The look of your home’s exterior can affect the “first impression” that people have about it. If it looks drab and not well kept, most people will expect the interior to look the same. This isn’t the kind of attention you want for your property, especially if you’re trying to sell it. An exterior painting job may be what you need to add new life to the outside of your home, but no one wants to blindly commit to a project. If your home needs a fresh coat of paint, there are probably other repairs that need to be done first. Cost will depend on the size of your home, the type of siding you have, the amount of prep work that’s required, and several other factors. A small, single-story home with siding that’s in good condition will cost a lot less to paint than a large, two-story home with siding that’s in a state of disrepair.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Exterior Painting
The cost of exterior painting is usually determined by the square footage of the surface that needs to be painted. But, if you want to get a more accurate estimate, you also want to think about the type of siding material and what’s involved in painting them. Each type of material will require a different process, especially with regard to prep work. The types of painting supplies and the number of coats will also vary.
Here are some of the common types of siding materials and their individual painting requirements:
- Vinyl — Not everyone knows this, but you can paint vinyl siding. You can revitalize the color of your vinyl siding by applying a fresh coat of paint. If it’s still in good condition, painting it is a more economical solution than installing new siding.
- Wood — The cost to paint wood siding is the same as it is for vinyl. But, if any part of it is rotten and in need of replacing, be sure to factor that in as an extra cost.
- Concrete — If your home’s exterior is made of concrete, you can expect to pay a little more than vinyl or wood. Exterior painting for concrete also requires some extra prep work. You have to strip the old paint and prepare the surface, which can include priming, sealing, or both. All of this can double the overall cost.
- Stucco — Painting this type of siding is usually more expensive than concrete, because the textured ridges require more paint and prep work. The cost to paint stucco can be similar can be similar to what it costs to replace it altogether.
- Metal — Any siding that’s made of metal (such as aluminum or steel) will cost similar to stucco. Metal siding has a surface that’s durable and non-porous, so it generally doesn’t require painting. You may, however, decide to paint it if you want your home to have a new look.
- Brick — Painting your home’s exterior brick will cost a bit more because it generally needs multiple coats. Its surface is rough and porous, so painting it will require a lot of prep work and a great deal of paint.
You also have to consider the cost of labor (which can be either $1-$2 per square foot or $2-$100 per hour), permits, and any extra steps that may be needed to complete the job.
Other Costs and Considerations for Exterior Painting
In some cases, the following costs may also be added to the cost of an exterior painting job:
- Necessary Repairs — Before you can paint your home’s exterior, you may need to perform other repairs that may be necessary. Some of them can include re-caulking around your doors and windows as well as removing lead paint or mold. You may also need to repair or replace parts of your siding. If any of these repairs are left undone, your exterior paint may not last as long or look as good.
- Extra Upgrades — Applying a fresh coat of paint to your home’s exterior can make certain areas look dated and in need of upgrading. As your painting project moves forward, you should also think about doing some landscaping, adding some shutters, installing some windows and doors, or finishing up any other upgrades you’re planning to do.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for exterior painting in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Exteriors.
