Exterior Paint Buying Guide For Large Houses

Painting a house is a great way to increase curb appeal and protect outdoor surfaces. The cost of painting a house varies depending on several factors such as the size of the house, the type of siding or exterior material, the number of stories, and the quality of paint used. On average, it costs between $1,810 and $4,527 to paint the exterior of a house, with a typical range of $800 to $12,000. For a 3000 sq ft house, the cost would likely be on the higher end of this range.

Cost of paint type and finish

The paint type and finish you choose for your 3,000 sq ft house will depend on the siding type and your budget.

Paint Types

The best exterior paints for houses are oil, latex, and acrylic latex. Oil paints are the most expensive option, ranging from $20 to $60 per gallon. Latex and acrylic latex paints are more affordable, costing $20 to $50 per gallon.

Paint Finishes

Exterior paints come in a variety of finishes, including flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. The glossier the finish, the more expensive and durable it will be.

Siding Types

The siding type of your house will also impact the cost of painting. For example, the cost to paint the exterior of a house with wood siding is between $700 and $3,000, or about $1 to $3 per square foot. Vinyl siding is even more affordable, ranging from $600 to $3,500, or $1.25 to $3 per square foot. On the other hand, brick houses are relatively expensive to paint, costing between $3,500 and $10,000, or about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. This is because brick is porous, so more paint and primer are needed.

Labor Costs

In addition to the cost of paint, you will also need to factor in labor costs if you plan to hire a professional painting team. This typically costs about $1 to $3.50 per square foot or about $25 to $100 per hour for each painter.

Additional Costs

There may also be additional costs for prep work, such as power washing the exterior of your house, which typically costs between $240 and $400. If you need to remove old paint, you can expect to pay around $0.50 to $2 per square foot for paint stripping. Primer will also add to the cost, ranging from $15 to $80 per gallon, and you may need to apply a coat of primer before painting certain types of siding, such as brick or concrete.

Number of stories

The number of stories in a house is a major factor in determining the cost of painting its exterior. Painting a two-story house can cost up to 50% more than painting a one-story house. This is because additional stories are harder to reach, requiring scaffolding and ladders, which add to the labour costs.

The cost of painting a house exterior increases by about 30% for areas above 8 feet, 60% for areas above 13 feet, 90% for areas above 17 feet, and 120% for areas above 19 feet.

For a 3000 sq ft house, the paintable area per story will be 1000 sq ft (assuming a house with a ground floor and a standard height of 10 ft). This means that the cost of painting a two-story, 3000 sq ft house will be significantly higher than that of a one-story house of the same area, due to the increased paintable area and the need for additional equipment and labour to reach higher areas.

If your 3000 sq ft house has more than two stories, the cost will increase further, as the paintable area per story will be less than 1000 sq ft, and the difficulty of reaching higher stories will be even greater. In this case, the cost per story will likely be higher than the 50% increase for a two-story house.

Therefore, when considering the cost of painting a 3000 sq ft exterior house, it is important to take into account the number of stories and the height of each story. The higher and taller the house, the more costly it will be to paint.

Siding type

The type of siding your house has is an important factor when it comes to painting the exterior of your 3000 sq ft house, as it affects the amount of paint required and the overall cost. Different types of siding have different paint adhesion properties, and some may require additional preparation work, such as a coat of primer, to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Wood siding, for example, typically requires a sealant and occasional maintenance to address stains or peeling paint. The cost to paint the exterior of a house with wood siding can range from $700 to $3,000, or about $1 to $3 per square foot.

Vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive to paint, with costs ranging from $600 to $3,500, or $1.25 to $3 per square foot. However, the finishing you choose may increase the total cost.

Brick houses have relatively high exterior painting costs. The porous nature of brick means that a gallon of paint won't go as far as it would on other surfaces, and a primer is necessary before painting. Painting brick siding can cost between $3,500 and $10,000, or about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.

Metal or aluminium siding can be revitalised with a fresh coat of protective paint, adding a pop of colour to your home. The cost of painting metal siding ranges from $400 to $3,500.

Stucco siding can be costly to paint, with prices ranging from $1,400 to $6,000. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to install new stucco siding rather than painting over water damage and cracks.

Concrete siding, like brick, is porous and rough, requiring a coat of primer before painting. The cost to paint concrete siding ranges from $500 to $3,000, or $1 to $3.50 per square foot.

DIY vs professional

Painting a 3000 sq ft house is a big job. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, there are a few things you should consider.

The average cost to paint the exterior of a house is $3,168, but this can vary depending on the size of your home, the type of siding, and the height of your house. For a 3000 sq ft house, you can expect to pay between $5,400 and $13,500 for painting the exterior. If you choose to DIY, the cost will be significantly lower, between $500 and $1,000 in total, but you will need to invest time and effort into the project.

If your house has more than one story, hiring a professional is recommended. The additional height increases costs by around 50% per story, as it requires scaffolding and ladders, which add to labor costs. A professional will also be able to advise on the best paint for the job and may be able to source it at a discounted price.

However, if you are confident in your abilities and have the time, DIY can be a rewarding option. You will need to budget for basic supplies, paint, and any additional equipment like a power roller or sprayer. You should also factor in the time it will take to complete the job, which could be several days, and whether you will need assistance.

Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, it is important to prepare the exterior of your house properly. This includes cleaning the siding, repairing any damage, and priming the surface.

Exterior painting cost by square foot

The cost of painting the exterior of a house varies depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the type of siding, the number of stories, and the paint type.

The average cost to paint the exterior of a house is $3,168, but this can range from $1,810 to $4,527, or $1.50 to $4 per square foot. For a 3,000 sq. ft. house, this would mean a cost of $4,500 to $12,000. However, this is a rough estimate and the final cost will depend on the specific details of the project.

The type of siding can significantly impact the cost of painting. For example, wood siding typically costs between $700 and $3,000, or $1 to $3 per square foot, to paint. Vinyl siding is usually cheaper, ranging from $600 to $3,500, or $1.25 to $3 per square foot. On the other hand, brick houses are more expensive to paint, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $10,000, or about $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. This is because brick is porous, so more paint and primer are needed.

The number of stories in a house can also affect the cost of painting. Painting a two-story house can be up to 50% more expensive than a one-story house due to the increased difficulty and labor costs of setting up scaffolding and ladders. For houses with more than two stories, the cost increases further, with an additional 30% above 8 feet, 60% above 13 feet, 90% above 17 feet, and 120% above 19 feet.

Other factors that can influence the cost of painting the exterior of a house include the cost of paint and primer, which ranges from $20 to $60 per gallon for oil-based paints and $20 to $50 per gallon for latex or acrylic latex paints, and the cost of labor, which is typically about $1 to $3.50 per square foot or $25 to $100 per hour for each painter.

Frequently asked questions