How much does it cost to paint a house?

Most of what you pay for a paint job isn't paint. On a typical project, labor and prep make up the majority of the bill, and the paint itself is a smaller share than people expect.

The four things that move the price most

Surface area. Exterior jobs are priced on wall area, which depends on your home's footprint and height, not just its square footage. A two-story home has less roof and more wall than a single-story home of the same size.

Condition. Peeling, cracking and bare wood all need scraping, sanding and priming before any color goes on. That prep is where careful painters spend their time, and it's the biggest reason quotes differ.

Paint quality. Better paint covers in fewer coats, holds color longer and cleans more easily. It costs more per gallon but can mean fewer repaints over the years.

Age of the home. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, which requires lead-safe work practices under EPA rules. That adds time and containment.

Why we give a range

Public records tell us a lot, but not everything. They don't show a sagging gutter or a room with vaulted ceilings. That's why our online estimate is a range, and the on-site visit narrows it to a firm price.