How much does it cost to paint a house? That is a question that many homeowners ask themselves at some point. The answer can vary depending on a number of factors, but this article will help you understand the basics. In this article, we will cover the typical cost to paint a house, how to calculate the cost, and what factors go into that calculation. We’ll also how to save money and the reasons to paint your house.

How much does painting a house cost?

The typical cost to paint a house depends on a number of factors, including the size of the house, the type of paint you use, and whether or not you hire a professional painter.

• Typical price range: $2,000-$4,500
• National average: $3,000

For hiring a professional, the average-sized home (2,000-3,000 square feet) will cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to paint. This includes both the cost of the paint and the labor involved in painting the house.

If your house is smaller or larger than the average-sized home, your cost will be adjusted accordingly. For example, a smaller house (1,000-2,000 square feet) will cost less to paint and could be as low as $800. A larger house (4,000 square feet or more) can range in cost and could cost you as much as $8,000

The type of paint you use, how many applications are required to cover your home’s siding, hours of work, and the amount of preparation work required will all affect the cost of a painting job.

How to Calculate the Cost to Paint a House

Now that you know some of the factors that will affect the cost to paint your house, let’s talk about how to calculate the cost.

Calculating how much it will cost to paint a home may help you determine what to anticipate from a professional estimate and stay on track. To figure out how much paint it will cost to paint a home, divide the paintable surface by a gallon of paint. To find the area of paintable surface:

Find the Finished Area

First, measure the perimeter of the house to find the total length of siding (each surface of your home exterior).

Next, measure the height of the house from the ground to the roofline to find the total height.

Now that you know both measurements, multiply them together to find the paintable surface area:

The total length of siding x Total height = Total surface area

For example, if the total length of the siding is 100 feet and the total height is 30 feet, the total surface area would be:

100 x 30 = 3000 square feet

Find the Paintable Area

Then subtract any areas that will not be painted, such as windows, doors, etc.

In our example, if there are 20 windows that are each 12 square feet, we would subtract 240 square feet from the paintable surface area.

Now that you know the paintable surface area, divide it by 350 (the number of square feet in a gallon of paint) to find out how many gallons of paint you’ll need to buy:

Paintable surface area ÷ 350 = Number of gallons needed

For example, if the paintable surface area is 3000 square feet:

3000 ÷ 350 = about 11 gallons

Estimate the Cost

Now that you know how much paint you’ll need, multiply the number of gallons by the cost of paint per gallon. This will give you an estimate of how much it will cost to buy the paint for your project.

For example, if a gallon of paint costs $30:

11 gallons x $30 = about $330 in paint

Once you’ve determined how much it will cost to buy the paint, you can calculate how much it will cost to hire a professional painter.

Other Factors in Calculating the Cost to Paint a House

In addition to the cost of paint and labor, there are other factors you’ll need to consider when calculating the cost to paint your house.

Labor Cost

The cost of labor will vary depending on the size of your house and the number of painters you hire. If you decide to hire a professional painter, be sure to get at least three estimates from different companies so that you can compare prices.

Siding Material

The type of siding on your house will also affect the cost to paint. For example, if your house has vinyl or wood siding, you may pay up to $2 less per square foot because the material is less porous. If your house has stucco or brick siding, you’ll need to factor in the amount of paint and primer to cover the material as well as labor cost. Certain materials may also require special types of paint, such as metal or outdoor appliances.

Prep Work

If your house needs extensive prep work, such as power washing or stripping old paint, you may need to factor in the cost of labor for this prep work. Other tasks may include removing old caulk, repairing cracks or holes in the siding, or power washing and sanding.

Hiring a professional for these tasks may cost an additional $0.50-$2.50 per square foot depending on the job. The average cost to prep a home can be as much as $20-$50 per hour depending on the extent of repair and work.

House Size, Age, and Condition

The size of your house, as well as its age and condition, will also affect the cost to paint. A newer home with siding in good condition may cost less than an older home with siding in poorer condition because the prep work is typically minimal.

Older homes may require more extensive prep work such as power washing and sanding before painting. The condition of your house’s siding will greatly affect the cost to paint.

Trim

The trim and molding around your doors and windows will also need to be painted. These areas may require special paint or primer, and the cost of labor will be higher because of the detail work required. Be sure to factor in the cost of these materials as well as the labor when estimating the cost to paint your house.

Paint and Primer Quality and Type

The quality of the paint and primer you choose will also affect the cost to paint your house. Higher quality paints will last longer and require fewer coats, resulting in lower labor costs.

