How much does exterior house painting cost?
Exterior house painting commonly costs $2,000 - $7,000+. Small one-story homes with sound siding may be lower, while large, two-story, peeling, wood-sided, stucco, or repair-heavy exteriors can reach $8,000 - $15,000+.
Exterior painting is mostly prep and access. Washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, wood repair, ladders, weather windows, and trim detail can swing the price more than the paint brand.
Exterior painting cost by scope
Small one-story repaint
$2,000 - $4,500How to tellSound siding, light prep, easy access, limited trim
The fixWash, spot-prime, paint siding and basic trim
Average exterior repaint
$4,000 - $8,000+How to tellTwo-story access, moderate trim, minor peeling or caulk failure
The fixWash, scrape, sand, caulk, prime bare spots, paint siding and trim
Heavy prep or peeling paint
$1,500 - $6,000+ add-onHow to tellPeeling, chalking, bare wood, failed previous coating, or rough siding
The fixScrape/sand, prime, repair, and possibly use specialty coating
Wood rot, trim, or siding repair
$300 - $5,000+ add-onHow to tellSoft trim, failed caulk, damaged fascia, cracked boards, or water intrusion
The fixReplace or repair wood before painting
Stucco, brick, or specialty surfaces
$4,000 - $12,000+How to tellMasonry cracks, texture, elastomeric coating, or breathable coating concerns
The fixRepair cracks and use surface-appropriate primer/coating
Before exterior painting quotes
- Walk the home and photo peeling paint, rotted trim, failed caulk, cracked stucco, fascia, soffits, and high-access areas.
- Ask whether pressure washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, primer, and minor repairs are included.
- Ask what happens if rot is discovered after scraping starts.
- Confirm weather rules, start date flexibility, paint product, and warranty terms.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call an exterior painting, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The home is two stories or access is unsafe
- Paint is peeling, chalking, bubbling, or exposing wood
- Trim, fascia, or siding has rot or water damage
- The home may have lead paint
- Stucco, brick, or specialty siding needs the right coating system
Repair or replace?
Exterior paint protects the building only if the surface is sound. Painting over rot, failed caulk, damp siding, or peeling paint is a short-term coverup. Repair water-damaged trim and prep failed coatings before paying for finish coats.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the exterior painting checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
How often should a house exterior be painted?
Many homes need repainting every 5 to 10 years, but siding material, sun exposure, moisture, prep quality, and paint product can shorten or extend that cycle.
Is power washing included before exterior painting?
Usually it should be, but ask. Washing removes dirt and chalky residue, but heavy pressure can damage siding if used incorrectly.
Should rotten wood be painted or replaced?
Rotten wood should be repaired or replaced before painting. Paint does not restore failed wood or stop moisture damage.