Exterior Painting Cost vs. Return on Investment: What to Know 

There was a time when house painting was seen as a luxury. This may seem strange in our current era of diverse, readily available, and cost-effective options, but there was a period when the exterior painting cost of a home was too high for the average American.

In the past, the production of paint was a painstaking process, marked by high costs and limited capacity. Paint was often viewed as a luxury item, and having a house painted was akin to a significant investment. 

Today, though, the scenario has dramatically changed. Advancements in technology and manufacturing processes have led to a boom in paint production. The result? High-quality paints that are less costly and a reduction in the exterior painting cost for homeowners.

Despite these developments, there are many who still underestimate the value of regular house painting, harboring the misconception that it remains too expensive. This perspective, however, fails to acknowledge the long-term benefits that a fresh coat of paint can provide.

At its core, house painting is an investment—an investment in the aesthetic and structural integrity of your home. A newly painted house radiates freshness, and it can greatly enhance the visual appeal of both the interior and exterior spaces. The array of colors, textures, and finishes available today can transform your home into a unique reflection of your personality and taste.

Moreover, beyond cosmetic upgrades, painting your house serves a more practical purpose as well. High-quality paint acts as a protective barrier against environmental elements, helping to protect your home against weather damage, insects, and even mold.

In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of exterior painting, shedding light on factors that influence its cost, the process of calculating these expenses, and the potential return on investment you can expect. 

This subject is of utmost importance for homeowners, as a well-executed exterior painting project not only revamps the aesthetics of your home but can also significantly boost its market value.

The basics of exterior painting

Before delving into the financial aspects, it’s important to establish an understanding of the basics of exterior painting:

• Preparation is key: This often involves cleaning the exterior surfaces, scraping off old paint, sanding, and priming. A well-prepared surface ensures optimal adhesion of the paint, which results in a smoother, more durable finish.
• The type of paint you choose also matters: The two primary types of paint used for exteriors are oil-based (alkyd) and water-based (latex). While oil-based paints offer durability and stain resistance, water-based paints dry quickly, are more environmentally friendly and have easier clean-up.
• Choose the right color: Different colors not only create different visual impacts, but they can also have varying levels of durability. Lighter colors tend to reflect sunlight and can be less prone to fading over time, while darker shades might absorb heat, potentially leading to quicker color loss and damage.
• The quality of application is equally important: Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals, using the right techniques and tools can affect the evenness of the application, drying time, and the overall look and longevity of the paint job.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Exterior Painting Contractors Near Me

If you perform an online search for “exterior painting contractors near me,” you will find a range of different local painting contractors, each with their own exterior painting cost. 

According to Forbes, the average cost for exterior house painting hovers around $3,000. Yet, this figure can swing from as low as $1,800 to as high as $13,000, depending on the size of the house, the type of siding material, and the level of prep work required. This range may seem broad, but considering the numerous variables at play, it’s a practical spectrum to keep in mind.

Typically, the cost to paint a house’s exterior is determined by the square footage of the surface that needs to be painted. As a rule of thumb, expect it to cost between  $2.34 to $3.72 per square foot. This pricing model ensures homeowners are only billed for the work done, rather than a generic quote that may not align with their specific home’s needs.

Also, the type of material used for your house siding is a key player in determining the overall painting cost. Each material demands different levels of preparation, painting supplies, and the number of paint coats, which directly impacts the final cost.

• Vinyl and Wood: $1 to $3 per square foot
• Concrete: $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot, can potentially double due to additional prep work
• Stucco, Metal: $1.50 to $4 per square foot
• Brick: $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot due to extensive prep work and amount of paint needed

There are also other additional factors that can influence the exterior painting cost when hiring a painting contractor. These include:

1. Labor costs – $1 and $2 per square foot or $25 and $100 per hour, depending on the expertise of the workers involved
2. Location and climate
3. Any required permits
4. The amount of prep work needed – typically costs $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot
5. Painting accessibility, particularly for multi-story homes
6. Quality of paint
7. Trim painting – an additional cost that can range from $1 to $6 per linear foot
8. Necessary repairs – re-caulking, lead paint removal, mold removal, siding repair or replacement
9. Upgrades – landscaping, shutters, windows, or doors

 Another thing worth mentioning when it comes to exterior painting cost is the location. The location of your home greatly impacts the cost of painting services. This variation is often due to the cost of living, taxes, and general market demands in different areas. 