Specialty paints, such as those for metal or outdoor surfaces, may cost more per gallon but may require fewer coats, resulting in lower overall labor costs.

The home material can also affect the quality of paint you will need. If your home has siding made of wood, you’ll want to use high-quality water-based latex exterior paint to protect the material from moisture. This can cost between $20-$50 per gallon. Acrylic latex is a type of polystyrene, and it’s easy to work with. It cleans up easily and can be used on vinyl siding. The cost of oil-based paint varies from $20-$70 per gallon. Oil-based paint takes longer to dry and requires specific solutions for cleanup. It has a broader coverage but can fracture and discolor over time.

Types of Paint and Cost:

• Eggshell finish: $30-$50 per gallon
• Flat paint: $20-$40 per gallon
• Semi-gloss: $35-$60 per gallon
• High-gloss: $50-$75 per gallon

If the surface is unpainted or you want to change the color of the surface you will need a primer. The primer can cost as much as $80 per gallon depending on the quality and type.

Spraying vs Rolling

Spraying can help you save time and money on the cost to paint your house. If you’re planning on painting the exterior of your home, spraying can help you cover a larger area in a shorter amount of time.

Rolling is another option for painting your house, and it can help you achieve an even coat. It’s important to factor in the cost of renting or buying a paint sprayer when estimating the cost to paint your house.

Number of Coats

The number of coats you’ll need to paint your house will also affect the cost. One coat may be all that’s necessary if you’re painting over a light color with a similar shade.

If you’re painting a dark color or changing the color of your walls, you’ll need at least two coats of paint. The cost for two coats of paint will be higher than the cost for one coat because you’ll need more paint and primer.

Location

The cost to paint your house will also be affected by the location of your home. Weather conditions can impact the wear on your home’s exterior, and the cost to paint will be higher in areas with severe weather conditions.

If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you’ll need to factor in the cost of painting more often to maintain the appearance of your home.

Do I Need to Paint My House?

You may not need to paint your house if the current paint is in good condition and you’re happy with the color. If the paint is chipped or peeling, or if you want to change the color of your home, painting is a good option.

Painting the Exterior Can Refresh the Look of Your Home

Whether you’re painting the exterior of your home to increase its curb appeal or you’re painting the interior to give it a fresh new look, painting is an easy and cost-effective way to refresh your home.

Painting the Exterior Can Raise Your Home’s Value

Painting the exterior of your home can also raise its value. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, painting the outside can give it a fresh new look that potential buyers will appreciate.

Your Home Exterior is Damaged or Weathered

If the siding is faded or damaged, it’s time for a fresh coat. Damaged paint can also indicate decay or mildew. If you reside in a hot region or experience harsh winters, the elements may harm your home paint and make it appear old and washed out.

DIY vs Professional: Which is the Best Option?

You can save money by painting your house yourself, but you may not have the time or experience to do a good job. If you’re planning on selling your home, it’s worth hiring a professional painter to increase its value.

Hiring a professional painter will also save you time and ensure that the job is done right. If you decide to paint your house yourself, be sure to allow ample time to do the job and do it properly.

To paint a house yourself you can expect the cost to be around $500-$1000 and the cost of supplies to be around $200-$300. What you’ll save in money you’ll likely spend in time, so make sure to set aside a few weeks if you plan to complete the project by yourself.

How to Save Money

• Avoid dark paint colors: they will require more coats.
• Choose a similar paint color: it will save you money on paint and primer.
• Do the job in the spring or fall: weather conditions are more favorable and painting companies may offer discounts.
• Paint some of the siding yourself: if you’re comfortable working with a ladder, you can save money by painting the upper levels of your home.
• Make a contract: if you hire a professional painter, get the cost in writing.
• Get multiple bids: this will help you compare prices and find the best deal.

Summary

The cost to paint a house will depend on the size of the house, the number of coats of paint, the type of paint, and the location. You can save money by painting your house yourself, but you may not have the time or experience to do a good job. If you’re planning on selling your home, it’s worth hiring a professional painter to increase its value.

Hiring a professional painter will also save you time and ensure that the job is done right. If you decide to paint your house yourself, be sure to allow ample time to do the job and do it properly. To paint a house yourself you can expect the cost to be around $500-$1000 and the cost of supplies to be around $200-$300. What you’ll save in money you’ll likely spend in time, so make sure to set aside a few weeks if you plan to complete the project by yourself.

You can save money on painting your house by avoiding dark paint colors, choosing a similar paint color, doing the job in the spring or fall, painting some of the siding yourself, making a contract, and getting multiple bids. With a little planning and research, you can find ways to save money on painting your house and still get a professional-looking result.