Quote-ready planning calculator
Exterior Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate a planning range for exterior repainting, prep, and trim refresh work. Review assumptions, exclusions, and quote-ready next steps before contacting a contractor.
Last updated: 2026-06-30
Quick answer
What this estimate covers
This calculator estimates a low, midpoint, and high planning range for exterior painting using your project size, material tier, labor complexity, DIY share, removal, permit allowance, and contingency inputs.
- Current planning range
- $5,792 / $6,435 / $7,722
- Main cost factors
- Size, material allowance, labor complexity, removal, permits, DIY share, and contingency.
- Best next step
- Compare material tiers, then download the quote checklist before contacting contractors.
Project planning next steps
Planning range
$5,792 / $6,435 / $7,722
- Materials
- $1,458 / $1,620 / $1,944
- Labor
- $3,807 / $4,230 / $5,076
- Removal
- $0 / $0 / $0
- Permit
- $0 / $0 / $0
- Contingency
- $527 / $585 / $702
Save the planning artifact
Download the checklist now; email delivery is not enabled for this launch.
Assumptions
- Paintable area is estimated from exterior surface area rather than floor area.
- Standard scraping, washing, caulking, and spot priming are included in labor bands.
- Two finish coats are assumed where appropriate for coverage.
- Selected size: 1800 paintable square feet.
Exclusions
- Lead paint abatement, extensive rot repair, siding replacement, or scaffold rental.
- Color consultation, specialty coatings, murals, or historical restoration.
- Interior painting, roof work, gutters, and window replacement.
Contractor quote checklist
Scope details to confirm
- Paintable area
- Number of colors
- Prep level and damaged trim
Quote questions
- What prep steps are included?
- Which paint line is quoted?
- How is weather delay handled?
Materials to compare
- Primer
- Paint line and sheen
- Caulk, patching compounds, and masking materials
Budget range to verify
- Planning range: $5,792–$7,722.
- Ask contractors to break out materials, labor, removal, permits, and contingency rather than giving one lump sum.
- Confirm whether DIY labor share (0%) changes warranty or schedule assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Exterior Painting Cost Calculator estimate include?
It estimates a low, midpoint, and high planning range using project size, material tier, labor complexity, optional removal, permit allowance, DIY share, and contingency inputs.
Is this a contractor quote?
No. It is a planning range for homeowner quote preparation, not a bid, guarantee, contractor match, or lead-selling service.
What should I do after reviewing the range?
Review the assumptions and exclusions, compare material tiers, and use the quote checklist to ask each contractor about the same scope items.