$700, depending on the size of the house.
Examples of What it Will Cost to Paint A Stucco Home in 2024
Mid Size Vinyl or Aluminum Siding
How Much Does It Cost To Lime Wash in 2024
Larger Painting Projects
The Price Point Has A Minimal Effect on the Cost of Painting an Exterior Home in 2024
The quality of paint is very important in determining the distance between recoats, but it isn’t much of a factor in the overall cost.
If you are hiring a painting contractor to paint the exterior of your home, 85% of the total cost is labor. That leaves 15% for materials, most of which is paint. You will likely need some miscellaneous materials such as caulk, cleaners, paper, plastic, tape, and rollers, accounting for 2-3% of the total cost leaving about 12-13% for paint.
A premium grade paint such as Benjamin Moore Aura or Emerald Rain Refresh can cost around $100.00 per gallon. Mid-grade paints such as Superpaint will cost about $50.00.
Yes, it is twice the price, but it only increases the overall cost to paint the exterior of the home by 12-13%!
The extra cost is justifiable considering that premium exterior paint can outlast a mid-grade paint by 5 years.
As you can see, the cost to paint an exterior home in 2024 is largely based on labor costs, not materials.
How To Reduce the Cost of Painting an Exterior Home in 2024
I have recommended a few times that applying two coats of premium paint is a best practice that pays excellent dividends.
But you can cheat a little to save money on your exterior painting project. First soffits get very little if any direct sunlight, and the same is true for rain. Take a close look and inspect them for and wear. In most cases, once they are power washed using a cleaner and chlorine they look pretty good. If that is the case just apply one coat of paint, and you may have saved 3 dollars a linear foot.
These simple steps could ultimately save you 1,000 dollars or more in reducing the overall cost of painting an exterior home.
The same may be true for the north side of the house. The north side gets the least amount of sun, and as long as the paint is intact, one coat should suffice.
