What Does It Cost To Paint The Exterior Of A Home

What Does It Cost To Paint The Exterior Of A Home

Painting the exterior of your house is a great way to spruce up its appearance, but it can be an expensive undertaking. The cost of painting varies greatly depending on factors like the size and age of the house, the type of siding, and whether you opt for DIY or professional services. In Roseville, California, homeowners need to consider these factors to determine their ideal solution for their budget. In this article we will discuss the following items: 

  • Cost By Square Foot
  • Cost By Siding Type
  • Factors Affecting Cost
  • DIY vs. Professional
  • Our Summary
  • FAQs


Maintaining the exterior of your home is an important part of keeping the property in good condition and preserving its value. Exterior paint is more than just a way to make a house look nice; it’s also a shield against the elements, protecting it from rain, wind, and UV rays. When paint starts to show signs of wear and tear, it's time to consider a fresh coat.  But what are the exterior painting costs for painting a home in Roseville and is it affordable?

Exterior House Painting Cost By Square Footage

The cost of painting the exterior of your house will depend on the size of the property and how much square footage needs to be painted. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $1-$4 per square foot for the labor and materials. 


The average cost to paint a 2,500-square-foot home in Roseville and the surrounding cities of Rocklin, Lincoln, and Folsom is about $6,500. Generally speaking, a one-story house will cost less per square foot to paint than a two-story home and a three-story home will normally be the highest cost per square foot to paint. 


There are of course several factors that will determine the cost to paint your home's exterior. We'll explain these factors, show example costs, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of painting your home's exterior yourself. 


Cost Per Square Foot For Exterior House Painting

Cost Factors To Consider For Your Exterior Paint Job

Here are some factors that can affect the cost to paint your home's exterior:

  1. Total Square Footage
  2. Number Of Stories
  3. Safety Issues - Special Equipment - Scaffolding
  4. Type Of Siding Material (Wood Siding, Metal Siding, Vinyl Siding, Or Stucco Siding)
  5. The overall condition of the home (the amount of prep work that is needed)
  6. The Age Of The Home (is there lead paint?)
  7. The type of paint you choose
  8. Hiring Professional Painters

Cost To Paint House Exterior By Number Of Stories

The number of stories your home has will affect the price professional painters will charge for exterior painting. Typically a two-story home will have more square footage and surface space to paint than a one-story home.  Accessibility and safety become a factor when an exterior painting project requires ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and specialized safety equipment for fall protection. Comparing two homes with the same square footage, the labor costs will be more for a two-story home.


Cost per story for exterior house painting 

Safety Issues and Accessibility 

If your home requires the use of a lift, scaffolding, or specialized fall protection, the price per square foot for house painting will be higher. The price per square foot will be affected if the accessibility around the home or if working on the roof is difficult or hazardous.


Safety Equipment For Exterior House Painting

Cost to Paint House Exterior By Type Of Siding. 

The cost to paint the exterior of your home can be affected by the type of siding you have and the condition that it is in. There are two prevalent types of homes in Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Lincoln, and the surrounding cities near Roseville. These homes have siding made of wood or homes that are mainly stucco or a combination of wood in front and stucco on the sides and back of the house.  Homes with aluminum, vinyl, brick, and metal are not as common in these communities, and some house painters won't work on homes that have these types of substrates. 

Wood Sided Homes

New pre-primed wood siding will cost less to paint than siding that has been neglected for several years. The additional prep that is necessary to deal with aged or neglected wood will add to the labor cost and most likely the material cost as well.  If the wood siding has wood rot, plan on repairing or replacing the damaged siding before painting.


Typically homes with wood siding will require a new paint job every 5-7 years. The life expectancy can be extended with proper prep and using a premium-grade exterior acrylic latex paint like Duration from Sherwin Williams to paint wood siding.

Homes With Stucco Exteriors

When it comes to painting the exterior of a stucco home, several factors can significantly affect the cost. Whether the stucco has never been painted or the color mixed in with the stucco, is in disrepair or damaged and cracking, or is smooth versus rough all play an important role. Additionally, the size of the house and any additional preparation work needed will also impact the total cost. Understanding these various elements can help homeowners get a better idea of what they should expect when it comes to pricing their project.


Because of the porosity of stucco, this type of siding will typically require more paint than a wood-sided home, especially if the stucco has had the color mixed into the stucco. In this case, the stucco should be primed.  Keep in mind this rule is based on the condition of the surface being painted. A well-maintained home will always cost less to paint than a home that requires more prep.


An excellent paint choice for stucco would be an elastomeric coating. Most exterior painters will be familiar with this type of house paint and they will most likely recommend it for your painting project. 


picture of stucco home

Homes With Aluminum, Vinyl, Brick, and Metal Siding

There are other types of exterior siding to consider These would include: aluminum siding, vinyl siding, brick, and metal.  The cost to paint homes with these types of materials would be similar to homes that have wood, providing they are the same size and the surfaces are in similar condition.

Average Exterior Painting Cost By Type Of  Siding

Cost by siding type for exterior house painting

What About The Rest Of The House?

