What drives the price
Prep is the job: pressure washing, scraping, caulking, patching stucco cracks and priming are most of the hours, and they are what decides whether the paint lasts ten years or three. The paint itself is a minor line - which is why the cheap quote that skips prep is expensive.
- Square footage and storeys
- Surface - stucco drinks paint; wood needs scraping and spot-priming
- Condition - chalking, cracking and repairs before any paint
- Paint grade - builder flat vs 15-year elastomeric on stucco
- Trim, doors, shutters and cage tie-ins as separate items
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
A single-storey with good prep habits is a real DIY project measured in weekends, not days. Beyond one storey, or on stucco needing elastomeric coats, hire it. In Florida specifically: paint is the waterproofing on a stucco house - hairline cracks let wind-driven rain into the block, so the elastomeric upgrade and crack prep are structure protection, not cosmetics.
Signs you need this repair
- Chalk on your hand when you rub the wall
- Hairline cracking through stucco paint
- Fading, mildew streaks, or bare patches
- Caulk lines split at joints and penetrations
- HOA letters
How to not get overcharged
Make every quote name the paint line and sheen, coats, and the prep list in writing - 'pressure wash, caulk, patch, prime bare spots' - because prep is where low bids hide their cut. Ask for the paint receipt at the end; it verifies both product and quantity. Florida's dry season (November-April) is painting season; wet-season scheduling gets you leverage.
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Red flags to watch for
- A quote thousands under the others - the prep is missing
- 'Two coats' promised with a gallon count that cannot cover it
- Cash-only, no licence, no insurance certificate
- Painting over cracked caulk and open stucco cracks
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?+
Painting a house exterior typically runs $3,000-$8,000, averaging near $5,000 for an average single-storey. Stucco, common in Florida, prices toward the middle; multi-storey wood siding tops the range.
Can I paint a house exterior myself, or should I hire a professional?+
A single-storey with good prep habits is a real DIY project measured in weekends, not days. Beyond one storey, or on stucco needing elastomeric coats, hire it. In Florida specifically: paint is the waterproofing on a stucco house - hairline cracks let wind-driven rain into the block, so the elastomeric upgrade and crack prep are structure protection, not cosmetics.
How long does it take to paint a house exterior?+
3-6 Days Including Prep and Dry Time. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Square footage and storeys. Surface - stucco drinks paint; wood needs scraping and spot-priming. Condition - chalking, cracking and repairs before any paint. Paint grade - builder flat vs 15-year elastomeric on stucco. Trim, doors, shutters and cage tie-ins as separate items.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Make every quote name the paint line and sheen, coats, and the prep list in writing - 'pressure wash, caulk, patch, prime bare spots' - because prep is where low bids hide their cut. Ask for the paint receipt at the end; it verifies both product and quantity. Florida's dry season (November-April) is painting season; wet-season scheduling gets you leverage.