How much does exterior house painting cost? Expect to pay $2,500-$8,000 for a single-story home in Charlotte, or $1.50-$4.00 per square foot. This guide breaks down all cost factors.
💰 Quick Price Reference
📐 Cost Per Square Foot
| Quality Level | Per Sq Ft | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1.50 - $2.00 | Basic prep, 1 coat, standard paint |
| Standard | $2.00 - $3.00 | Full prep, 2 coats, quality paint |
| Premium | $3.00 - $4.00+ | Extensive prep, repairs, premium paint, 2+ coats |
🧮 Quick Estimate Calculator
Exterior sq ft ≈ (Floor sq ft × 0.6) × Number of stories
Example: 2,000 sq ft one-story = ~1,200 exterior sq ft = $2,400-$4,800
📊 What Affects Exterior Painting Cost?
Home Size
Square footage is the biggest factor. Larger homes = more paint, more labor hours.
Number of Stories
Two-story adds 30-50% to cost. Higher = more equipment, safety considerations.
Condition & Prep
Peeling paint, wood rot, and repairs add significant time and cost.
Siding Type
Wood, stucco, brick, vinyl all require different prep and products.
Paint Quality
Premium exterior paint costs more but lasts 10-15 years vs 5-7 for budget.
Trim & Details
More windows, doors, and architectural details = more cutting-in time.
🏠 Cost by Siding Type
| Siding Type | Cost/Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1.50 - $2.50 | Easiest, uses bonding primer |
| Wood Lap | $2.00 - $3.50 | Standard, may need repairs |
| HardiePlank | $2.00 - $3.00 | Low maintenance, excellent adhesion |
| Stucco | $2.50 - $4.00 | Textured, needs elastomeric paint |
| Brick | $2.50 - $4.50 | Requires masonry primer, more paint |
| Cedar Shingles | $3.00 - $5.00 | Labor intensive, many angles |
💵 Labor vs Materials
Material Costs (Average 2,000 sq ft home)
| Exterior Paint (8-12 gal) | $400 - $700 |
| Primer (4-6 gal) | $150 - $250 |
| Caulk, Filler, Repairs | $100 - $300 |
| Equipment & Supplies | $150 - $300 |
| Total Materials | $800 - $1,550 |
⚖️ DIY vs Professional
🔨 DIY Exterior Painting
$800 - $2,000Time: 40-80+ hours
- Save 50-60% on labor
- Work at your own pace
- Height danger (ladders, scaffolding)
- Weather delays likely
- Results depend on skill
- Equipment rental costs
👷 Professional Painting
$2,500 - $8,000Time: 2-5 days
- Proper equipment for heights
- Done in days, not weeks
- Better prep and repairs
- Warranty on workmanship
- Higher upfront cost
- Scheduling availability
📝 Getting Accurate Estimates
What to Expect in a Quote
- ✓ Total square footage painted
- ✓ Paint brand and product specified
- ✓ Number of coats (primer + paint)
- ✓ Prep work included (power washing, scraping, repairs)
- ✓ What's painted (body, trim, doors, shutters)
- ✓ Timeline for completion
- ✓ Warranty terms
💡 Get 3 Quotes
Always compare at least 3 quotes. Look beyond price to compare scope, materials, experience, and reviews. The cheapest isn't always best.
Questions to Ask
- What brand of paint will you use?
- How many coats of primer and paint?
- What prep work is included?
- How do you handle wood repairs?
- What's your warranty?
- What warranty do you offer?
Get Your Free Exterior Painting Estimate
Detailed quotes with no hidden costs. See exactly what your exterior painting project will cost.