Painting the exterior of your home is more than just painting the walls. Painting the exterior of your house will also include items like decks, eaves, and fascia that can be costly to paint if you don't take proper care of them. Decks need to be cleaned and sanded before they're painted to ensure a lasting finish. Eaves and fascia may require caulking or other repairs before being painted for them to look their best when finished. In addition, these items often require specialized tools and supplies which will add up quickly if you are not prepared for them ahead of time. Therefore, it's important to factor in all costs associated with painting your home before taking on this project yourself or hiring a contractor.  


Keep in mind that some professional painters charge for each item either by the square foot or linear foot for items like gutters, downspouts, shutters, trim, fascia, and exterior doors. While another professional exterior painting service may prefer project painting prices which means your proposal would list these items and include them in the pricing.  


Line item pricing is helpful to homeowners that are only getting individual items like the gutters and trim repainted or larger stand-alone items like a deck or a detached garage.

Average Cost To Paint House Exterior By Line Item

Line Item Chart For Exterior House Painting

What Are The Labor Costs To Paint?

When it comes to painting the exterior of a home, labor costs can account for up to 80% of the total cost. Painting the exterior of a house is often done by a professional painting contractor who specializes in this type of project, and they typically charge an hourly rate or a flat fee depending on the size and complexity of the job. 


Be wary of any painter that has a cheap hourly rate. In most cases, this could mean that the painter you plan to hire is not licensed or insured. This could be disastrous for you if there is an injury or accident on your property.  A professional painter with the proper license and insurance will normally charge $40 - $80 per hour per painter. We recommend that you do your homework and verify a painter's license on the  Californian State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) and check out their online reviews and references.


The labor costs associated with exterior painting also include any necessary preparation work such as power washing, scraping, sanding, caulking, and masking off areas that are not being painted. Depending on where you live, local regulations may require certain safety measures when working at heights which could add additional time and expense to your project. It's important to hire experienced professionals who have all the necessary equipment and knowledge to complete your exterior painting project safely and efficiently.

The Quality Of The Paint Will Be A Cost Factor 

When it comes to exterior paint, there is no substitute for the quality of paint you use. Choosing a higher-grade premium paint will provide a longer-lasting finish and better protection from the elements than cheaper alternatives. Not only that but using high-quality paints can also help to keep your home looking beautiful for years to come by preventing fading, cracking, and other damage caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays. While quality paints may cost more upfront, they often pay off in the long run with fewer touch-ups or repairs required down the road. Investing in quality exterior house painting materials can be a great way for homeowners in Roseville, CA to ensure their homes look great for many years into the future.


Typically the cost of exterior paint and related supplies makes up about 20% of the overall job cost. Your exterior house painting costs can be affected by the grade of paint you or your contractor is planning to paint with. Most painting contractors in the Roseville market will use Manufacturers like Sherwin Williams, Dunn Edwards, PPG, Vista Paint, or Kelly-Moore.  

Paints To Consider For Your House Painting Project

Sherwin Williams Super Paint

  • Sherwin Williams Super Paint is a paint that stands out for its exceptional quality and outstanding durability. This ultra-premium acrylic latex house paint is designed to protect your Roseville, CA home from the elements, with superior adhesion and fade resistance for long-lasting beauty.

Sherwin Williams Loxon

  • Sherwin Williams Loxon is a revolutionary line of exterior paint and primer that offers exceptional coverage and protection for all kinds of surfaces. Its advanced formula provides superior adhesion and longevity, making it the ideal choice for Roseville homeowners looking to paint their exteriors.

Sherwin Williams Solo (Semi Gloss Paint For Doors) 

  • Sherwin Williams Solo Semi-Gloss Enamel is a professional-grade paint that provides excellent coverage and durability for exterior home surfaces. This type of paint can be applied to wood, stucco, masonry, and aluminum siding. 

Upgrading Your Paint Will Add Cost To The Project

There are exterior paint products that a homeowner may want to consider if color fade and long-term durability are a concern.  These products can include a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. (Be sure to read the fine print on these warranties).  Choosing a premium product like the ones listed below can add as much as 25% to the exterior painting costs.

Sherwin Williams Duration

  • Sherwin Williams Duration Exterior Paint is a trusted brand for all of your exterior painting needs. This high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint offers long-lasting color and protection. It is available in a variety of finishes, including flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. On average, Sherwin Williams ' line titled ' Duration ' costs anywhere from $69.99 to $74.99 per gallon, depending on the color. 

Sherwin Williams Emerald

  • Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane is an advanced paint and primer in one that offers maximum durability and unbeatable performance. This high-quality paint is perfect for Roseville, California homeowners looking to upgrade their exterior and add lasting value. The Emerald paints cost between $75 - $104 per gallon. 

Benjamin Moore Aura

  • Benjamin Moore AURA is a next-generation, high-performance coating designed to meet the needs of homeowners who demand both aesthetic beauty and outstanding protection. The Benjamin Moore Aura cost between $80 - $95 per gallon


Note: Most of the paints that we have listed are available in the sheen of your choice. The price, quality, and durability of the paint are not affected by the sheen. 

