Painting · Exterior Painting
Exterior Painting Cost, Permits and Who Does the Work
First-time installation of exterior painting on a single-family home, typically handled by a painter.
Model reviewed August 2026
Typical cost
$5,600
National, standard scope
Range
$2,800 – $12,000
Low to high scope
Trade
Painter
DIY difficulty 2/5
Permit
Rarely required
Normally treated as maintenance
Do I need a permit for exterior painting?
Usually no
Exterior Painting work of this type is normally treated as maintenance or a direct swap and is not typically permitted. Always confirm with the building department that has jurisdiction over your address.
Cost breakdown
Modeled national figures for a standard single-family job.
| Low endSimple scope, easy access, no surprises | $2,800 |
|---|---|
| TypicalWhat most homeowners pay | $5,600 |
| High endLarge scope, upgrades or difficult conditions | $12,000 |
| Job type | Project |
| Cost varies by location | High |
Variants
Distinct options within this job that buyers compare before committing.
Calculators for this job
Related jobs
Related projects homeowners often plan together.
Also searched as
You may also hear this called:
install exterior painting · exterior painting installation · new exterior painting · exterior painting install cost · put in exterior painting
Frequently asked questions
How much does exterior painting cost?
Most homeowners pay between $2,800 and $12,000, with $5,600 typical for a standard single-family job. Figures are modeled national estimates, not quotes.
Do I need a permit for exterior painting work?
Usually not. This work is normally treated as maintenance or a like-for-like swap, so no permit is typically pulled.
Who does exterior painting?
A painter handles this job. DIY difficulty is rated 2/5 (5 = very DIY friendly).
Does the price change much by location?
Yes. Across the states we price, the typical cost ranges from $5,040 to $7,335 — about a 46% spread — driven by labor rates, code requirements and permit fees.