The Cost of Exterior Painting: Budgeting and Factors to Consider

July 25, 2024

Is there anybody out there who likes paying too much for exterior painting? We didn’t think so…

That’s why it can pay (literally) to do a little research before getting a job of this size done. So, how much does an exterior paint job really cost? Well, the short answer is: it depends; and exactly what it depends on is what this article is all about! Let’s dive in.

What Goes Into the Cost of Exterior Painting in Rhode Island?

Before we talk about the numbers themselves, it’s important to remember that exterior painting involves many parts that contribute to the overall cost. To name a few:

Labor Costs: Labor is often the most significant expense in an exterior painting project. The costs associated with labor can vary based on the experience of the painters, the size of the crew, and the complexity of the job. Keep in mind, skilled painters may charge higher rates, but their expertise can ensure a high-quality finish that lasts longer.

Material Costs: The type and quality of paint you choose will significantly impact the overall cost too. Higher-quality paints tend to be more expensive but offer better coverage, durability, and longevity. Besides paint, other materials like primers, sealants, brushes, and rollers also add to the total cost.

Preparation Costs Proper surface preparation is crucial for a successful paint job. This may include cleaning, scraping, sanding, and repairing any cracks or holes in the surface. Preparation costs can vary widely depending on the condition of your home’s exterior and the extent of the work needed to prepare the surface for painting.

Factors Influencing Exterior Painting Costs

Okay, so you understand the variety of costs involved, now it’s just straight forward pricing, right? Almost. You also want to make sure you keep in mind the factors that will affect the pricing too. Things like:

The Size of the Home: The larger the home, the more paint and labor will be required, and increasing the overall cost. Painters typically charge by square footage, so having an accurate measurement of your home’s exterior is essential.

The Condition of the Existing Paint: If the existing paint is peeling, chipping, or in poor condition, additional time and effort will be needed to prepare the surface. This can increase both labor and material costs.

The Complexity of the Job: Homes with intricate architectural details, numerous eaves, trim, and other features will require more time and effort to paint, which will also raise the cost. Similarly, homes that are taller or have hard-to-reach areas may require specialized equipment, such as ladders or scaffolding, further increasing the expense.

The Time of Year: During peak painting seasons (spring and summer), prices may be higher due to increased demand. But scheduling your project during the off-peak season may result in lower costs and more availability of painters.

Budgeting for an Exterior Painting Project

1. Setting a Realistic Budget

Average costs for exterior painting can range widely. We recommend securing multiple quotes from different painting contractors to ensure a fair and competitive price.

2. Unexpected Costs

It’s important to budget for potential hidden expenses that may arise during the project. These could include structural repairs, mold remediation, or addressing lead paint in older homes.

3. DIY vs. Professional Painting

While painting your home yourself can save money on labor, it’s essential to consider the time, effort, and potential for costly mistakes. Professional painters bring expertise, efficiency, and often a better-quality finish, leaving you with a paint job that will last and no risk for damage. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding on a DIY approach.

Tips for Reducing Exterior Painting Costs

You didn’t think we were going to leave you without some money-saving tips, did you?

Choosing the Right Time: Scheduling your painting project during the off-peak season can help you secure better rates. Painters may offer discounts or lower prices during times when demand is lower.
Proper Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your home’s exterior can extend the life of your paint job. Simple tasks like cleaning the surface and addressing minor repairs promptly can prevent the need for more extensive and costly repainting.
High-Quality Materials: Investing in high-quality paint and materials can save money in the long run. Superior paints provide better coverage, last longer, and resist weathering and fading, reducing the frequency of repainting.
Hire an Experienced Painter: Working with a seasoned professional means fewer curveballs and surprise expenses. It’s worth the investment!

What’s the Takeaway?

Budgeting for an exterior painting project involves a little forethought, but by planning carefully, setting a realistic budget, and considering ways to reduce costs, you can ensure a successful and cost-effective exterior painting project!

Need more help? Give Elco Painting a call!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Project Spotlight: Sandblasting a Historic Mill Building in Chelsea, MA

September 29, 2025

Like many historic mills in New England , this building carried the weight of decades: peeling paint, dust, grime, and coatings that had long since lost their integrity. Ceilings, brick walls, and wood columns were all hidden beneath layers of paint that dulled the building’s original character. Simply painting over the old surfaces wasn’t an option. To get it ready for renovation, and its next phase of life as modern apartments, the space needed to be stripped back to its bones, restored, and sealed. That’s where our specialized sandblasting services came in. The Process: Sandblasting, Step by Step Sandblasting is as much about precision as it is about power. For this project, we worked floor by floor over three levels, using specialized equipment to remove years of buildup. Protecting the space. Before blasting, we set up containment to control dust and debris, ensuring the process stayed safe and efficient. Stripping surfaces. Using the right abrasive medium and calibrated pressure, we blasted away paint from the ceilings, brick, and wooden support columns. The goal wasn’t to erase history but to reveal it; to uncover the original materials while preserving their integrity. Revealing character. Once stripped, the natural beauty of the brick and timber shone through, showing off the craftsmanship that had been hidden for years. It never gets old!

Cabinet Paint Color Inspiration for Your Rhode Island Home

September 17, 2025

Looking for cabinet color inspiration? Explore trending blues, greens, and whites, and see why painting is a smart alternative to full replacement.

Cabinet Painting in North Kingstown – Is It Right for Your Kitchen?

August 19, 2025

In North Kingstown, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house; part cooking space, part gathering spot, part drop zone for everything from school backpacks to yesterday’s mail. Which also means your cabinets can start to show the battle scars over time: faded finishes, chipped corners, and maybe a mystery stain or two. When that happens, you’re faced with a choice: replace your cabinets entirely or give them a professional paint makeover? Well, when done right, painting can actually transform your kitchen, extend the life of your cabinetry, AND cost far less than a full remodel! (Plus, it spares you from spending weeks reheating dinner in the laundry room). Why Cabinet Painting? Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the price tag (or demolition dust) of a full remodel. Some of the biggest benefits include: Cost savings: On average, cabinet painting costs 50 to 70% less than full replacement. Less disruption: Most professional cabinet painting projects take 4 to 7 days, and your kitchen stays mostly functional during the process. A full replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Eco-friendly: Reusing your existing cabinets can prevent hundreds of pounds of wood, metal, and composite materials from ending up in a landfill. Customization: Choose any color, from crisp whites to bold blues, for a personalized style. Think of it as the difference between buying an entirely new wardrobe or just getting your clothes tailored and dry-cleaned. Both improve your look, but one is a lot gentler on your wallet.

Year-Round Exterior Painting & Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Businesses

July 30, 2025

Rhode Island weather doesn’t go easy on buildings. Between salty winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your commercial property’s exterior is working overtime just to keep up appearances. That’s why we put together this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of the wear and tear. Whether you manage a restaurant, retail storefront, office building, or high-traffic hospitality space, staying proactive with exterior maintenance protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your business looking as sharp as the service you offer. Let’s walk through what to watch for, season by season. Spring: Refresh and Recover After a long winter, spring is about repair and renewal. Snow, salt, and ice can take a toll on every surface, so now’s the time to clean up and fix the damage. What to focus on: Inspect roofing and flashing for signs of water intrusion, missing shingles, or debris buildup. Clean out gutters and downspouts so spring rain drains properly instead of pooling. Power wash sidewalks and patios to remove grime, salt, and mildew. Touch up or repaint worn areas of your façade, signage, or trim, especially if peeling paint is visible. Inspect windows and doors for broken seals or cracked glass. Refresh landscaping to reframe your exterior with clean lines and healthy greenery. Pro tip: Spring moisture can hide mildew in shaded areas. If power washing doesn’t cut it, a repaint with the right mildew-resistant coating will make a big difference.

