Figuring out how much it will cost to paint the outside of your house in Australia can feel like solving a riddle. You know it’s going to be a considerable expense, but getting a handle on the actual numbers can be frustrating. This is especially true in 2024 when prices for everything, including interior house painting, seem to be going haywire.
While a fresh coat of exterior paint can do wonders for your home’s street appeal and even add value, you’ll want a clear picture of the painting costs involved before picking out colour swatches.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the factors that influence exterior house painting costs and give you a realistic idea of what to budget for.
So, just how much does it cost to paint the outside of a house?
Factors Influencing How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Outside of a House
Painting a house is rarely a one-size-fits-all scenario. Just like every house, every painting project is different, and prices fluctuate for painting a house exterior. Here’s what can make those prices budge:
The Size of Your Home – Does a Bigger Home Mean a Bigger Bill?
The bigger your house, the more area needs to be painted. A sprawling, double-storey mansion will inevitably set you back more than a humble, single-storey home. The number of windows and doors also factors into the equation.
More of them means more time spent cutting in, increasing labour costs. This makes logical sense when you consider the amount of paint required and is a key factor influencing the average cost to paint a house exterior.
The Condition of Your Home’s Exterior – Does It Need More Than Just a Makeover?
Is your home’s exterior in tip-top shape, or is it sporting peeling paint, cracks, and other imperfections? Repairing these issues before painting will cost you extra. A professional painter will usually factor these into the total cost but it is best to ask, as this impacts the house painting costs.
Type of Exterior Cladding – Is Timber More Than Brick?
Painting over a smooth, rendered surface isn’t the same as dealing with the grooves and textures of timber weatherboards. The type of material your house is clad in can impact labour time and even the type of paint required. Painters will often charge more for intricate details or complex surfaces. This means timber homes might come with a higher price tag compared to brick homes, impacting overall painting costs.
Location, Location, Location – Do Big Cities Equal Bigger Expenses?
As a general rule, painters in bustling metropolitan hubs like Sydney or Melbourne tend to charge more than those in regional areas. Labour costs in Melbourne, for example, will likely be higher than in a smaller town. These varying labour costs contribute to the overall cost of painting a house exterior.
The Height of Your Home – Does It Require Special Equipment?
Painting a single-storey house is much more straightforward than tackling a multi-storey one that needs scaffolding or specialised equipment like cherry pickers for hard-to-reach areas.
Bringing in this equipment adds to the overall project cost. So, if your house requires working at heights, be prepared for a bigger bill when figuring out the cost to paint the outside of a house. This is just one of the factors influencing painting costs.
Accessibility – Easy Does It?
If your home is tucked away on a steep block with limited access or surrounded by dense landscaping, it will cost painters more time and effort to get the job done. This could mean you’ll pay a premium for their services.
The accessibility of your home’s exterior is another consideration that will impact the cost to paint the outside of your house.
Choice of Paint – Is It Worth Spending More for Quality?
Paint quality is a spectrum, and so is the cost. While it might be tempting to cut corners by choosing a cheaper paint, keep in mind that premium paints usually last longer, require fewer coats, and look much better overall.
It’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for”. Opting for high-quality paint, like those offered by Dulux, British Paints, or Wattyl will ensure a beautiful and long-lasting finish, justifying the potentially higher price range.
Breaking Down the Costs – How Much Does It Cost To Paint the Outside Of a House in 2024?
You want hard numbers? While we always recommend getting multiple personalised quotes from reputable local house painters, here’s a rough estimate based on national averages as a starting point:
| Project Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Small, single-storey home (basic) | $5,500 – $8,000 |
| Average-sized, single-storey home (moderate) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Large or two-storey home (high-end) | $15,000 – $20,000+ |
It is worth noting that these costs are just a guide, and several factors can influence the final price. For example, two-storey homes typically cost more to paint than single-storey homes, and the amount of prep work required can also affect the overall price.
Hiring professional painters is recommended to ensure a high-quality finish that lasts longer. It is advisable to get quotes from several painters to compare prices based on your specific job type.
Additional Considerations – Are There Any Hidden Extras?
When figuring out how much it costs to paint the outside of a house, a few extra things might pop up, and it is important to factor these into the total cost:
Lead Paint Removal
If your home was built before the mid-1970s, there’s a chance it might have lead-based paint. It’s crucial to have this removed safely by licensed professionals, which will add to the overall cost but is essential for the safety of your family and the environment.
Don’t forget – a professional painting contractor will include this as part of their service if required. This is one detail you want to be transparent with when getting quotes.
Intricate Architectural Details
Homes with fancy mouldings, detailed cornices, or elaborate features take more time, skill, and yes, money to paint. It’s one thing to slap paint on a flat wall; it’s quite another to make sure these delicate features shine. These fine details add charm but can also mean deeper pockets for those stunning results, adding to the total cost of painting the outside of your house.
Conclusion
The age-old question, “How much does it cost to paint the outside of a house?” doesn’t come with an easy answer. As you’ve seen, so many unique factors are at play. Ultimately, understanding the cost comes down to being informed.
While it’s a good idea to use this guide as a launching point, nothing beats securing a personal quote from qualified, licensed painters in your specific area. Remember to be upfront about your home’s size, condition, and any special requirements. This will help ensure you receive an accurate estimate for your exterior house painting project.
FAQS
Q: What factors affect the cost of painting the outside of a house?
A: The cost is influenced by the size of the house, number of stories, type of paint, surface preparation, and location.
Q: What is the average cost to paint the outside of a house?
A: The average cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Q: How much does it cost to paint a small house?
A: For a small house (less than 1,000 sqft), the cost can range from $800 to $2,000.
Q: How much does it cost to paint a large house?
A: For a large house (over 2,500 sqft), the cost can range from $3,000 to $6,000 or more.
Q: Do I need to hire a professional painter or can I DIY?
A: While you can DIY, hiring a professional painter can ensure a high-quality finish and may be worth the extra cost, especially if you have a large or complex house.
Q: How often should I paint the outside of my house?
A: It’s recommended to paint the outside of your house every 10 to 15 years, depending on the type of paint and the condition of the surface.
Q: Are there any additional costs I should consider?
A: Yes, you may need to add costs for surface preparation, repairs, and permits, depending on your location and the condition of your house.