how to acurattly estimate exterior painting cost

Question

I need a new paint job on the exterior of a duplex. How do I estimate that cost so I can work out a budget?

Michael Woodward · Answer

@Tony White  Lowe's, Home Depot, or your local paint supplier should be able to help you figure it out.  They might use an estimator software or if they offer painting services, they might send someone over to do the quote.  The only way to get really accurate numbers though is to get quotes from at least three painters.  Quotes can vary tremendously depending on the quality of the painter and how busy they are.  It can be a hassle but there's really no other way.

Steve Hannibal · Answer

Both @Michael Woodward and @Laureen Youngblood are right.  There are so many variables when it comes to cost of exterior painting.  The best way would be to call a painting contractor and get a quote (or 2 or 3).  If you don't have the time and need to gestimate, @Laureen Youngblood is spot on with her the prices she mentioned.

I would say most of the exterior houses we paint in my area cost about $3,000 to $4000.

Laureen Youngblood · Answer

The pricing on subs will be largely regional.  Here in Oregon a 1,500 sf house runs about $2500-3500 to paint two colors on the exterior, depending on the height of the walls and how many stories?  Gables?  and landscaping.  You can call a paint contractor with that information and they should be able to give you a price range for your region over the phone....maybe.

Good Luck

Naeem Kapasi · Answer

Hey @Tony White, to get a good insight on rehab costs, make sure to read J.Scott's book "The book on estimating rehab costs".

Good luck!

Account Closed · Answer

When evaluating the quotes you receive, make sure that they are all quoting an equivalent quality of paint (as paint can vary widely in cost).  Additionally, keep in mind, that the bulk of a quality paint job is in the preparation, not the act of painting (e.g., scraping, peeling, caulking, minors repairs, TSP wash, etc.), so be sure you're comparing apples-to-apples.

Manolo D. · Answer

How many storeys? How high is the gutter? How many hours in a day can you paint? Is there lead abatement/remediation involved? Any major repairs, patching, chipping paint? Is exterior wood, stucco, masonry, or shingle? What kind of paint do you want, dunn Edwards, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin moore, glidden, frazee? Too many questions. Go to a good paint supply store, ask for a representative to give you 5 names of people who do things regularly and ask for someone who is not really busy, give them a timeline, let the rep color advice you.

Steve Kordish · Answer

@Michael Woodward  "It can be a hassle but there's really no other way.' Applies to just about about all things worth pursuing.!

Tony White · Answer

3 bedroom unit duplex. almost 3000 sq/ft. Needs some new soffit and minor repair to the fascia and guttering.

Brandon Ingegneri · Answer

zero way to know without details. Sqft, what is getting painted, and what is its current condition, carpentry and woodwork repairs, detail work, etc.

Tony White · Answer

Thanks Colleen, should I have the old paint tested first for lead content? The original paint was done in the 80's.

how to acurattly estimate exterior painting cost

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