Painting the Outside of a House in UK: 2023 Cost Breakdown
Have you looked at the outside of your house recently and thought it could use a fresh coat of paint?
House painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and protect it from weather damage.
The cost to paint the exterior of a house can vary quite a bit depending on the size of your home, the number of stories, the type of paint you choose, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional.
In 2023, you can expect to pay between £2,500 to £10,000 or more to have a professional painting contractor paint the exterior of an average-sized house in the UK.
The total cost will depend on several factors, including the number of gallons of paint needed, the amount of trim and detail work required, the need for any repairs or power washing first, and local labor rates in your area.
DIY painting your house can save you 50-70% off the cost of hiring a pro, but keep in mind it also requires the proper tools, time, and skills to get the job done right.
Factors That Affect Cost to Paint the Outside of a House
The cost to paint the exterior of a house depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of stories, and the type of paint you choose.
House size and number of stories
The larger your home and the more stories it has, the more it will cost to paint. It simply takes more time, effort, and materials to paint a bigger house. You can expect to pay between $2,000 to $10,000 or more to paint an average-sized 3-bedroom house.
Mansions and multi-story homes will be on the higher end of that range.
Type of paint
The type of paint you select also impacts the overall cost. Cheaper paint options like acrylic latex will cost between $20 to $50 per gallon, while higher-quality paints like oil- or alkyd-based can cost $40 to $100 per gallon.
Premium paint brands and paints with special properties like anti-mildew or UV protection also tend to cost more.
Additional costs
Don’t forget additional costs like primer, caulk, brushes, rollers, paint trays, drop cloths, and scaffolding or ladders.
These supplies typically add $200 to $500 to the total bill. If your home requires any repairs like wood rot removal, patching cracks or holes, or caulking around windows and doors, that will also increase the cost.
Cost Breakdown for Professional Exterior Painting
The cost to paint the exterior of a house can vary greatly depending on the size of your home, the number of stories, and the condition of the existing paint or siding.
As a rough estimate for a professional job in 2023, you can expect to pay between £1,500 to £10,000 or more for a typical 3-bedroom house in the UK.
Paint
The type of paint used will significantly impact the overall cost. Basic acrylic latex paint starts around £20-£30 per gallon, while premium paint with primer can be £40-£60 per gallon or more, depending on the brand. For the best results, expect to apply at least two coats.
Labor
The bulk of the expense for professional exterior painting is labor.
It takes time to properly prepare the surface, apply primer if needed, and paint all the trim, doors, windows, siding, and outer walls of a home. On average, professional painters charge £20-£30 per hour. For a typical-sized house, it can take a full crew at least a week or more to complete the job.
Additional Costs
Other factors that can increase the cost include:
- The need for repairs or replacement of damaged wood or siding before painting.
- Pressure washing to clean the exterior before painting. Figure at least £200-£500 for a typical house.
- The use of special paints like stain-blocking primer or elastomeric paint.
- Painting multiple stories may require extra equipment like scaffolding or lifts at an additional cost.
- Optional add-ons like garage doors, shutters, railings or outbuildings.
DIY Costs for Painting the Outside of a House
If you want to save money on painting the exterior of your house, consider doing it yourself. DIYing the project can cut the cost in half. Here’s what you can expect to pay if you handle the exterior paint job yourself:
Supplies
You’ll need to budget for the necessary supplies like:
- Paint: For a typical-sized home, 10 gallons of exterior paint will cost between £200 to £500 depending on the quality and sheen.
- Primer: £30 to £60 per gallon. Only needed for bare wood or if you’re changing paint colours.
- Paintbrushes and rollers: £50 to £100 for a full set.
- Paint tray, extension handles, and other tools: Around £30 to £50.
- Ladder and scaffolding: Rent or buy depending on how high your home is. Rental fees range from £50 to £200 per week.
- Paintbrush cleaner and other solvents: Around £20.
- Estimated total for supplies: £500 to £1500
Your time
The DIY approach will require a significant time commitment to properly clean, scrape, sand, prime (if needed), and paint all the exterior surfaces of a house.
You can expect it to take between 50 to 200 hours for an average-sized home, depending on the condition of the existing paint. At a rate of £15 to £20 per hour, that’s an additional £750 to £4000 in time costs.
The total DIY cost to paint the exterior of a house in the UK can range from around £1250 up to £5500 or more, depending on the size and condition of your home.
While it may be half the price of hiring a professional, make sure you understand the amount of work involved before deciding to take on an exterior paint job yourself. If the task seems too daunting, getting quotes from experienced exterior painting contractors is worth considering.
Ways to Save on Exterior Painting Projects
There are several ways you can reduce the cost of painting the outside of a house.
Buy paint during seasonal sales
Paint stores often have big sales on exterior paints during the off-season winter months and at the end of the summer. Stock up on the paint you need then to save up to 50% off regular prices. Just ensure you have proper storage for the paint so it remains in good condition until you’re ready to use it.
Consider a simpler colour palette
Dark, vivid, or multi-coloured paint schemes typically require additional coats of paint to achieve an even finish. Sticking to lighter, solid colours in the same colour family will minimize the number of coats needed and reduce your costs.
Do some of the work yourself
If you’re moderately handy with tools and not afraid of heights, consider doing some of the surface preparation and painting yourself to cut labor costs.
Tasks like pressure washing, patching holes and cracks, and painting trim areas are all jobs a DIYer can handle. Leave the painting of high, hard-to-reach areas to the pros.
Get multiple bids from contractors
Don’t just go with the first painting contractor you find. Get at least three competitive bids from reputable contractors in your area.
Explain precisely what services you need to all the bidders so you can properly compare the estimates. Often you can save 10-30% by choosing a bid in the middle price range.
Ask about discounts for paying in cash
Some small painting contractors will offer you a discount, typically 10% or more, if you pay for part or all of the job in cash. They do this to avoid credit card processing fees. It’s worth asking if they offer a cash discount when getting your estimates.
By following these budget-friendly tips, you can achieve professional results and a durable, long-lasting paint job without breaking the bank. With some patience and legwork, you’ll find ways to cut costs at every stage of your exterior painting project.
Cost to Paint the Outside of a House : The Conclusion
In the end, painting the exterior of your home comes down to balancing cost, quality, and your own priorities. Do you want a basic refresh with a few coats of standard paint, or are you looking to seriously boost your curb appeal with a high-end finish?
Either way, now you have a good sense of what to budget for a house painting project in the UK for 2023.
And don’t forget, the investment you make in properly preparing and painting your home’s exterior will pay dividends for years to come in reduced maintenance costs and increased property value.
So choose wisely, get multiple estimates, and happy painting! With some time and money, you’ll have the exterior of your dreams in no time.
