How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Colorado?

How much does it cost to paint a house? This is a great question and one that can be complex. We’re going to take the time here to try to give you the best information possible to help you navigate all things cost related to paint. After all, there’s no better way to maintain the appearance and value of your home than to add a new layer of paint. 

This article will give you insight into the cost to paint a house. We’ll break down all of the expenses associated with painting so you know what to expect as you move forward. 

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On average, you can expect a painting job to cost about $0.90 to $5 per foot on a nationwide basis. In Colorado, the painting process usually averages $4,000.00 to $7,000.00. 

However, these costs can vary. On the lower end, some jobs might be less than $1,000.00, and on the high end, painting can reach costs of $15,000.00 or more.

The price to paint a house will depend on many factors, which we’ll be going into in detail below. Read on for all the information you need about residential painting costs.

Cost Breakdown of House Painting

When asking “How much does it cost to paint a house?”, keep in mind that prices will be based on multiple factors. The cost of painting a house is based largely on wall square footage of the surfaces that need to be painted or the floor square footage of the space being painted. Both are ways painters measure a project in order to determine cost.

The number of stories of the home can also impact the cost to paint a house. The taller it is, the more surface area is present. In addition, height makes the job more complicated for painters as they will be working from ladders.

However, house size isn’t the only thing to consider in terms of the cost to paint a house. Labor costs will also vary. Contractors will have different pricing structures and varying amounts of internal overhead.

Also, the type of surface you have determines technique. For example stucco is a surface that requires a more labor intensive process than traditional siding.

Paint cost & spread rates are other factors that affect cost. Paint can range from around $20 to $80 a gallon depending on the brand and paint line within a certain brand, while spread rate has to do with how far a gallon of paint will achieve coverage over a given surface.

Using the example above, stucco is a porous surface that requires more paint than traditional siding. Both become factors that can have a huge impact on the final cost.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Painting a House

In answering the question, “How much does it cost to paint a house exterior,” there are many important factors that go into providing an accurate cost estimate. A few of the most apparent ones that were covered above are size of the project, height, and paint cost.

However, the general rule is that prep is the single most cost determinate factor for pricing. Some other factors are important as well and we’ll cover each one below in more detail.

All of these factors are considered when you use our exterior painting services:

Amount of Prep Work

Let’s start with the most important part of any exterior painting project. If the exterior of your home has damage, it needs to be repaired before painting can start.

The general process for prep is power washing, removing old paint that is loosely adhered, filling gaps and cracks with caulking, and priming raw areas on the home. If there are areas that are beyond repair using these prep steps then siding replacement could be necessary as well. 

Experienced painting contractors will make sure the job is done right. The costs for each of these forms of prep will vary. For instance pressure washing a home could cost anywhere from $100 to $650. However, the other forms of prep are generally built into the cost of the overall estimate using time and material estimating methods. 

To give an example, a two-story 2,500 square foot home with siding in good condition and basic trim with one body color and one trim color would cost around $4,500.00 to paint. That same house with heavy scraping, priming, and caulking as well as some wood replacement could be estimated at $7,000.00 or more.

Trim, Details, and Colors

While painting the exterior of the home assumes some trim work as part of the job, some houses have more trim detail than others. If your exterior has window trim, paintable window sashes, front porch details, dormers, wood shake, crown molding, rafter tails, and other assorted detail then the time to complete the job will be substantially increased. 

Color transitions also create additional time and material. Painting a ranch style house monochromatic is a simple scheme taking a couple days, whereas one of the iconic Painted Lady Victorians in San Francisco would require detail that would take weeks. 

When thinking about the cost for this portion, most contractors price not in square footage or linear foot measurements but using time and material calculations. This is one of the many reasons an onsite walkthrough is necessary for accurate estimating. 

Location and Climate

Climate and location are crucial factors in choosing the right paint, and this is especially true in Colorado and Denver, where weather conditions can fluctuate significantly. These local conditions require paints that can handle both sunny and harsh snowy seasons.

For instance, in sunny areas, some paint can fade more easily and very faded paint leaves a surface dry. This soaks up more paint in the process and therefore costs more to paint. Also, areas with harsh weather need paint that can handle the elements.

Prices also vary based on where you live. As an example, a 1,500-square-foot home in the Southwest might cost $2,500 to paint while the same home could cost $5,000 to paint in New England.

Substrate Material

The type of surface that's getting painted has a huge impact on the answer to the question: How much does it cost to paint a house?

For instance, vinyl and wood siding may cost about $1-$1.50 per square foot to paint since it is not porous. Brick, concrete, and stucco vary based on the amount of primer and labor needed but start around $2.00 per square foot.

As a general rule, the more porous and rough a substrate is, the more costly it is to paint. 

Permits

Painting the outside of your home doesn’t require a permit. However, if siding replacement is required, this may necessitate a permit. The cost for a permit ranges from around $200 to $300.

Once the replacement process is complete, an inspection is required. This process costs about $100 to $200 depending on regulations in the city the home is located in.

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How to Calculate the Cost of Painting a House

So how much does it cost to have a house painted? Start by taking some simple measurements you can do with a measuring wheel and a laser for height.

Measure the perimeter of the home and multiply this by the average height of the home. Most contractors “bid it solid” which means they don’t subtract out windows, doors, and other non painted areas. Use the substrate square foot cost above based on the type of surface you have to get a ballpark cost.

The above method will provide preliminary pricing for labor, paint, and other materials. However, prep, carpentry, color changes, detailed trim and other details will require a professional who can provide you with a more thorough proposal after an in-person consultation. 

What’s the Average Cost to Paint a House in Colorado?

In Colorado, the costs for painting services are often influenced by the state's distinct environmental conditions. Given the fluctuating weather, homeowners tend to opt for high-quality, weather-resistant paints, which can be on the pricier side. On average, you can expect to pay around $4,000 to $7,000 for painting services.

DIY vs. Professional Painting: What’s More Cost Effective?

DIY painting can be less expensive, but that’s not always the case. There are also additional factors to be aware of. You’ll need to consider all of these things when you’re determining how much it costs to paint a house. 

Let’s say you have a two-story home, a few weeks set aside, and you’re handy with a brush. The average material cost to paint your home is about $500 to $1,000 plus $200 to $500 for any equipment and materials you need.

Keep in mind that material costs are less expensive for professionals as they can access paint and supplies at a discounted rate. In addition, they can do the job quickly, professionally, and cleanly. 

Exterior housing paint also involves repairs, prep, and maybe material replacement. If something is done wrong, it can quickly make the cost more than it would be to bring in a professional. 

In addition, there’s a safety factor to consider. Large ladders can be cumbersome and dangerous if not placed and climbed safely. There are also situations that require a two-man ladder team for the safety of the climber. Walking on steeply pitched roofs is another area to consider. DIY can be a great solution but only in so much as you work safely as well as efficiently. 

You will likely save money doing the project on your own but it will take more time than bringing in a professional. Painting an exterior is challenging compared to painting a room so plan accordingly if you do it yourself. 

Get a Painting Price Estimate With Singletrack Painting

At this point, if someone asks you, “How much does it cost to get a house painted,” you should have a great answer for them. However, the best option is to get a professional estimate for a comprehensive breakdown of how much it costs to paint your specific home.

When you're ready to find out how much it costs to paint your home in the Denver or broader Colorado area, Singletrack is your local expert and is here to help you. All you have to do is reach out to us and request a quote. We’ll gather information and get you a number so we can move forward together.

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