Generally, painters in larger cities tend to charge more than those in smaller towns and rural areas. This discrepancy often reflects the higher costs of living and additional taxes in urban locations.

Beyond location, the experience and reputation of the painter you choose can also play a pivotal role in the final cost of the service. A local painting contractor with a wealth of experience and a sterling reputation often charges more for its services. This premium, however, often ensures higher-quality work and more reliable results compared to those who might charge less but lack the same level of experience or reputation.

Contact us here if you would like to find the best painting contractor for your residential or commercial needs.

The ROI on Painting Services for Your Home

If you’re planning to sell your home, it’s recommended that you seek painting services for both the interior and exterior of your home. This is a high-ROI project that can increase your home’s value and curb appeal. 

On average, painting your home can lead to a $4,000+ value increase. That’s a 107% ROI for interior painting and a 55% ROI on the exterior painting cost. A well-painted exterior can also attract more online views, leading to more in-person visits and competitive offers. Other impacts of exterior painting include:

1. A long-term benefit: While painting may not immediately add value, especially for homeowners planning to live in the house for a long time, it doesn’t detract from value as long as the color choice is suitable.
2. More than just aesthetics: Painting is not just about aesthetics; it also serves as a maintenance item. It protects the home from the elements, prevents mold and mildew, prolongs the life of the siding, and potentially saves homeowners thousands of dollars in the long run.

Before you embark on your journey searching online for “exterior painting contractors near me”, and settling on a painting contractor, there are some factors that you should consider:

• The current state of the paint: If the paint is chipping, peeling, overly bright, or dark, it might be time to consider repainting.
• Compatibility with home’s style or regional aesthetic: Does the paint suit the home’s style or the aesthetic common to your region? If not, repainting could enhance your home’s curb appeal.
• Material of the house: Certain materials like brick or stone can lead to ongoing maintenance issues when painted over. It’s crucial to consider your home’s material when planning a paint job.
• Partial repainting: Repainting doesn’t necessarily have to cover the entire house. Enhancements can be made by adding a pop of color to the trim or shutters or painting the front door.

Exterior Painting Cost: Tips on How You Can Save Money

As we conclude our comprehensive guide to exterior painting cost and ROI, it’s clear that understanding the intricacies of exterior painting cost is crucial for homeowners. Whether you’re contemplating selling your home, looking to enhance its aesthetic appeal, or seeking to protect it from environmental factors, exterior painting is a valuable investment.

Thus, to make the most of your exterior painting project:

• Get competing bids: This gives you the opportunity to compare rates, services, and understand the scope of work involved. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the specifics of the job – the preparation and painting process, the products to be used, the number of coats, and potential costs for additional layers.
• Use a contract: A contract could range from a simple statement of the job’s specifics to a detailed outline of time estimates for each task involved in the project.
• DIY simple tasks to save money: Activities like moving furniture, trimming shrubs, and reinstalling switch plates and doorknobs can save you a significant amount of money. Additionally, some prep work like patching, sanding, and scraping can also be done personally to further cut costs.
• Don’t delay repainting: Repaint your home as soon as signs of wear appear. Delaying until paint is flaking or peeling can result in extensive preparatory work and higher costs.
• Trim the scope of the job: Identify any non-essential tasks that can be omitted to save on paint and labor. You might decide to exclude areas like ceilings or closet interiors, which can considerably cut down the job’s scope and cost.
• Be strategic about color: Avoid extremely deep colors as they may require multiple coats for adequate coverage. Opt for lighter colors, especially for exteriors, as they fade less rapidly, meaning you will need to repaint less frequently.

By keeping these points in mind, you can approach your exterior painting project with confidence and the necessary know-how to make smart, cost-effective decisions. 

Remember, while the immediate costs might seem high, exterior painting is an investment that yields considerable returns in the long run, both in terms of property value and aesthetic appeal. 

If you want to learn more about Koehn and our painting services, feel free to get a quote from us.