How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House?
A Homeowner’s Guide to Exterior Painting: Pricing and Budgeting
Thinking of freshening up your home’s exterior with a new coat of paint? It’s one of the most impactful upgrades you can make—but how much will it actually cost? This guide breaks down the cost to paint a house exterior, explores key factors that affect pricing, and helps you create a realistic budget.
Average Cost to Paint House Exterior
In Baton Rouge, you can expect to pay between $1 and $4 per square foot for a professional exterior painting job, depending on several variables. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000+ for professional painting.
Always get multiple quotes to ensure you're getting a fair price. Comparing quotes can also give you a better understanding of what is included in each contractor's rate, such as the type of paint, labor costs, and any additional services like repairs or specialized finishes.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Exterior Painting
Not all painting jobs are created equal. Here are some major elements that influence your final bill:
Size of the Home: More square footage means more paint, prep, and labor.
Height and Design Complexity: Multi-story homes or houses with intricate trim, eaves, or architectural features will cost more–you’ve got to factor in the cost of the crew having to rent and set up scaffolding, as well as other safety measures. On that note–make sure your crew is licensed and insured!
Condition of the Surface: Peeling paint, rotted wood, or mold will require extra prep work, which can add to labor costs. To save on costs, consider completing some of the prep work yourself–check out this list we compiled on repairs before painting.
Paint Type and Quality: Premium, weather-resistant paints cost more but often last longer, saving money over time.
Location: Regional labor rates and cost of materials can significantly affect overall pricing. In South Louisiana, you’ll want to be choosy about the time of year selected for an exterior painting project. Due to our humid and subtropical climate, weather delays can significantly extend the cost and duration of the project. Reference our previous blog post about this for more information.
Permits: In some areas, you may need to obtain permits for exterior painting. Check with your local municipality to see if this is a requirement in your area. Permit fees can vary, and failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines or legal issues down the road. It's also a good idea to ask your contractor if they will handle the permit process for you. Some contractors include this service in their fee, while others may charge extra.
Budgeting for Home Exterior Painting
To budget effectively:
Measure Your Home’s Exterior to get an estimate of square footage. Check out this how-to from PaintScope.
Factor in Repairs—replacing wood siding or sanding down peeling paint adds to labor time.
Choose Paint Wisely—investing in high-quality paint can extend the life of your exterior finish.
Add a Cushion—budget an additional 10–15% for unexpected issues or upgrades like accent trim or porch ceilings.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Doing it yourself can save on labor costs, but consider:
Do you have the equipment (ladders, sprayers, scaffolding, drop cloths)?
Are you prepared for the prep work (sanding, scraping, priming)?
Can you safely reach all areas of your home?
Professional painters bring efficiency, experience, and peace of mind—especially for multi-story homes.
Final Thoughts
Exterior painting isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s a protective barrier against weather and time. Knowing the cost to paint house exterior and understanding the factors affecting the cost of exterior painting can help you plan wisely and avoid sticker shock.
Having issues with your exterior paint failing? You’re not alone. In Louisiana, our region's climate creates some of the most demanding conditions for exterior paint in the entire country. As painting professionals who have served South Louisiana homeowners for years, we've witnessed firsthand how our distinctive environment affects paint performance and why so many paint jobs fail prematurely. Read more about how you can prevent paint from failing here.
Need Help Getting Started?
Request a quote from Rouge Painters today and see how affordable a fresh new look can be.