Repainting your home’s exterior is one of the most practical ways to protect your biggest investment. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house, the answer depends on several things: size, siding, paint type, and local labor costs.
In Elkhart Lake, WI, most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $8,000 for a full exterior repaint, but that number can rise or fall based on your home’s design and condition.
Let’s break it all down so you can budget wisely your next exterior painting project.
Key Takeaways:
- The average cost to paint a home exterior in Elkhart Lake ranges between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the home’s size and siding material.
- Expect to pay $1.50–$4.00 per square foot for professional labor and high-quality paint designed for Wisconsin weather.
- Stucco and brick homes often cost more due to their porous texture, while vinyl and wood are more affordable to paint.
- Proper surface preparation, like washing and priming, affects durability and can add to total project cost.
Average Cost To Paint A House Exterior
Across the U.S., the average cost to paint a home exterior falls between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot. For a standard two-story home with 2,000 square feet of paintable area, expect around $3,000 to $8,000 in total costs.
| Home Size (sq ft) | Estimated Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $1,500 – $4,000 | Small bungalow or cottage |
| 1,500 sq ft | $2,250 – $6,000 | Average single-story home |
| 2,000 sq ft | $3,000 – $8,000 | Typical two-story home |
| 2,500 sq ft | $3,750 – $10,000 | Larger home with accent features |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $4,500 – $12,500+ | Large, custom, or complex designs |
Note: These are national cost averages. Actual pricing may vary based on home design, prep work, accessibility, and local labor rates. Always request an on-site quote for accurate pricing.
What Affects The Cost Of Exterior Painting?
Every home has its own set of factors that affect price. Here are the most common ones your painter will evaluate:
1. Home Size and Height
The larger your house, the more surface area there is to paint. Height also matters because multi-story homes require more ladders, scaffolding, and labor time. A two-story home can cost up to 50% more than a single-story of the same footprint because of the extra setup time and safety precautions involved.
2. Siding Material
Different materials absorb and hold paint differently. Here’s a general look at cost differences per siding type:
| Siding Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $1 – $3 | Needs frequent repainting and sealing |
| Vinyl | $1.25 – $3 | Affordable and smooth surface for painting |
| Stucco | $1.50 – $4 | Rough surface requires more paint and primer |
| Brick | $1.50 – $4.50 | Porous surface needs a quality primer first |
| Metal/Aluminum | $1.50 – $2.50 | May require rust protection and special coatings |
| Concrete | $1 – $3.50 | Needs a strong bonding primer for longevity |
Older homes with peeling paint or damaged siding may also need repairs before painting can start. Repair costs usually range from $2 to $50 per square foot, depending on how much damage needs fixing.
3. Paint Quality And Number Of Coats
Not all paints are equal. Premium exterior paints cost more upfront but save you money over time by lasting longer, resisting mildew, and holding color better against Wisconsin’s fluctuating seasons.
High-end latex or acrylic exterior paint usually runs $50 to $80 per gallon, while budget options might be closer to $25. Two coats are typically recommended for full coverage and durability, especially if you’re changing colors or covering darker shades.
If you’re unsure about which color to go with, try paint color visualizer to see what different options look like on your home before committing.
4. Labor And Preparation
Labor typically accounts for 60–70% of the total cost. This includes surface cleaning, sanding, scraping, patching, caulking, priming, and the actual painting. The better the prep work, the longer your finish lasts.
Professional painters in Elkhart Lake often spend a full day preparing before even opening a paint can. They’ll pressure wash the siding, repair imperfections, and apply a bonding primer that helps with paint adhesion.
If you’re repainting over a weathered or chalky surface, a professional’s expertise will make the difference between a smooth, even coat and a peeling one. Learn more about maintenance in our guide to cleaning painted exterior walls.
5. Local Climate And Weather
Weather plays a big role in both cost and timing. In Elkhart Lake, WI, early summer and early fall are ideal painting seasons. The mild temperatures and lower humidity help the paint cure evenly and last longer.
Working outside of these windows may require weather-resistant formulas or special application techniques, which can increase the price. To plan ahead, check our post on ideal painting weather conditions for more insights.
Additional Projects That Add Value
Many homeowners pair their exterior painting with other small upgrades to maximize value. Here’s what might get added to your quote:
| Add-On | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trim and fascia | $2 – $6 per linear ft | Adds sharp, clean contrast to walls |
| Front door repaint | $150 – $500 | Quick curb appeal upgrade |
| Porch or deck repaint | $1,000 – $2,500 | Protects against moisture and sun |
| Window trim repaint | $50 – $70 per window | Prevents seal deterioration |
| Power washing | $250 – $400 | Helps paint stick properly |
These add-ons improve the appearance and longevity of your new paint job while increasing your home’s resale value.
Return On Investment (ROI)
A professional exterior paint job delivers more than just beauty. Real estate data shows homeowners often see about 50% ROI after repainting their exterior. That’s because a fresh, clean look can make your home stand out in the market and protect siding from long-term damage like rot, mold, and UV wear.
Fresh paint is also one of the most affordable ways to modernize an older home without remodeling. Combine it with updated trim colors or a bold new door color (see our best paint finish for trims and shutters post) for a modern, cohesive look.
So, How Much does it Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House?
If your home’s paint is fading, cracking, or peeling, repainting isn’t just cosmetic—it’s preventative care. How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house may vary, but fresh paint can easily extend the life of your siding, protect against moisture, and boost curb appeal.
At S&S Painting & Restoration, our process is simple but thorough. We start with an inspection to identify any problem areas, then follow a structured approach to make sure the paint lasts for years.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Full walk-through and estimate with precise measurements
- Pressure washing and prep (sanding, caulking, priming)
- Two full coats of premium exterior paint for even coverage
- Trim, door, and detail work for a polished finish
- Final inspection, cleanup, and touch-ups
We take local weather into account, choose environmentally friendly paint with low volatile organic compounds, and use products designed for siding materials common in Wisconsin homes.
For accurate pricing, it’s always best to get a direct quote from trusted exterior painters in Elkhart Lake, WI, since every home and siding type is unique.
Call S&S Painting & Restoration at 920-332-5772 for a FREE estimate today.