Additional Cost A Homeowner Should Consider

Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home may require a significant amount of prep work especially if your home has missed a paint job or two.  Count on additional labor for painting the exterior of a house that has peeling paint or for removing old paint that is flaky or bubbling.  The bottom line is, homes that require more prep time will be more expensive to paint. 

Choosing Difficult Exterior Paint Colors To Work With

If you choose to update the color scheme of your home dramatically, such as going from a dark hue to a light one or vice versa, bear in mind that it may take more paint coats than usual.  Also, certain colors like most whites and all yellows and reds will take multiple coats to cover your existing paint affecting the amount of paint needed and the amount of labor to complete the project. If you're like most homeowners, choosing colors can be difficult and frustrating. We recommend that you meet with a color consultant. Most paint stores like Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards offer free color consultations to their customers. 

DIY Project Cost

If you plan on tackling your house painting project yourself vs. hiring a professional painting crew, you will need the proper tools, equipment, and supplies. Choosing the right paint brush, ladder, rollers, tape, paper, and plastic is just as important as choosing the right paint.  We recommend sticking with brands like Purdy Brushes, 3M 2020 Masking Tape, or 3M Long Mask Tape (Blue), Lambskin Roller Covers, and Werner Ladders for the high work.  


Head to your local paint store for advice and information and avoid the big box stores to save money. The professionals at stores like Sherwin-Williams will be able to advise you on how much paint you will need for the body, how much trim paint will be required, and advise you on the remaining supplies you will need to paint the exterior of your house. Some paint stores will be able to rent you the equipment for pressure washing and a paint sprayer for applying the paint.


Not including the paint, here is your shopping list of items that you will need for exterior house painting.:

  • Brushes: $4-$30
  • Drop cloth: $5-$30
  • Ladder: $80-$300
  • 3M Painters Tape: $3-$10 per roll
  • Paint Bucket and Grids: $5-$10
  • Wooster Pole and Roller Frame: $35-$40
  • Lambskin Roller Covers: $12-$14 each
  • Primer: $25-$45 per gallon
  • 3M Sandpaper: $5-$30
  • Hyde Paint Scraper / Wire Brush: $8-$10 each

DIY vs Professional Painter

When it comes to painting the exterior of your house, there are many benefits to hiring a licensed professional painter. licensed painters have the expertise and experience to ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently. Additionally, they will be able to provide advice on choosing the right materials for your project as well as any additional work that may need to be completed before painting such as repair or replacement of rotten wood or other damage. Furthermore, a professional licensed painter will often offer warranties on their workmanship which can give homeowners peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected should anything go wrong down the line. Hiring a professional painter instead of attempting DIY saves time and ensures quality results while also providing added protection against any potential problems afterward.

How To Save On Your Exterior Painting Costs

Painting the exterior of your house can be a significant investment, and it’s important to make sure you get the most value for your money. To help ensure this, there are several steps that homeowners in Roseville, California can take to save on their exterior house painting costs. From choosing an experienced contractor to utilizing DIY methods, here are some ideas on how you can reduce the cost of exterior house painting without sacrificing quality.


1. Choose an experienced contractor: While it is possible to paint the exterior of your house as a DIY project, having a professional painter complete the job is often a better choice. When researching contractors, make sure to check for reviews online and ask for references from previous work.


2. Utilize DIY methods: Painting the exterior of your house yourself can help save money, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved in taking on such a task. Be sure to have the necessary tools and supplies, read up on best practices for exterior painting, and always practice safety first.


3. Invest in quality paint: Buying good-quality paint may cost more upfront, but it will last longer and look better in the long run. Be sure to pick a paint that is specifically made for exterior use and match it with the right primer. Try to choose lighter colors that weather better and are less prone to fading.


4. Examine the siding: Examine your home’s siding and make sure that any damage or rotten wood is repaired before painting. Even if the damage looks minor, it can still lead to bigger problems if left untreated.


5. Invest in good tools: Investing in good-quality brushes, drop cloths, and ladders will help ensure that the job is done right. Cheap tools can lead to poor results and may need to be replaced more often.


By following the tips mentioned above, homeowners in Roseville can save money on their exterior house painting projects without sacrificing quality. Make sure to do your research, and if necessary, hire an experienced contractor who can help you achieve the best results for your budget.

Our Conclusion

Exterior house painting can be a costly undertaking, but with the right preparation and research, it’s possible to save money. Examine your home’s siding for any damage or rotten wood that needs repair before painting. Investing in good-quality paint, brushes, drop cloths, ladders, and other tools will help ensure better results. Hiring an experienced contractor is also recommended as they have the expertise and experience necessary to get the job done correctly while saving time and effort on your part. With these tips in mind, Roseville homeowners should be able to find an ideal solution for their budget when it comes to exterior house painting costs.


If you have convinced yourself that hiring a professional contractor would be a better option than spending your summer vacation painting your home then it's time to call TRICO PAINTING at 916-550-9648


Call Trico Painting For Free Estimate For Exterior House Painting

FAQs

How Often Should You Paint The Exterior Of Your Home?

What is The Most Long-Lasting Exterior Paint?

What Are The Best Non Fading Exterior Paints?