Why is painting the exterior of my home so expensive?

When you’re looking to start any home remodeling project, one of the first things you probably think about is how much it’s going to cost. 

Having your home’s exterior repainted may be seen as more of a low-key project. You may have even considered doing yourself. 

Because of this ability to DIY an exterior paint project, hire a neighborhood handyperson, or work with a professional painting contractor, it creates a wide range of how much your project could cost. 

So, if you’re thinking about hiring a professional exterior painting contractor, you may seem surprised when you’re presented with a quote.

Why is it so expensive? Can’t I just go to the hardware store, buy a few cans of paint, and do it myself? 

These are just a couple of concerns you may have when considering paying more for your project. However, when it comes to any home remodeling project, even painting the outside of your home, it’s essential to understand what goes into the cost to ensure it aligns with your goals and budget for your project. 

Southwest Exteriors has been an exterior remodeling contractor in San Antonio since 1989. Exterior painting is one of our specialty services. We use durable, high-quality paint products from Sherwin-Williams to protect your home and hold up against the harsh Texas climate. 

Because of the quality of our products, installation processes, and other services, we are on the higher end of the cost spectrum. 

We know we are not the right contractor for everyone, but we want you to understand why some contractors are more expensive than others. Then, you can understand the value of your exterior painting project, not just how much it costs. 

This article will outline three reasons why a high-quality home exterior painting project can be expensive. 

After reading, you will better understand the differences between a more expensive and less expensive paint project and choose the best option for you and your project. 

What makes a home exterior paint project so expensive? 

Before diving into the three reasons a high-quality home exterior paint project can be so expensive, we want you to understand the relationship between cost and quality. 

The highest quality exterior paint and installation services will never be the least expensive. So, it is important to outline your goals for your project. 

How long do you want the paint to last? What do you want it to look like? What is your budget? 

These are all important questions to consider when planning your exterior paint project. Now, let’s get into why an exterior paint project can be expensive. 

1. The quality of the paint products are higher

The first factor that makes an exterior paint project more expensive is the quality of the paint products. As mentioned before, cost and quality have a direct relationship. 

High-quality exterior paint is made not to peel, chip, crack, or blister. Because of how it’s manufactured to last and protect your siding, it will be more expensive than the cheapest paint you can find on the shelf. 

The quality of the paint primer will be higher as well. Primer is a crucial step to a successful exterior paint project for the paint to apply more evenly and the color to come through as it’s meant to. 

Lower-quality paint (or sometimes paint used by lower-quality, less expensive contractors) can be watered down. Watered-down, thinner can cause a multitude of issues. 

It will not apply evenly over the siding and fade, crack, and peel faster than a higher-quality paint. While it will make your project cost less, it is not a long-term solution. 

If you are looking to paint your house once and paint it right, then choosing high-quality paint will be the best option for you. It will cost more than other options, but choosing a cheaper paint may cause you to repaint your home in just a few short years. 

2. The quality of preparation is higher 

The second factor that makes an exterior paint project more expensive is the quality of the preparation of your home. This comes along with the quality and professionalism of the contractor. 

The preparation is just as important as the installation. A high-quality contractor will ensure all areas not to be painted will be properly covered before any painting starts. This includes windows, doors, light fixtures, and landscaping/plants, to name a few. 

A high-quality prep for painting your home’s exterior also includes power washing all areas to be painted. This ensures all dirt and buildup on the area is washed off to create a clean surface for the paint to better bond to. 

The quality of the preparation of your home will reflect in the cost of installation and labor. A higher-quality contractor will cost more. However, their processes for prepping and painting your home correctly will be of higher quality than a less expensive option. 

3. The quality of the paint installation is higher 

Did you know how the paint is applied to your home can affect the quality and cost of your project? Just as the preparation of your home must be done correctly for a high-quality outcome, the proper steps must be taken during the actual paint application to ensure a successful project. 

Different colors and formulations of paint must be applied to the proper mil, which is a measure of thickness. The proper mil is specified for the true paint color to appear and the paint to perform how it should. 

If less paint is used, it will not cost as much. However, this means the paint may not have been applied to the proper mil, or the paint may have been applied splotchy. 

The way the paint is applied also affects the quality of the outcome. It is recommended to use a paint sprayer for the evenest application. Using a roller is not necessarily a bad practice, but it is easier to miss spots with a roller, and the outcome can come out patchy. 

Just like with the quality of the paint products, the quality of the installation increases the cost. This is why a high-quality exterior painting contractor is more expensive than a lower-quality one. 

Choosing the best option for your exterior painting project 

Now that you know the three main factors that can make a home exterior painting project expensive, you can better understand what all goes into the cost of your project and can choose the best option that will align with your goals. 

Whether you decide to DIY your project or hire a professional contractor, it’s important to keep in mind what you want to get out of your project when looking at how much you want to pay. 

If you are looking for a quick and easy fix to painting your home’s exterior and aren’t concerned about the longevity of the paint, then choosing the cheapest option or contractor is probably the best option for you. 

But, if you are a long-term homeowner looking to paint your house once and have it last for the rest of the time in your home, then you will have to pay more for your project. 

Outlining your goals for your project is crucial to creating your budget and choosing the right contractor that will meet your needs. 

As you outline your budget and your goals, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to paint the exterior of your home. This article will outline how much an exterior paint project can cost and what factors most influence the cost. 

Are you looking for a high-quality exterior paint project? 

With Southwest Exteriors, we offer long-term solutions for your home’s exterior, including exterior painting. 

Now, we are not the least expensive contractor on the market. However, the quality of the products and installation services we provide will leave you with a new fresh exterior that will last and is backed by our lifetime warranty. 

If you’re looking to repaint your home’s exterior with the best products and installation, then we might be the right contractor for you. 

Schedule your free in-home consultation by filling out this form on our webpage and get the look you love coming home to!