3 Factors That Determine the Cost of Exterior House Painting

October 5, 2024

a person painting their home’s exterior

Is it finally time to repaint your home’s exterior? This project, although it might seem daunting at first, is one of the best ways to boost your home’s curbside appeal while also showing off your own personal style and preferences. However, it’s important to be fully aware of the main factors that influence the cost of exterior home painting; it’s a big endeavor, after all! Here’s a closer look at three of the main ones so you have a better idea of what you’ll end up having to spend.

1. Total Exterior Square Footage

Painting the outside of your home isn’t very different from painting the inside, in the sense that one of the most important factors to consider is total square footage – this figure determines how much paint will need to be purchased. The average home may need anywhere from 15 to 30 gallons of paint, and needless to say, the cost per gallon will depend on the brand and type of paint you’ve chosen. Most high-quality exterior paints can cost between $50 to $100 or more per gallon, so things can add up quickly if you’ve got a big project ahead of you. That said, note that it’s worth investing in quality paint; cheaper paints won’t last as long, meaning you’ll have to repaint sooner and spend more money!

2. The Amount of Prep Work Needed

When it comes to house painting, one doesn’t simply pick up a paintbrush or roller and have at it – there’s a lot of prep work that needs to be completed beforehand. Walls need to be cleaned and repaired, especially if there are chips or cracks in the foundation or areas that need to be re-caulked. Flowerbeds and other landscaping features will need to be protected, and you’ll want to move any cars, lawn ornaments, lighting fixtures, etc. away from the painting areas. All of this prep work won’t just take time – it’ll require money, especially if there are extensive repairs that need to be made. Don’t neglect these costs when you’re calculating your budget – they are highly necessary.

3. Associated Labor Costs

Professional painting services vary in cost, but an average ballpark figure that you can expect to pay is between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot, meaning that this factor is tied closely to the size of your home/how much you want to paint. While it might be tempting to do things yourself or hire a cheap service to lower your overall expenses, know that the quality of your results is going to depend on who’s carrying out the painting. Remember, if the job is done sloppily or rushed, you’ll just end up spending money in the future to re-address it!

The bottom line is that if you truly care about beautiful results, you shouldn’t hesitate to calculate your expenses and make room in your budget for a team of professionals. They’ll ensure that the job is done correctly and that you don’t have to spend a dime more than what’s needed.

About Platinum Painting

Here at Platinum Painting of Dallas, we’ve helped countless DFW homeowners over the last 15 years with all kinds of painting projects, including both interior and exterior house painting. If it’s time to transform your home and breathe new life into your space, you can trust us for fully transparent, professional, and superb service. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please visit us online or call us for further information. Telephone: (214) 347-7269.