Fast answer: Most exterior repaints land between $1.50 and $4.00 per sq ft including labor and materials. That’s roughly $3,000–$8,000 for a 2,000-sq-ft home. Price rises with extra stories, heavy prep (scraping, caulking, repairs), complex trim, and textured siding (stucco/brick).
What Drives Exterior Painting Cost the Most?
- Square footage & stories: More wall area and upper-story work mean more setup time, ladders/scaffolds, and safety steps.
- Siding & texture: Smooth fiber-cement/vinyl are faster than rough stucco/brick. Texture also reduces coverage per gallon.
- Prep level: Washing, scraping, patching, priming, and caulking protect the finish—and add labor hours.
- Paint system: Premium exterior lines cost more but resist UV, humidity, and mildew better—key in Houston’s climate.
- Details: Multiple colors, intricate trim/shutters, doors, pergolas, and metal railings increase time and materials.
Quick Local Estimator (Rules of Thumb)
- Pick a base rate: Start at $2.00–$3.50 per sq ft for typical Houston homes in fair condition.
- Adjust for stories: Add +15–40% for two stories (access/time). Very tall/complex elevations can exceed this.
- Adjust for siding: Stucco/rough masonry +10–30%; heavy trim packages +5–15%.
- Heavy prep or color change: Add +10–25% for extensive scraping/priming or dark-to-light transitions.
Example: 2,000 sq ft × $2.50 = $5,000 base. Two stories (+25%) → $6,250. Stucco (+15%) → ≈ $7,190 all-in (final quote depends on onsite inspection).
How Many Gallons Will I Need?
Most exterior paints cover about 350–400 sq ft per gallon per coat (less on rough stucco/brick). For two coats on 2,000 sq ft of paintable area, expect roughly 12–14 gallons of body color, plus trim/door paint. Thick textures and color changes raise totals.
Houston-Specific Considerations
- Humidity & showers: Plan around dew/rain. Use products designed for high humidity and follow recoat/dry times. HVAC + fans help cure.
- UV & heat: Favor UV-stable colors and premium resins for fade resistance. Work out of direct sun when possible.
- Mildew pressure: Choose exterior lines with robust mildewcide packages; wash and treat organic growth before painting.
Cost by Common Siding Types
| Siding | Typical Notes |
|---|---|
| Fiber-cement / Hardie | Efficient to spray/roll; standard primers unless bare/patchy. Mid-range cost. |
| Wood lap/shingles | More scraping/spot-priming; watch moisture content. Mid-to-high. |
| Stucco | Textured = lower coverage; hairline crack filling; elastomeric or high-build options. Mid-to-high. |
| Brick | Lime-wash/paint are options; porous areas and efflorescence need special prep. Mid-to-high. |
| Vinyl | Paintable with select colors (vinyl-safe); expansion/shrinkage demands flexible systems. Lower-to-mid. |
When Does Price Jump the Most?
- Lead-safe requirements: Pre-1978 homes may need EPA RRP lead-safe practices, adding containment/cleanup tasks.
- Rot repairs & caulking: Wood replacement and extensive sealing add labor and materials.
- Multiple colors & accent packages: More masking and cut-ins increase crew hours.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
- Bundle timing: Combine body, trim, and doors in one mobilization.
- Do light prep: Move furniture, trim shrubs away from walls, and note repairs before quoting.
- Stay near your current color: Reduces coats on drastic changes.
- Choose maintenance plans: Gentle wash + touch-ups each year extends repaint cycles.
Want an exact, line-item estimate? Text photos and your address to D&I Painting Services at (281) 315-3883. We’ll measure, specify the right exterior system for Houston weather, and price options (good/better/best) with clear prep and warranty terms.