How much will it cost to paint a House Exterior Woodstock IL
Which are you- You just bought a house and you know the outside needs to be painted. You have the color of your house and want a change. You’re sipping your morning coffee, gazing out the window at your home’s exterior you realize your house is starting to look a little… well, shabby. No matter which one or you are-The paint is peeling, the color is fading, and let’s not even talk about those mysterious stains near the gutters. The time has come for a fresh coat of paint. Now the million-dollar questions hit you: “How much is this going to cost me to paint my house?” and “How on earth do I figure out how much house I actually have to paint?”
Don’t worry, fellow homeowner! I get it!! we just finished our exterior house painting project. Painting a house from its original 1972 aluminum siding to a up to date Dark grey with a pink Front door!! HEY- don’t judge!!
We at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper have been in this business for 20 years, and we’ve seen almost every type of house painting project imaginable. From tiny bungalows to sprawling mansions, we’ve seen, estimated and painted all kinds. Today, we’re here to break down the costs of exterior house painting and show you how to measure your home’s exterior like a pro.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of:
The average cost to paint a house exterior
Average Costs to paint Exteriors
Let’s cut to the chase: The average cost to paint the exterior of a house ranges from $2.75 to $4 per square foot in the Chicago suburbs. (Huntley, Elgin, St. Charles, Barrington, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Geneva etc). For a 2,500 square foot home, you’re looking at a total cost between $6,875 and $10,000.Now, before you start hyperventilating into a paper bag, remember that this is just an average. Your actual cost could be higher or lower depending on various factors. It’s like asking, “How much does a car cost?” Well, are we talking about a used Honda Civic or a brand new Tesla?
Factors that affect cost to Painting Exteriors
- Size Matters! The larger, the taller, the amount of repairs, how many obstacles are in the way, the condition of the siding- all affect final cost and how much paint is needed.
- The shape of the house will affect the cost to paint. If you have odd triangles, angles, hard to reach areas- that means more time to access and more time means more money.
- What is the condition of the surfaces to be painted? If you have mold- add add add. If you have cedar siding that has not been painted over the last 20 years- you can expect to pay a bit more to get that cedar into a surface that will last another 15-20 years.
- The type and quality of paint. It matters!!! (read about exterior paint here)
- Color! same color vs new colors can affect the time needed to paint a house
- Labor is about the same as far as time, but- labor can be about 50-60% of the total cost, FYI.
- Location Location Location! City jobs cost more- parking, travel time etc.
How can I find out how much area I have to paint?
So quick and easy- look up your house on line. Some site have that information listed about the house
Use google! look up your address ongoogle maps and using the measure feature, measure the perimeter of the house, multiply by height- BAM! done.
Then like we do on site-Lets measure!
Step 1: Measure the perimeter of your house. Walk around your house with a tape measure, laser (heck you can even measure with some phone apps!) but you need to measure each side or surface that is going to be painted. Add these numbers together. So if your house is 30 feet by 40 feet, the perimeter of your house would be 140 feet (30 + 40 + 30 + 40).
Step 2: Measure the height-This is from the ground to the highest point of the house -typically to the roofline. If your house has multiple stories, measure each side or story separately. For a two-story house that’s 20 feet high, you’d be at 20 feet.
Step 3: Multiply perimeter (Step 1) by height (Step 2) by the height (20 feet). This gives you 2,800 square feet.
Step 4: Add soffits, fascia, gables, corbels and other features/items to be painted-For triangular gables, measure the width and height, multiply them together, then divide by two. Add this to your total. Don’t forget to add time/area if you have dormers or siding on your chimney.
Step 5: For the amount of siding -Subtract for doors and windows – typical doors are about 18-21 feet windows about 14-17 feet.
Step 6: Add it all up
This is about how much area you need to paint.
If all this math is making your head spin, don’t worry. Many painting companies (including us at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper) offer free estimates and will do these calculations for you.
Final Thoughts on Exterior House painting
Remember, a good paint job is an investment in your home. It’s not just about making your house look pretty (although that’s a nice bonus). A quality exterior paint job protects your home from the elements, potentially saving you thousands in repairs down the line.
So, whether you decide to tackle the project yourself or hire professionals like us at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper, you’re now armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision. And hey, if you find yourself tangled up in a tape measure, wondering if you should count the dog house in your square footage, just remember – it’s only paint. In the grand scheme of things, being off by a few square feet isn’t going to make or break your life. Unless, of course, you accidentally paint the neighbor’s house too – then all bets are off!
Happy painting, and may your home always be the envy of the neighborhood (or at least not the one that looks like it was measured by a group of enthusiastic but directionally challenged toddlers)!
For more information on exterior house painting techniques and tips, check out these helpful resources:
Benjamin Moore’s exterior painting guide: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/interior-exterior-paints-stains/how-to-advice/exteriors/how-to-paint-exterior
Sherwin-Williams’ exterior painting tips: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/exterior-painting-tips
Remember, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional. We at Dfranco Painting and Wallpaper are always here to help turn your exterior painting dreams into reality – and we promise not to laugh (too much) if you accidentally measured your house in centimeters instead of inches!
