How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House Exterior in California?

Exterior paint isn’t just about curb appeal - it can actually be an important factor for maintaining your home. California’s diverse climate and architectural styles make exterior paint a key part of proper upkeep. 

According to the California Association of Realtors, maintaining the exterior of your home can boost its market value by up to 10% - in California, that goes a long way! Here’s everything you need to know about exterior paint costs in California.

How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House Exterior in California: Quick Answer

Exterior house painting in California will generally cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of your house, number of stories, and the material being painted, as well as the paint type and quality. The larger your home, the more you’re going to pay.

A report from HomeAdvisor highlights that the average national cost of exterior painting is around $4,000, but in California, regional labor costs and unique housing materials often push prices higher. In the sections below, we’ll break down these costs in detail, so you’ll know what to expect and how to plan.

Cost to Paint a House Exterior in California Breakdown

Here we break down the most important factors that influence the cost of an exterior paint job from size to materials. These are simply estimates and prices can vary depending on location and exterior painting company.

Cost By House Size

The size of your home is often the most critical factor in determining the cost of exterior painting. Larger homes require more paint and labor, which increases costs. Data from Angi.com provides a good breakdown of how size impacts pricing nationally. The average exterior painting cost in the United States is around $4,000. Here’s a breakdown of pricing for California in general.

• 1,000 sq. ft. home: You’ll typically see a cost between $2,000 and $4,500 for a 1,000 square foot home. Location, paint type, and labor play an important factor, even for smaller homes.
• 1,200 sq. ft. home: Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,500, depending on the complexity of the project.
• 1,500 sq. ft. home: Costs usually range from $4,500 to $6,750 as you may start to see multiple stories for this size of home.
• 2,000 sq. ft. home: Painting a house this size may cost $6,000 to $9,000 depending on where you are in California.

These estimates should be used as a baseline. As we mentioned, there are a number of important factors that influence the overall price, and you may see quotes that are lower or higher than these general ranges.

Cost By House Stories

Another important factor that impacts pricing is the number of stories in a home. A two-story, 1,500-square-foot home will cost more to paint than a one-story, 1,500-square-foot home. Taller homes require additional equipment, such as scaffolding and lift equipment, which increases the price. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

• Single-story homes: Generally cheaper to paint, with costs averaging $2,000 to $5,000.
• Two-story homes: Prices can range from $5,000 to $8,000, with larger homes costing more.
• Three-story homes: Expect to pay upwards of $7,000 to $10,000, as additional scaffolding or lifts may be needed.

Cost By Exterior Siding Type

Last, but certainly not least on our list, is the exterior siding type. Some materials are easier to paint than others, so here’s what to expect depending on your siding type.

• Wood siding: $3,000 to $8,000, one of the easier materials to paint but may require sealing to protect the wood siding.
• Stucco: $4,000 to $9,000, stone is a bit more difficult to paint because of the texture as well as requiring more coats of paint.
• Vinyl siding: $3,500 to $7,000, the simplest to paint as it retains paint well and doesn’t require sealing to protect the material.
• Brick: $5,000 to $10,000, often requires sealing and priming.
• Metal siding: $4,000 to $8,500 depending on the metal finish, may require multiple coats of paint.

Factors That Impact the Cost of House Painting in California

We’ve broken down pricing by size, stories, and siding type, now let’s take a deep dive into some additional factors that influence the cost of house painting in California.

Paint Type

The type of paint you choose can significantly change the price of exterior house painting. Premium paints often have better finishes and enhanced durability, which means they cost more upfront. However, they end up saving homeowners significantly in the long run as homes need to be repainted less frequently.

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Here’s a breakdown of each finish and how they differ from one another:

• Flat finishes: Affordable but less durable, providing little to no shine. Flat finishes are more often used for interior, low-traffic walls as they are difficult to clean.
• Satin finishes: Popular for their balance of durability and cost. Some shine to the finish, easier to clean than flat finishes. Can be used both internally and externally.
• Glossy finishes: More expensive but offer excellent protection and shine.

Size of the House

As we’ve mentioned, the larger the home the more expensive it is to paint. More paint is required, additional labor may be needed, and special equipment may be used, all increasing the cost of the job. The design of your home can also increase the price - if your exterior walls are complex and intricate, it may cost you more to paint them.

Labor Costs

Labor is one of the primary costs when it comes to exterior home painting in California. According to HomeAdvisor, labor typically costs between $1 and $2 per square foot, leading to an hourly rate between $25 and $100 per hour. It’s important to get an accurate quote before the job begins.

Multiple Colors & Detailing

If you want multiple colors and intricate detailing, expect to pay more for your exterior paint. Additional costs are often required not only for the multiple paint colors but the time and equipment it takes to paint multiple colors.

California is known for unique architecture and finishes, but that can lead to some intricate detail work that may increase the price of your exterior paint job.

Prep Work

It’s important to prepare your home’s exterior to be painted, otherwise you may find yourself repainting it sooner than you would have liked. Proper preparation ensures a long-lasting paint job. This includes sanding, cleaning, and repairing your home’s exterior as much as possible. The exterior should also be primed to ensure the paint lasts. If you don’t prep the exterior surface yourself, the painting company may be able to do it for you for an additional cost.

Permits

Depending on where you live, you may actually need to get a permit prior to painting. Check with your local government before you have someone paint your home. Permit costs can vary, but are typically between $100 and $500. If you need a permit and don’t get one prior to painting, you may end up facing hefty fines.

Maintenance & Upkeep

Regular upkeep and maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your exterior paint. Be sure to clean and touch up your exterior paint job when you can. If you neglect the exterior of your home, you may end up needing to fully repaint your home sooner than expected.

Tips to Mitigate the Cost of Exterior House Painting in California

To help you manage your budget, here are some top tips to mitigate the cost of exterior house painting in California.

Choose Professionals

Hiring licensed and insured painters ensures quality work and reduces risks. By partnering with the right team, you’re ensuring that your home’s exterior painting project is done correctly to ensure long-lasting curb appeal. At Avenue Remodeling, we offer warranties and detailed contracts, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. The Better Business Bureau also advises verifying credentials to avoid potential issues.

Do the Prep Yourself

While it may not be the most enjoyable task, you can save a lot of money if you do the prep work yourself. Clean your exterior walls and patch cracks where needed. Before you start prep work, discuss with your contractor to make sure there is no confusion about who is doing what. If your home needs extensive prep, doing it yourself can save a significant amount of money.

Regular Home Exterior Maintenance

We’ve said this a few times and we will say it again - regular home maintenance is key to the longevity of your exterior paint. Keep your home clean and address any issues as they arrive. If a touch up is needed, address it immediately. If paint is chipping, it can leave the material exposed to weather, which may end up requiring more costly repairs.

Choose Colors Wisely

Darker colors and bold colors often require more layers of paint, which in turn increases the cost of your exterior paint. If you opt for a paint that’s close to the underlying material color, you may require less paint. Choosing multiple colors will also increase the price. Lighter colors help hide imperfections and reduce material use.

Looking For a Painter in Los Angeles? Avenue Remodeling Can Help

For professional and reliable exterior painting services in Los Angeles, look no further than Avenue Remodeling. With years of experience behind our team of painters, we’ll get the job done right the first time. We’ll work with you every step of the way to provide transparent pricing, commitment to quality, and unmatched service.

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If you’re ready to turn your house into your dream home, contact the team at Avenue Remodeling today!

So, How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House Exterior in California?

As we’ve seen, the cost to paint a house exterior in California can range based on a number of factors. However, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of your home, the number of stories, and the materials you choose. There are a number of ways to reduce the overall cost of your exterior paint, such as doing the prep work yourself and choosing lighter paint colors as they require fewer coats of paint.

FAQs About the Cost of Home Exterior Painting in California

Here are the top questions we often get on the cost of home exterior painting in California.

How much does exterior painting cost in California?

Exterior house painting in California costs between $3,000 and $10,000, influenced by factors like size, siding type, and labor rates. Your location can also significantly impact the price.

How do I calculate the cost of painting the exterior of a house?

The best way to calculate the cost of painting is to reach out to a qualified painting contractor like Avenue Remodeling. However, you can also check online for some general cost calculators. Remember, labor will cost $1 to $2 per square foot, or $25 to $100 per hour. You also need to factor in material costs as well as any extra costs for additional equipment required.

Is more expensive exterior paint worth it?

Higher-quality paints save you money in the long run. While many people don’t like to spend more money up front, premium paints protect your home’s exterior and can last a lot longer than low-quality paint, meaning your home needs to be repainted less frequently.

How often should I paint my house exterior?

Most homes require repainting every 5 to 10 years, but with high-quality paint and consistent maintenance and upkeep, it may be even less frequent. 

Does exterior paint increase home value?

Yes, a well-maintained home with high-quality exterior paint can increase home value by up to 10%, making it a great investment for your home in California.

Can you paint the exterior of your house yourself?

Yes, it is possible to paint the exterior of your house yourself. However, it requires a lot of time, skill, and effort. Hiring a professional contractor ensures that you have a high-quality durable finish that not only boosts curb appeal, but the overall value of your home.

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