Your home may be ready for an exterior painting project, but are you?
The cost may be one of your biggest concerns when it comes to this larger project, and rightfully so. Cost is a key indicator of the value a company will provide your project, but how do you know what to expect? How do you know if the price is too low or too high?
At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have been painting the exterior of homes in the Omaha area since 1996. We strive to provide great experiences and high-quality work with our clear communication, detailed prep work process, and annual touchups for the life of your warranty.
This article will give you all you need to know about the factors that affect the cost of exterior painting. We will also provide the average costs you may encounter so that you can be prepared when you are getting estimates for your project.
Factors of the Cost of Exterior Painting
1. Size of Your Home
The size of a home is a good indicator of an average cost. The bigger the house, the larger the cost is going to be to prep and paint it. Homes that are two or three stories high can be expected to be more than a 1 story home.
The fewer square feet, the lower the estimate will be.
In addition to the size of the home, the landscaping around the home can be a factor driving up costs. If the landscaping will be more difficult to work around, the painters have to be more cautious around it, which can take more time and materials.
2. Quality of Exterior Paint
The specific paint product will have an indication of the final price. Common paint companies like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore carry a range of products from low to high-quality including contractor-grade products.
It is important to understand where specific paint falls on the spectrum of low to high, in order to find what is best for your project.
Higher quality paint will add to the cost, but with thorough prep work, the paint is guaranteed to retain color and resist fading over time. On the opposite side, low-quality paint isn’t strong enough to retain color and can be easily damaged by the weather.
Learn about the differences between low and high-quality exterior paint.
3. Exterior Surface Condition and Paint Preparation
A primary factor in the cost of exterior painting is the prep work. This is a necessary cost that is unavoidable to get the best value for any dollar amount.
One of the most important steps to exterior painting is cleaning. A thorough power wash is the first step to durable and lasting exterior paint. This is because dirt and grime are removed from the surface exposing any potential problem areas.
Some houses may have as little damage as a few nail pops or chipping paint, while others might have nail pops on every board or rotting wood that needs replaced .
Peeling and blistering paint is also a common factor that needs to be scraped, feather sanded, and primed. Some homes also have wooden windows that tend to need extra care from natural wear and tear.
Any amount of repairs that need to be done will have an impact on the price.
Caulking is another crucial step in exterior prep work that must be done to combat cracks and moisture damage. As spelled out in your agreement, this step should fall under the time and cost of the preparation.
No matter the current condition of your home’s exterior, every project demands prep work. Without this crucial step, the paint will not adhere to the previous surface and will begin to chip, peel, or fade within months.
A painter's time and detailed work will be worth the price and the finished result will last at least 10 years.
4. Local Labor and Material Costs
Every company has people to pay and costs to cover. A portion of any exterior painting quote must go to their employees to keep the business running.
Ensuring this is a factor in the cost, will tell you that the business is reliable and plans to stay afloat. Plus, they will be able to uphold the end of the warranty you agreed to!
5. Exterior Painting Warranty
Speaking of warranty, you should be offered a warranty for exterior painting. This factor might be configured into the final cost, as a company would be providing you with a service in the future.
A great warranty will help you be confident that the paint is going to look fresh as long as possible.
The Cost of Exterior Painting in Omaha, NE
- Smaller houses (800 to 1,600 square feet) from $4,500 to $6,500
- Medium-sized houses (1,600 to 3,000 square feet) from $6,500 to $10,000
- Larger houses (3,000+ square feet) $10,000 and up
Quotes for Exterior Painting in Omaha, NE
If you are receiving multiple quotes to paint the exterior of your home, you will likely see a difference between costs. Remember that the quote you receive will greatly reflect the value a company will provide.
A low-priced exterior painting quote may be from a contractor that is secretly cutting corners in their work. They may paint your home with little to no prep work and use low-quality, cheap paint. Other concerns would include hidden costs, no warranty, or thinning paint with water to make it spread further.
On the opposite side, you may find a contractor overcharging you for the value of the work they provide.
No matter the company, consider asking the estimator detailed questions on how they got that final cost and what you can expect from your project. Being thorough and detailed with your comparing quotes process, will help you be confident that you are choosing the right contractor for your project.
For exterior painting, the cost should be pretty straightforward from the beginning. You should expect everything spelled out in your customer agreement to be followed through.
If extra repairs are found during the process, the painter should bring this to your attention and ask if you would like it done for an extra cost and added to your agreement.
Cost of Your Exterior Painting Project in Omaha, NE
While starting the hunt for an exterior painting company and determining your budget, keep in mind the factors that affect the cost; the size of the house, type of paint, surface condition and preparation, and labor costs.
Exact estimates from companies are typically free. This will give you a good idea of which company to choose and how much value you believe they can provide you.
Consider scheduling an estimate with Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE. Our detailed prep work process and use of high-quality materials sets us apart from competitors near us.
Next, check out our Guide To Exterior Painting. Beginning this project, you may feel overwhelmed, so get ahead of the game and find out all you need to know and what to expect.
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