Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more
Painting your home’s exterior can not only enhance its curb appeal but also protect it from harsh weather conditions.

This article simplifies that for you by breaking down various factors like square footage, number of stories, and type of siding that influence the overall cost.
Let’s dive in to find out what all this entails and how you can save on your next exterior painting project.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Painting a House Exterior
The cost of painting a house exterior is influenced by several factors, including the square footage, number of stories, type of siding, type of paint, and type of finish.
Square footage
The size of your house matters a lot in painting. We use the term “square footage“. It tells us how big your house is.
The bigger the house, the more paint you will need. More paint means more money spent.
For example, a 2,000-square-foot home costs about $5,200 to paint on average. If we do some math, that’s around $3.03 for each square foot of the wall outside!
So it’s clear: Square footage plays a huge role in figuring out how much it will cost to give your home a fresh coat of paint.
Note- Make sure you measure all sides and spaces well before starting to paint so there are no surprises later on with spending extra money or lack of materials!
Number of stories
The height of your house changes the price of painting. A two-story house costs more to paint than a one-story house. This is because taller houses are harder to reach and need more time to paint.
More stories can also mean more wall space to cover.
Choices have prices. If you live in a three-story house, expect even higher costs for painting its exterior.
It might cost up to $12,000! Painters often charge extra for tall homes since they use special tools and risks are high when working at heights.
So, think well about the number of stories before painting a home exterior!
Type of siding
The siding on your house plays a big part in painting costs. Different types of siding need different kinds of paint.
For example, wood siding may need a special kind of paint to protect it from the weather.
Stone or brick needs less paint than wood, so it may cost less to paint these types of houses.
This can make your exterior house painting costs higher or lower based on what type of siding you have.
The state that the siding is in matters too. If your siding is old and worn out, it will take more work to get ready for painting and this could up the price too.
Type of paint
The type of paint you choose for your house exterior can impact the cost and longevity of the paint job. There are two main types of paint: oil-based and latex-based.
Oil-based paints are known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, but they can be more expensive and have a strong odor.
Latex-based paints, on the other hand, are easier to clean up, have a milder odor, and come in a wide range of colors. They may not be as durable as oil-based paints but are more affordable.
Keep in mind that some neighborhoods or homeowners associations may have restrictions on the type or color of paint allowed, so it’s important to check any guidelines before making your decision.
Type of finish
The type of finish you choose for your house exterior can affect the cost of painting. There are several options available, including flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes.
Flat finishes are more affordable and hide imperfections well but may not be as durable or easy to clean. Satin finishes have a slight sheen and offer better durability and washability.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes provide even more durability and are often used on trim or areas prone to wear. Keep in mind that the higher the glossiness, the higher the cost will be.
Average Cost to Paint a 2000 Sq Ft House Exterior
The average cost to paint the exterior of a 2000 sq ft house varies depending on several key factors. However, the cost generally falls anywhere between $2,000 and $11,000.
Factor | Details | Impact |
---|---|---|
Square footage | The exterior size of a 2000 sq ft house. | Directly affects the cost. More square footage means higher cost. |
House height | The number of stories in the house. | Multiple stories typically increase the cost, with a three-story house potentially costing up to $12,000. |
Siding material | The type and condition of the siding material. | Certain materials may require more prep work or special paints, which can increase the cost. |
Type of paint | The paint being used for the project. | Quality and type of paint can drastically affect the final cost. |
Location | The geographic area where the house is located. | Location can influence labor costs and material prices, leading to variance in the total cost. |
DIY vs. Professional Exterior House Painting
There are pros and cons to both DIY painting and hiring a professional for your house exterior.
Pros and cons of DIY painting
If you’re considering taking on the project of painting your house’s exterior yourself, it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
You have full control over the project. | The task may end up being more challenging than expected. |
DIY painting can save you money if done correctly. | You risk making costly mistakes. |
You can choose the exact paint color and finish. | Painting a 2000 sq ft house requires a good deal of time and effort. |
DIY painting can be rewarding and satisfying. | Professionals have the proper tools and expertise for a high-quality job. |
You can work at your own pace. | Professional painters can complete the job faster, saving time. |
Remember, the cost of painting the exterior of a house can vary. It depends on factors such as square footage, number of stories, and type of siding.
For a 2000 square foot home, the average cost is around $5,200. But, if you decide to do it yourself, you could save some of that cost.
Pros and cons of hiring a professional
Hiring a professional for exterior painting has its advantages and drawbacks. It’s essential to consider these before making your final decision.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Professionals ensure the correct preparation and application of paint, leading to a high-quality finish. | Hiring a professional can be costly, with costs ranging between $2,000 and $8,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home. |
Pros have the right equipment and experience to handle painting jobs on any height or size of a house. | Professional painting services can be more expensive in certain locations. |
Professionals will handle any siding material and understand how to work with each one optimally. | Professional painters may have a packed schedule, causing delays in your project. |
Professionals can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other things. | Professionals might not be flexible in using specific paint brands or types you prefer. |
If you’re not satisfied with the work, many professional painters offer a warranty or guarantee on their services. | Hiring professionals means less control over every detail of the paint job. |
How to Save on Exterior House Painting Costs
- Use a primer before applying the paint to make it last longer.
- Compare prices from different painting contractors to get the best deal.
- Consider doing the prep work yourself, such as cleaning and scraping, to save on labor costs.
- Opt for less expensive paint options that still provide good quality and durability.
- Choose neutral colors that are easier to maintain and won’t require frequent repainting.
That’s it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, painting the exterior of a 2000 sq ft house can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 when hiring a professional.
The overall cost is influenced by factors such as square footage, number of stories, type of siding, and type of paint.
By understanding these factors and exploring DIY options or ways to save costs, homeowners can make informed decisions about their house painting projects.
FAQs
How much does it cost to paint a 2000 sq ft house exterior?
The cost of painting a 2000 sq ft house exterior can vary depending on factors such as the number of stories, condition of the surface, and choice of paint. It is best to get estimates from professional painters for an accurate price.
How long does it take to paint a 2000 sq ft house exterior?
The duration to paint a 2000 sq ft house exterior depends on factors such as weather conditions, size, and complexity of the project. On average, it may take several days or even weeks to complete.
Do I need to prepare the surfaces before painting?
Yes, it is important to prepare the surfaces before painting by cleaning them thoroughly and removing any loose or peeling paint. This helps ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
Can I do the painting myself or should I hire professionals?
While you can choose to do the painting yourself, hiring professionals is recommended for better results and efficiency. Professionals have experience in preparing surfaces, applying coats evenly, and ensuring a high-quality finish.
Does the cost of painting include materials like paint and brushes?
Typically, when getting quotes from professional painters, they will include both labor costs and material costs in their estimate for your specific project. However, it’s advisable to clarify this with each painter during consultations or when requesting estimates.

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.