How much does home exterior painting cost?

Your home is an important place, so you should make it look its best. This price guide will explain how much it will cost to have the exterior of your home painted, based on different services and locations. 

The average hourly rate for painters in Australia is $40. This, of course, depends on the job they are tasked to complete. It costs, on average, $2,800 to paint the exterior of a home. This price varies depending on the size of the house, where you’re located in Australia and any other additional services you require.  

Whether you need a single storey, two-storey or three-storey house painted, you may also need to paint your windows, front porch and doors, which can increase the price. This guide will be the first step to you getting your home looking brand new!

What factors affect the price of home exterior painting services?

There are many factors that can affect the price of painting the exterior of your home. Sometimes your home may need extra care before they start painting, so here are a few factors that can affect the price of painting services in Australia: 

• Size of the house you need to be painted

• Paint included

• Supplies

• Location of the house

• Lead testing

• Preparation before painting the house

Home exterior painting prices for different types of services

Prices for home exterior painting can vary from service to service. Some painters are paid by the hour, but others charge based on house size and any other services added to the original paint job requested.

Painting prices for different types of services

If you’re in need of painting other parts of the house other than just the exterior itself, the painter can offer the following additional services. Here is a breakdown of the average price of each service:

These prices vary due to the size and amount of the additional services you require. Some painters will include these prices into the final cost, but be aware that some may add these on separately. 

Average hourly rate for home exterior painters

Depending on whether the painter you hire is professionally trained or not, the hourly rate can vary. Fair Work Australia has set the Building and On-site Service Award Pay Guide for painters at the following rates:

These rates are based on averages from Fair Work Australia. The prices will vary, once again, depending on the service that is required, and any other factors that may affect the price. Some are listed below:

• Travel expenses

• Painting supplies

• Location

• Additional painting services

• Lead testing

• Type of paint used (e.g., Colorbond Basalt vs Monument or Dover White vs Surfmist)

• Condition of the home prior to painting

• House’s texture

Getting your home tested for lead is an essential step before getting your home’s exterior painted. If your home was built prior to 1978, be sure to get your house tested. Some painters can do this as part of their process, although it will extend the painting service time and may increase the price.

Do I need to hire a painter?

If you’re thinking of getting your home painted, you can always do the job yourself. However, due to the size of a house’s exterior, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to do the job for you. It’s best to hire a painter when you need to paint the following areas:

• Single storey home

• Double-storey home

• Three-storey home

• Gutters

• Porch

• Doors and windows

• Shutters

When it comes to painting the exterior of a home, there are many reasons why you should hire a professional. The main reason is due to safety concerns. Professional painters are qualified in tackling these heights and have the training in painting difficult areas such as windows and gutters. They can also help you with determining which colours best suit your home, and the longevity of your paint choice.

What are some questions to ask a painter?

Before you hire a painter to paint the exterior of your home, there are a few questions that you definitely need to ask, to make sure you’re getting the best possible professional for the job. 

• Are they licensed?

• Are they insured?

• How qualified are they?

• What is included in their quote?

• Do they clean up after they’ve completed the job

• What kind of materials do you use?

• Do you require any prep before you start painting?

• Do you provide your own supplies?

Prior to hiring a painter, be sure to find out these questions, as they can determine the paint job that you will receive. Depending on your location, it’s very important that you find out if they’re licensed or not. 

In Queensland, any painting job over $3,300 must be done by a licensed painter. In New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, you need a licensed painter for any job over $1,000.

Getting ready to hire someone to paint the exterior of your home

Getting ready to give your home a fresh lick of paint? Let’s get started! Here are the things you’ll need to prepare for your listing. Explain your task, post your listing, review your offers, select the right person and they’ll get your building safe! 

Here are some things to include in your listing:

• Size of required painting area (not the same as the measurement of the actual home)

• Area to be painted (i.e. front doors, windows, entire 2 stories etc)

• Condition of home’s exterior (been power washed or not)

• Any extra services you require to have painted

• Location

• Budget

• Whether you supply materials

The more information you include in this listing, the better your outcome will be. It makes it much easier for the painter when they come to help you out. It’s also a good idea to have everything listed down, so they can refer to it later if they need to.