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Low vs High Cost of Exterior Home Painting in Omaha

July 26th, 2024 | 5 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Brush & Roll Painting exterior painter peeling tape off of a home in Omaha after painting a section of it white.

Are you overwhelmed by the choices when it comes to hiring an exterior painter? Maybe you’ve seen some homes in your neighborhood with beautiful, long-lasting paint jobs, while others start peeling and fading after just a few seasons. Choosing the right painter can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re worried about wasting money on poor work.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we've provided high-quality exterior painting services in Omaha since 1996. With decades of experience, we know what it takes to protect and beautify your home’s exterior, ensuring it stands strong and looks great for years.

We know we aren’t the best choice for every exterior painting project. In fact, we know we can be one of the most expensive quotes you get. So in this article, we will compare low-cost vs high-cost exterior painting quotes, so that you can find out which one is best for your project.

We'll compare prep work, materials, and the lasting results. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to make an informed decision on which painter might be best for your exterior painting project.

What to Expect from a Low-Cost Exterior Painting Job

1. Minimal Exterior Painting Prep Work


Low-cost painters often skip essential prep work to save time and money for you and them. 

Proper exterior prep work involves cleaning surfaces, scraping off old paint, filling cracks, sanding rough spots, and protecting areas like windows and landscaping.

For example, your home’s exterior might have dirt, mold, or mildew that needs to be cleaned off before painting. A low-cost painter might skip this step, causing the paint to adhere poorly and peel off quickly. They may also ignore repairing cracks or sanding rough patches, leading to an uneven finish that detracts from your home’s appearance.

Without these steps, your paint job might look uneven, peel quickly, or allow moisture to seep in, causing damage to the underlying structure of your home.

Person pulling paint brush out of paint bucket filled with white exterior house paint.

2. Cheap Exterior Paint and Materials


Using inexpensive paint and materials is a common way to cut costs. However, low-quality paints won't stand up to Omaha's weather. They might fade, crack, or peel within a few months.

High-quality paints are formulated to resist UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes. For instance, good exterior paint products will have additives that prevent mildew growth, which is essential for the humid months in Omaha. Cheaper paints lack these qualities and can result in moldy, unsightly surfaces that need repainting sooner.

3. Quick Exterior Painting Projects


Low-cost painters aim to complete jobs quickly, which can lead to sloppy results. They might not allow sufficient drying time between coats or skip important steps, resulting in a finish that looks unprofessional and doesn't last.

Rushed work can also mean that your home and landscaping aren't adequately protected, leading to unwanted paint splatters and damage. Imagine having paint spots on your windows, driveway, sidewalks, or garden plants because the painter didn't take the time to cover these areas properly.

4. No Exterior Paint Warranty


Many budget painters don't offer a warranty because they know their work won't last. If issues arise, you'll be responsible for repairs or a complete repaint sooner than expected.

A lack of warranty means that any peeling, fading, or cracking that happens shortly after the job is completed will be your financial burden. In Omaha’s varying weather conditions, a warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that the painter stands behind their work.

Exterior of home with beige paint that is peeling, chipping, and cracked.

5. Easily Damaged Exterior Paint


Paint applied by low-cost painters is more susceptible to damage. In Omaha's climate, this can mean frequent touch-ups or a new paint job within a few years. High-quality paint jobs are designed to withstand the elements and resist damage.

For example, low-quality paint might start to blister and peel after a few hot summer days or crack during the freezing winter. High-quality paints are formulated to expand and contract with temperature changes, ensuring they stay intact and protect your home for as long as possible.

Average Cost of Low-Quality Exterior Painting Project

  • Smaller houses (800-1,600 sq. ft.) are $1,500-$3,000.
  • Medium-sized houses (1,600-3,000 sq. ft.) are $3,000-$5,000.
  • Larger houses (3,000+ sq. ft.) are $5,000-$8,000.

