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 a house exterior in Seattle, one of the most expensive cities in the US?
The average cost to paint a house exterior in Seattle is $4,500, according to HomeAdvisor. However, this can vary depending on the size, condition, and style of your house, as well as the quality of the paint and the contractor you choose.
In this article, we will break down the factors that affect the cost of painting a house exterior in Seattle, and give you some tips on how to save money and find the best painter for your project.
The size of your house is one of the main factors that determine the cost of painting its exterior. The larger the house, the more paint, labor, and time it will require. The cost of painting a house exterior is usually calculated by the square footage of the surface area to be painted. For example, if your house has 2,000 square feet of exterior walls, and the painter charges $2 per square foot, the total cost will be $4,000.
However, the square footage of the exterior walls is not the only thing that matters. You also have to consider the height, shape, and complexity of your house. For instance, if your house has multiple stories, steep roofs, dormers, gables, or other architectural features, it will be more difficult and risky to paint, and the painter may charge more for the extra work and equipment.
Condition of Your House
The condition of your house is another factor that affects the cost of painting its exterior. If your house is old, damaged, or dirty, it will need more preparation work before painting, such as power washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, and repairing. This will add to the labor and material costs, and extend the duration of the project.
On the other hand, if your house is in good shape, and you are simply changing the color or refreshing the existing paint, it will need less preparation work, and the cost will be lower. However, you should still make sure that the surface is clean and dry before painting, to ensure a smooth and lasting finish.
Style of Your House
The style of your house also influences the cost of painting its exterior. Different styles of houses have different types of siding, trim, doors, windows, and other details that affect the amount and type of paint needed, as well as the difficulty and technique of painting.
For example, a modern house with smooth and flat siding will be easier and cheaper to paint than a Victorian house with intricate and ornate siding. Similarly, a house with wood siding will require a different kind of paint and primer than a house with brick, stucco, or vinyl siding. Moreover, a house with more colors and contrasts will require more paint and skill than a house with a single or similar color scheme.
Quality of the Paint
The quality of the paint you choose for your house exterior is another factor that impacts the cost of the project. High-quality paint will last longer, look better, and protect your house better than low-quality paint. However, high-quality paint will also cost more, both in terms of the price per gallon and the number of coats needed.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of paint for a house exterior ranges from $25 to $100 per gallon, depending on the brand, type, and quality. Generally, you will need about one gallon of paint for every 400 square feet of surface area. However, this may vary depending on the color, coverage, and condition of the surface.
When choosing the paint for your house exterior, you should consider the following factors:
The climate and weather of Seattle, which can be rainy, humid, and cold for most of the year. You should choose a paint that is water-resistant, mold-resistant, and UV-resistant, to prevent peeling, cracking, fading, and mildew.
The style and color of your house, which should match or complement the architecture, landscape, and neighborhood of your house. You should choose a paint that enhances the beauty and character of your house, and reflects your personality and taste.
The warranty and guarantee of the paint, which should cover the performance, durability, and satisfaction of the paint. You should choose a paint that offers a long and comprehensive warranty, and a reliable and reputable brand.
The quality of the contractor you hire for your house exterior painting project is the final factor that affects the cost. A professional, experienced, and licensed painter will do a better job, faster, and safer than an amateur, inexperienced, or unlicensed painter. However, a professional painter will also charge more, both in terms of the hourly rate and the overhead costs.
According to HomeAdvisor, the average hourly rate for a painter in Seattle is $40, but this can range from $25 to $75, depending on the skill, reputation, and demand of the painter. Additionally, the painter may charge extra for travel, setup, cleanup, and disposal fees, as well as for permits, insurance, and taxes.
When hiring a contractor for your house exterior painting project, you should consider the following factors:
The experience and expertise of the contractor, which should demonstrate their ability to handle the size, style, and condition of your house, as well as the quality and type of paint you want. You should ask for references, reviews, and portfolio of their previous work, and check their credentials, licenses, and certifications.
The authoritativeness and trustworthiness of the contractor, which should indicate their professionalism, reliability, and honesty. You should ask for a written estimate, contract, and warranty, and verify their contact information, business name, and address. You should also check their ratings, complaints, and lawsuits with the Better Business Bureau, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and other relevant agencies.
The availability and communication of the contractor, which should show their responsiveness, flexibility, and courtesy. You should ask for a clear and realistic timeline, scope, and budget of the project, and communicate your expectations, preferences, and concerns. You should also ask for regular updates, feedback, and reports, and be ready to address any issues or changes that may arise.
How to Save Money and Find the Best Painter for Your Project
Painting the exterior of your house in Seattle can be a costly and daunting task, but it can also be a rewarding and worthwhile investment. To save money and find the best painter for your project, you should follow these tips:
Do some research and planning before you start the project. You should compare different painters, paints, and prices, and get at least three quotes from different contractors. You should also decide on the color, style, and quality of the paint you want, and prepare your house for painting by cleaning, repairing, and protecting the areas that will not be painted.
Do some work yourself if you can and want to. You can save some money by doing some of the preparation work yourself, such as power washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, and priming. However, you should be careful not to damage your house or hurt yourself, and leave the painting to the professionals, unless you have the skill, equipment, and time to do it yourself.
Negotiate and bargain with the contractor if possible. You can try to lower the cost of the project by asking for discounts, referrals, or promotions, or by offering to pay in cash, upfront, or in bulk. However, you should not compromise on the quality, safety, or legality of the project, and avoid any contractor that offers a suspiciously low or high price, or asks for a large deposit or payment in advance.
Painting the exterior of your house in Seattle is a big and expensive project, but it can also be a smart and beneficial one. By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can get a better idea of how much it costs to paint a house exterior in Seattle, and how to find the best painter for your project. Remember, the average cost to paint a house exterior in Seattle is $4,500, but this can vary depending on the size, condition, and style of your house, as well as the quality of the paint and the contractor you choose. Good luck and happy painting!
