Exterior Home Painting Hamilton

Introduction

Understanding the cost of exterior house painting can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of factors that go into a final price. This guide isn't about giving you an exact number (that's only possible after a proper assessment of your home), but rather, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions as you get quotes from various painting contractors. In this guide, we'll break down the key elements reputable painting contractors consider, so you'll know exactly what those numbers on your estimate represent.

​

1. House Size (Square Footage)

• Small (Under 1500 sq ft): $2,500 - $5,000

• Medium (1500-2500 sq ft): $4,000 - $7,500

• Large (2500-3500 sq ft): $6,500 - $10,500

• Very Large (3500+): $9,000 - $15,000+

​

2. Home Style

• Bungalow/Ranch (simple): Prices generally align with size-based estimates.

• Two-story (standard): Add 10%-20% to account for greater surface area and increased labor for heights.

• Complex Architecture: Expect a 25%+ increase due to intricate details, roofline complexity, and accessibility challenges.

​

3. Exterior Materials

• Siding (Vinyl, Aluminum): Relatively straightforward to paint. Note: Wood siding typically costs 10-25% more due to potential prep needed.

• Brick: Can be painted but adds 20-30% to the cost due to the specialized techniques and materials needed.

• Stucco: Requires careful prep and specific paint; factor in a possible 15-25% price increase.

​

4. Condition of Surfaces

• Good (Minimal Prep): Your surfaces are in great shape! Expect mainly power washing, minor caulking, and addressing a few isolated spots.

• Fair (Moderate Prep): Peeling paint, areas of weathered wood, or minor cracks are common here. This will involve scraping, sanding, some localized wood repairs, and potentially applying primer to prep the surfaces before painting. Expect a 10-25% increase in cost compared to minimal prep.

• Poor (Extensive Prep): Significant damage like wood rot, extensive peeling, widespread cracking, or signs of water damage fall into this category. Repairing and adequately prepping these surfaces is labor-intensive, influencing the overall cost of the project by 25% or more.

​

5. Number of Coats

• 1 coat: Typically a refresh job; lower price point.

• 2 coats: Standard for most projects, ensures full coverage.

• 3 coats: May be needed for drastic color changes, raw wood, etc. Expect roughly a 15-20% increase compared to a standard two-coat job.

​

6. Accessibility

• Easy Access: Ground-level areas, straightforward rooflines.

• Moderate Difficulty: Standard two-story homes typically fall into this category, requiring ladders and basic safety equipment. Expect a 5-15% increase compared to easy access.

• Challenging Access: Steep roofs, complex multi-level homes, or tight spaces might require scaffolding or specialized equipment, increasing labor costs by 15%+

​

Prep Work Breakdown

Painting is often more about what you do before the brush hits the wall! Here's a look at what prep often includes:

• Power Washing: Removes dirt, mildew, and loose paint debris

• Scraping & Sanding: Essential for creating a smooth surface for proper paint adhesion.

• Repairs: Addressing everything from minor wood filling to replacing rotten sections for structural integrity.

• Priming: This may be needed on bare surfaces, after repairs, or to cover stubborn stains.

• Caulking: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and trim prevents moisture intrusion.

​

Important Notes

• Prep Work: Often accounts for a significant portion of the final cost.

• Market Fluctuations: Material and labor costs can shift affecting pricing.

• Contractor Rates: Individual companies will have their own unique pricing structures.

• Unexpected Costs: Permits, addressing severe weather damage – good contractors will be upfront about these possibilities.

​

Getting the Best Value

• Don't focus on the lowest price alone; quality is key for long-lasting results.

• Ask about licensing, insurance, and warranties provided.

• Get multiple quotes for comparison. While there are many factors to consider, you'll generally have a gut feeling as to which painting company will provide the most professional service that suits your unique exterior home painting needs.

​

Book Your Free Estimate

Ready for a personalized painting estimate? Contact us for a free on-site assessment of your home! We'll help you understand the specifics of your project and give you a fair, transparent estimate while answering any questions you have along the way.

​

*Disclaimer: This guide provides estimated price ranges. Actual costs will vary based on your home.