What to Expect from a High-Cost Exterior Painting Job

1. Detailed Exterior House Prep Work


High-quality painters invest time in thorough prep work, which is crucial for a long-lasting paint job. This includes power washing surfaces to remove dirt and mildew, scraping off loose paint, repairing damages like cracks or holes, and applying primer to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Proper prep work leads to a smooth, even finish that enhances your home's curb appeal and durability. For example, after a thorough cleaning and surface preparation, the new paint will bond better and provide a more uniform appearance that can withstand Omaha’s weather extremes.

Aura by Benjamin Moore exterior paint going through paint sprayer machine to be sprayed on exterior of home in Omaha.2. High-Quality Paint and Materials


Investing in high-quality paints and materials pays off in the long run. Premium paints are designed to withstand harsh weather, resist fading, and protect your home from moisture and UV damage.

High-quality paints might include features like UV resistance to prevent fading in the strong summer sun or mildew resistance to handle humid conditions. These paints maintain their color and protective qualities longer, ensuring your home looks great for years.

Top 3 High-Quality Exterior Paint Products

  • Aura by Benjamin Moore
  • Regal Select by Benjamin Moore
  • Emerald by Sherwin Williams

3. Professional Execution


Experienced painters take the time to do the job right. They apply paint evenly, follow proper techniques, and ensure each coat is fully dry before applying the next. This results in a professional finish that looks great and lasts.

For example, professional painters will ensure that every surface is properly primed and painted, avoiding shortcuts that lead to uneven coverage or streaks. They also use techniques that enhance the paint’s durability, providing a finish that can handle Omaha’s diverse weather conditions.

4. Exterior Painting Warranty


A reputable painting company will stand behind its work with a strong warranty. This gives you peace of mind knowing that any issues will be addressed promptly and at no additional cost.

A long warranty period is a sign of confidence in the quality of the work and materials used. For instance, a 5-year or longer warranty means that the painter expects the job to hold up well, even through Omaha’s harsh winters and hot summers.

Exterior of home painted a darker blue color with white garage doors and trim.5. Long-Term Exterior Painting Value


While a high-quality paint job might cost more upfront, it offers significant long-term value. You won't need to repaint as often, and your home will be better protected against the elements, saving you money on repairs and maintenance.

Investing in a quality paint job means your home’s exterior remains protected and looks attractive for many years. For example, instead of repainting every few years, a high-quality paint job might last 10-15 years, providing better protection and reducing long-term costs.

Average Cost of High-Quality Exterior Painting Project

  • Smaller houses (800-1,600 sq. ft.) are $4,500-$6,500.
  • Medium-sized houses (1,600-3,000 sq. ft.) are $6,500-$10,000.
  • Larger houses (3,000+ sq. ft.) are $10,000+.

Choosing the Best Exterior Painting Company

When selecting a painting company, it's essential to consider their reputation, experience, and the quality of their work. A high-quality exterior paint job can transform your home, so choose a company you trust to deliver excellent results.

Look for reviews and testimonials from other homeowners in Omaha to gauge the reliability and quality of a painting company. Check if they offer detailed quotes and clear communication throughout the process.

Low-Cost vs High-Cost Exterior Painters

Choosing the right exterior painter can be overwhelming, especially with so many options that can leave you unsure about the quality and longevity of the work. This guide has provided you with detailed insights into what to expect from both low-cost and high-cost exterior painting jobs, helping you make an informed decision.

If you are looking for lasting results, you should understand the importance of thorough prep work, high-quality materials, and a trustworthy warranty.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we have the experience and commitment to excellence that ensures your home’s exterior will look beautiful and withstand Omaha’s challenging weather for years to come. We can help you make the best decisions for your exterior painting project, providing you with peace of mind and a stunning, durable finish.

GET A QUOTE

Next, download your ultimate guide to hiring a painter. By downloading your free guide, you can learn more about what to look for and the right questions to ask painting companies.

DOWNLOAD A FREE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIRING A PAINTER

Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager.