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📌 Key Takeaway: Exterior painting averages about $3,178 nationally, or $1.50-$4 per square foot of paintable area. Interior painting runs $2-$6 per square foot of floor area, and most homes need exterior repainting every 6-10 years.
National Painting Brands vs. Local Painters
CertaPro Painters
One of the largest painting franchises in North America, offering interior, exterior and cabinet painting. Pricing and crews vary by local franchise.
Five Star Painting
Part of a larger home-services franchise family, offering interior and exterior painting plus related prep like minor drywall repair.
Sherwin-Williams / Benjamin Moore Contractor Finders
The major paint makers offer tools to find local painting contractors who use their products. They're referral services, not guarantees of quality — still vet each painter.
Independent Local Painters
Many of the best painters are small local businesses. Compare their prep process, paint brand and warranty, not just price.
Exterior Painting Cost by Home Size
| Paintable Area | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500-$4,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,250-$6,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $3,000-$8,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $3,750-$10,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $4,500-$12,000 |
Interior Painting Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Whole-Interior Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,000-$6,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000-$9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000-$12,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $5,000-$15,000 |
Why Painting Quotes Vary
- Prep work — scraping, sanding, caulking and priming often take more time than painting.
- Height — two-story homes cost roughly 50% more than single-story homes to paint outside.
- Scope — ceilings, trim and doors are often priced separately from walls.
- Paint quality — premium paint costs more but can cover better and last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does exterior painting take?
Many single-family homes take a few days to about a week, depending on size, prep and weather.
Do painters include paint in the price?
Most quotes include paint, but check the brand and product line — two quotes with different paint grades aren't directly comparable.
What's the best season for exterior painting?
Dry, mild weather is ideal. Many paints have minimum temperature requirements, so late spring through early fall is peak season in most regions.