Although vinyl siding and fiber cement boards — neither of which require regular painting — are both popular residential cladding options among American homeowners, there are still plenty of people in the United States who live in houses that have to be painted once every year or two in order to look their best.
Both wood siding and stucco, for example, have to be painted regularly if homeowners don’t want their residences to begin looking run down. Budgeting for exterior house painting, though, can be a challenge, particularly if you’ve never had to pay for it previously. Here, we break down the cost in order to help you understand exactly how much money you need to be setting aside for this home maintenance project.
What is the average cost per square foot?
Generally, house painters charge homeowners by the square foot — this means that when you begin receiving quotes from professionals in your region of the Carolinas, you are likely to see pricing based on the exterior square footage of your residence.
The range of prices from coast to coast is generally $0.50 to $3.50 per square foot. The average cost, however, usually falls between $0.75 and $2.00 per square foot. There are a number of factors that will play into your final cost, including the condition of your home — paint may not stick as well to very old siding, requiring more coats, for example — and how complex your house is.
If, for instance, you reside in an antebellum house that has several stories, columns, bay windows, and a lot of unique angles, you may be charged an additional fee for labor.
What do Carolina homeowners typically pay overall?
On average, homeowners who have their houses painted in the American Southeast pay about $3,300 in total. In contrast, those who live in more expensive areas of the nation typically pay more. The West Coast — including pricey areas like Los Angeles — for instance, has an average cost of $4,500 for house painting, while New England is more costly, averaging $4,800.
What if I want to paint my house myself?
Painting the exterior of your home on your own is a great way to save money. You’ll likely spend $1,000 or less on both paint and supplies — however, once you factor in the time commitment, you may decide that hiring professionals is worth the extra money. Depending on how large your home is, it could take several days to finish the job right, and this may be time you simply don’t have.
How do I choose the right color?
Once you’re ready to take the plunge and have your home painted — or do it yourself, if that’s the route you decide to take — it’s time to pick a color you love! If you’re not sure what hue best suits your tastes, there are plenty of home decor magazines and online interior design websites where you can look for inspiration that will take your home’s curb appeal to the next level.
If you’re ready to talk to the Hatch Homes team about an exterior renovation, give us a call at your earliest convenience. We are here to help you turn your Carolina house into the home you’ve always wanted.