Exterior paint protects your home from moisture, UV damage, and rot. Done right, a quality exterior paint job lasts 8-12 years. Done cheap, it starts failing in 3-4. Here's how to understand what you're getting and what it should cost.
Average cost by home size
1,000-1,500 sq ft home: $2,000-$4,000. 1,500-2,500 sq ft: $3,500-$6,000. 2,500-3,500 sq ft: $5,000-$8,500. Multi-story homes add 15-25% for equipment and safety setup. These prices include surface prep, primer where needed, and two coats of paint.
Surface prep is where quality is made or lost
Proper exterior painting involves: pressure washing the surface, scraping all loose and peeling paint, sanding rough edges, caulking gaps and cracks, priming bare wood, and taping/covering windows and trim. Cutting corners on prep results in paint that peels within 2-3 years. Ask specifically what prep work is included in any quote.
Paint quality matters
Premium exterior paints (Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura) cost $60-$90/gallon but cover better, last longer, and resist mildew. Cheaper paints ($30-$50/gallon) save $200-$500 on materials but may need repainting 3-4 years earlier -- costing you far more long-term.
Wood vs. stucco vs. brick
Wood siding: $1.50-$4/sq ft. Stucco: $2-$4/sq ft (more prep required). Brick: $1.50-$3/sq ft (elastomeric paint recommended). Fiber cement (HardiePlank): $2-$4/sq ft. Aluminum or vinyl siding can be painted but requires specific primers and paint for adhesion.
Bottom line
Get three quotes and ask each contractor to detail their prep process. The lowest bid almost always skips prep steps that determine how long the paint lasts.
Need painting work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.