How To Calculate Pricing For Exterior Paint Jobs
How to Price Exterior Painting: What Really Goes Into the Estimate
If you’re planning to refresh your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint, you might be wondering—how do painters come up with those numbers? Exterior painting quotes aren’t just random guesses. They’re based on a detailed process that takes surface area, prep work, materials, and job complexity into account.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how professional painters price exterior house painting projects.
1. Measuring Exterior Surface Area
The first step in any exterior paint estimate is measuring the total paintable surface. This includes:
Siding (wood, stucco, vinyl, or fiber cement)
Trim (fascia, soffits, corner boards, window and door trim)
Doors and shutters
Porches, railings, and other architectural features
To calculate square footage:
Measure the height × length of each exterior wall
Subtract large windows and doors (though some are still factored in for labor)
A one-story 1,500 sq ft home might have around 1,800–2,200 sq ft of paintable surface once trim and other elements are included.
2. Prep Work: The Foundation of a Great Finish
Exterior surfaces take a beating from the elements. That’s why prep work is a huge part of exterior painting and a major factor in pricing. Good prep means better adhesion and longer-lasting results.
Typical prep tasks include:
Power washing to remove dirt, mildew, and flaking paint
Scraping and sanding any peeling areas
Priming bare wood or patched sections
Caulking gaps or cracks to seal joints and prevent water intrusion
Masking off landscaping, windows, and hard surfaces
Homes with more peeling paint, weather damage, or older coatings will require more time and materials, increasing cost.
3. Paint Quality and Number of Coats
Higher-quality paints provide better coverage, last longer, and resist fading. Most exterior jobs require two coats for even color and durability—especially when changing colors or painting porous surfaces like stucco.
Paint brands, finishes (flat, satin, semi-gloss), and color choices can all influence material costs.
4. Access, Height, and Job Complexity
Every home is unique. Factors that can increase the labor and time involved include:
Two-story or multi-level homes (require ladders or lifts)
Steep rooflines or hard-to-reach areas
Tight landscaping or poor access around the home
Ornate trim, shutters, or architectural details
Weather delays (common in exterior work!)
These all impact how long the job takes and the equipment needed, which gets factored into the estimate.
5. How We Calculate Exterior Painting Costs
Most painting contractors use production rates to estimate labor:
One painter can typically paint 100–150 sq ft per hour on smooth siding
Rough or detailed surfaces (like stucco or cedar shingles) take more time
Once we have total square footage, we calculate:
Labor hours × hourly rate
Materials cost (paint, primer, caulk, masking materials)
Business overhead + profit margin
That gives you a clear, customized quote based on your home—not a ballpark guess.
Final Thoughts: Exterior Painting is an Investment
A high-quality exterior paint job protects your home from the elements, boosts curb appeal, and increases property value. When you choose a professional, you’re getting more than paint—you’re getting skilled prep, reliable materials, and peace of mind.
Thinking about updating your exterior? Reach out for a free, detailed quote. We’d love to walk your property and explain exactly what goes into your custom estimate.