The cost to paint a house varies widely depending on several key factors including the size of the house, number of stories, type of siding, quality of paint, labor rates, and regional differences.
Average Cost Estimates
- Exterior Painting: Typically costs between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot. For an average home, this translates to about $3,000 to $8,000 for 2,000 square feet of paintable surface. Larger or multi-story homes can cost significantly more, with two-story homes often costing $3,000 to $6,200 and three-story homes exceeding $10,000
- Interior Painting: The average cost to paint the interior of a house ranges from around $966 to $3,087, with a national average near $2,021. This usually includes walls, trim, and ceilings, and costs about $2 to $6 per square foot depending on paint type and labor
- Whole House (Interior + Exterior): Painting both interior and exterior can cost between $10,300 and $16,750 for an average 2,500 sq.ft. home, with some projects ranging from as low as $4,500 to as high as $32,000 depending on size, paint quality, and complexity
Key Factors Affecting Cost
- Size of the House: Larger homes require more paint and labor, increasing costs proportionally.
- Number of Stories: Multi-story homes require additional equipment like scaffolding or lifts, raising labor and equipment costs.
- Type of Siding: Different siding materials affect paint coverage and preparation needs, influencing overall cost.
- Paint Quality and Coverage: Paint coverage averages about 350 square feet per gallon but varies by paint type and surface texture.
- Labor Costs: Painter labor rates range from $25 to $80 per hour nationally, influenced by location and project complexity.
- Preparation and Equipment: Prep work such as power washing, scraping, repairs, and the need for special equipment can add to costs.
How to Estimate Your Cost
- Calculate the total surface area to be painted (length × height of walls, including trim and other features).
- Estimate paint quantity needed based on coverage (typically 250-400 sq.ft. per gallon).
- Multiply surface area by average cost per square foot ($1.50-$4 for exterior, $2-$6 for interior).
- Add labor costs considering hourly rates and project duration.
Summary Table for Exterior Painting Costs by Paintable Area
Paintable Area (sq.ft.)| Estimated Cost Range
---|---
800| $1,200–$3,200
1,000| $1,500–$4,000
1,500| $2,250–$6,000
2,000| $3,000–$8,000
2,500| $3,750–$10,000
3,000| $4,500–$12,000
These estimates include paint, materials, labor, and equipment costs
. In conclusion, painting a house typically costs between $1.50 and $6 per square foot depending on interior or exterior work, with total projects ranging from a few thousand dollars for small homes to over $30,000 for large, multi-story homes with premium materials. Accurate estimates require detailed measurements and consideration of local labor rates and home specifics
