Painting the exterior of your house is a great way to boost its curb appeal, protect it from the elements, and increase its value. But how much does it cost to paint the exterior of a 2000 square foot house? The answer depends on several factors, such as the type and condition of the siding, the number of stories, the quality and quantity of the paint, the labor costs, and the location. In this article, we will break down the average cost of exterior painting, the factors that affect it, and some tips to save money and get the best results.
According to various sources, the average cost of painting the exterior of a 2000 square foot house ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. This translates to $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, or $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot of paintable area (assuming the house has a standard 50% of the wall area covered by things like doors, windows, and trim).
However, this is only a rough estimate that does not account for the specific details of your house and your project. To get a more accurate quote, you will need to consider the following factors:
The Factors That Affect the Cost of Exterior Painting
The type and condition of the siding. Different siding materials require different amounts of preparation, primer, paint, and labor. For example, wood siding may need more scraping, sanding, caulking, and filling than vinyl siding, which may only need a light cleaning. Similarly, stucco, brick, and concrete siding may need a special masonry paint that is more expensive and durable than regular paint. The condition of the siding also affects the cost, as damaged, rotted, or peeling siding will need more repair and preparation work than siding in good shape.
The number of stories. The height of your house affects the cost of exterior painting, as higher walls require more scaffolding, ladders, and safety equipment, which increase the labor and rental costs. Generally, painting a two-story house costs about 50% more than painting a one-story house, and painting a three-story house costs about 100% more than painting a one-story house.
The quality and quantity of the paint. The quality of the paint you choose will affect the durability, appearance, and coverage of your exterior painting project. Higher-quality paint will last longer, resist fading, chipping, and cracking, and provide better color retention and coverage than lower-quality paint. However, higher-quality paint also comes with a higher price tag, ranging from $20 to $70 per gallon, compared to $10 to $40 per gallon for lower-quality paint. The quantity of the paint you need will depend on the size, shape, and texture of your house, as well as the number of coats you apply. Typically, you will need about one gallon of paint for every 250 to 400 square feet of paintable area.
The labor costs. The labor costs of exterior painting will vary depending on the contractor you hire, the complexity and difficulty of the job, and the location and season of the project. On average, professional painters charge about $20 to $50 per hour, or $2 to $6 per square foot, for exterior painting. However, some painters may charge more or less depending on their experience, reputation, availability, and overhead costs. The location and season of the project also affect the labor costs, as some areas have higher or lower living costs, and some seasons have higher or lower demand for painting services.
The location. The location of your house affects the cost of exterior painting in two ways: the climate and the local regulations. The climate of your area will determine the type and quality of the paint you need, as well as the best time to paint your house. For example, if you live in a hot, sunny, and humid area, you will need a paint that can withstand high temperatures, UV rays, and moisture, and you will want to avoid painting your house in the summer, when the paint may dry too fast or blister. On the other hand, if you live in a cold, snowy, and dry area, you will need a paint that can resist low temperatures, cracking, and peeling, and you will want to avoid painting your house in the winter, when the paint may freeze or not adhere well. The local regulations of your area will also affect the cost of exterior painting, as some areas may require permits, inspections, or fees for painting your house, especially if you live in a historic district, a homeowners association, or a city with strict environmental codes.
Do some of the work yourself. If you are confident and skilled enough, you can save some money by doing some of the preparation, painting, or cleanup work yourself, and hiring a professional painter only for the parts that require more expertise, equipment, or safety measures. However, be careful not to overestimate your abilities or underestimate the difficulty of the job, as you may end up spending more time, money, and effort than hiring a pro from the start.
Shop around and compare quotes. Before you hire a contractor, it is a good idea to get at least three quotes from different painters, and compare their prices, services, and reviews. This way, you can find the best deal for your budget and needs, and avoid any hidden fees, scams, or low-quality work. Make sure to get the quotes in writing, and ask for references, licenses, insurance, and warranties from the painters.
Choose the right paint and color. Choosing the right paint and color for your house can make a big difference in the cost and outcome of your exterior painting project. You will want to choose a paint that is suitable for your siding material, climate, and style, and a color that complements your architecture, landscape, and neighborhood. You will also want to choose a paint that has a high-quality finish, such as satin or semi-gloss, that can resist dirt, stains, and mildew, and enhance the appearance and value of your house. To help you choose the right paint and color, you can consult with a professional painter, a color consultant, or a paint store, or use online tools, such as color visualizers, paint calculators, and paint samples.
Plan ahead and be flexible. Planning ahead and being flexible can help you save money and get the best results for your exterior painting project. You will want to plan your project well in advance, and schedule it for the off-season, when the demand and prices for painting services are lower, and the weather is more favorable. You will also want to be flexible with your dates, and allow some room for delays, changes, or unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather, repairs, or additional work.
Conclusion
Painting the exterior of a 2000 square foot house is a major home improvement project that can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on various factors. However, by considering these factors, and following some tips to save money and get the best results, you can transform the look and feel of your house, and enjoy the benefits of a fresh and durable exterior paint job.