Project Spotlight: A Fast-Track Warehouse Repaint in Warwick, RI

July 17, 2025

We’re excited to share a recent commercial repaint that really showcases what Elco Painting is all about: efficiency, precision, and of course, a top quality finish. This project took us to Warwick, Rhode Island, where we tackled a full warehouse repaint with a tight two-week turnaround. Yes, it was a big space. And yes it was a tight timeline. But too much for us to handle? Not a chance! Let’s walk you through how we made it happen and why projects like this are such a good fit for our team. The Scope: A Full-Scale Commercial Warehouse Repaint Commercial warehouses don’t paint themselves, and this one was ready for a fresh coat. We were brought in to transform the look and feel of the space, inside and out. Here’s what was involved: Ceiling spray application with dry fall paint. We used this specialized product for fast coverage and minimal cleanup. Dry fall is ideal for high ceilings. Basically overspray dries before it hits the ground, meaning less mess and more control. Bright white repainting of walls and overheads. Clean white brings instant brightness to a space like this, improving lighting and making everything feel more modern and organized. Bold orange accents on beams and columns. This was a standout design decision. It not only gave the space a pop of color but also helped define structural elements visually, which can be a big plus in busy, high-traffic facilities. We knew the clock was ticking, and planning was everything. From mobilizing the right crew to choosing the right materials, we coordinated every phase of the project to meet the deadline without cutting corners. Watch the quick video below to see a before, during, and after perspective!

Deck Staining vs. Painting: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Space?

By Christine Lekberg • June 30, 2025

When it comes to sprucing up your deck , you’ll eventually run into The Question. You know the one: “Should I stain my deck… or paint it?” It’s a tough call. Both options offer protection. Both can look great. And both come with their own baggage. In this post, we’re unpacking the pros, cons, and all the murky in-between so you can confidently choose the finish that fits your deck and your sanity. No deep YouTube rabbit holes required. The Basics: What’s the Real Difference? Before you can pick sides, you’ve gotta know the players. Stain and paint may both live in the same aisle at the hardware store, but they’re totally different animals when it comes to how they treat your wood. Let’s break down what each one actually does. Staining soaks into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty, letting the wood grain shine through. Painting, on the other hand, coats the surface, covering blemishes and adding color. Want a white deck? Navy blue? Go for it. Just remember: you’re covering the wood grain entirely. Durability: Does Paint or Stain Last Longer On a Deck? Let’s not sugarcoat it: paint is more durable, especially the high-quality exterior kind. It forms a thick barrier that helps repel UV rays, moisture, and other deck-destroying villains. Stain isn’t as robust, but it’s no slouch either. Oil-based stains offer solid protection and tend to wear away gradually, which sounds bad, but it’s actually easier to manage. So who wins? If your deck gets a lot of sun or moisture, paint does last longer. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice…

How to Prepare Your Building for Summer Painting Projects: Tips for RI Property Owners

May 18, 2025

When the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s not just beachgoers and boaters heading outside; it’s painting crews, too. Summer is prime time for giving your building a facelift, whether it’s a touch-up or a full exterior repaint . But before you break out the color swatches and book a crew, there’s one thing you need to know: good painting starts with great prep. Whether you own a commercial building in Providence, manage a multi-family property in Warwick, or run a boutique storefront, this guide will help you get your building paint-ready, so your summer project finishes on time, on budget, and without the “uh-oh” surprises. Assess Before You Address Before anyone shows up with a paint sprayer, it’s time to take a walk around the building. What’s peeling? What’s faded? What’s quietly rotting behind the trim like a summer horror story? Paint won’t stick to problems; it just hides them for a minute. So check for things like wood rot, water damage, cracks in siding, or loose trim. If you spot anything questionable, now’s the time to call in a pro. Plan Your Exterior Repaint Around the Weather (Because It’s Rhode Island, After All) Summer may be painting season, but let’s be honest: Rhode Island weather has a flair for the dramatic. One minute it’s sunny and dry, the next it’s 85 degrees with 90% humidity and a surprise thunderstorm thrown in just because. Paint loves stable weather—ideally between 50° and 85°F, with low humidity and no rain in the forecast. So plan your project with a bit of buffer time. Don’t schedule tight deadlines that hinge on a perfect 3-day stretch. Spoiler: Mother Nature does not care about your calendar.