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What’s the Cost to Paint Exterior Apartment Building?

What’s the Cost to Paint Exterior Apartment Building?

Cost to Paint Exterior Apartment Building

Wondering what’s the cost to paint exterior apartment building?

If your apartment could benefit from a new paint job, the average cost for exterior painting services is around $3,000.

The pricing for painting the exterior of an apartment varies, ranging from $1,800 to $13,000. The total cost depends on factors such as the apartment’s size, the type of siding, necessary prep work, and other considerations.

Painting a small, single-story apartment with well-maintained siding, for instance, will likely be more affordable compared to painting a larger, two-story apartment with siding in need of repairs.

AVERAGE COST TO PAINT THE EXTERIOR OF A HOUSE
Average Cost $3,000
Highest Cost $13,000
Lowest Cost $1,800

 

How to Estimate Exterior Painting

How to Determine Cost to Paint Exterior Apartment Building?

To assess the cost of painting the exterior of your residence, begin by calculating the square footage of the surfaces slated for painting. This measurement forms the foundation for estimating costs and serves as the initial step in the cost determination process. However, for a more accurate estimate, delve into specifics such as the siding material and the number of stories your house comprises.

Exterior Painting Cost by Square Foot

The pricing for exterior painting is commonly based on square footage. The greater the surface area requiring paint, the higher the overall cost. A professional exterior painting service typically charges between $1.50 and $4 per square foot. The actual cost per square foot for your project will be influenced by various factors, but use this price range as a guideline for anticipating the average lowest and highest costs.

Exterior Painting Cost by Material

Refining the cost estimate involves considering the type of siding on your house. Different exterior materials necessitate varying levels of preparation work, quantities of painting supplies, and coats, resulting in varying prices.

  • Vinyl: Painting vinyl siding, a more budget-friendly alternative to replacement, costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, assuming the existing siding is in good condition.
  • Wood: The cost to paint wood siding aligns with painting vinyl siding, ranging from $1 to $3 per square foot. If any sections of the wood siding require replacement due to rot, include that additional cost.
  • Concrete: If your apartment features concrete exteriors, expect to pay between $1.20 and $2.70 per square foot. Painting concrete often involves additional prep work, potentially doubling the overall cost.
  • Stucco: Painting stucco, more labor-intensive than concrete, ranges from $1.50 to $4 per square foot, comparable to the cost of completely replacing stucco siding.
  • Metal: While metal siding doesn’t necessitate painting due to its durable, non-porous nature, choosing to paint it for a fresh look will cost between $1.50 and $4 per square foot.
  • Brick: Painting a brick exterior ranges from $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot, requiring extensive prep work and ample paint due to the rough and porous nature of brick.

Exterior Painting Cost by Stories

The number of stories in your home can impact painting costs. Single-story homes generally offer straightforward painting, with easy access to all surfaces. Conversely, multi-story homes pose additional challenges, requiring specialized equipment like ladders or boom lifts to reach higher areas. The need for such equipment and specialized techniques can lead to increased labor and equipment costs.

cost to paint exterior apartment building

Factors Influencing the Cost of Exterior House Painting

To gain insight into the potential cost of painting your home, consider how these factors might impact your project.

Labor

Labor constitutes a significant portion of the total exterior house painting cost, ranging between $1 and $2 per square foot or $25 to $100 per hour. Additional work, such as priming or stripping, may incur higher labor costs.

Location and Climate

Cost disparities in goods and services across regions affect the overall cost of painting your home. Painting expenses can be double in a metropolitan area compared to a rural community. Climate is another factor; extreme conditions may necessitate more labor or specialized products tailored to environmental needs.

Permits

While exterior painting typically doesn’t require a building permit, other home modifications might. If permits are necessary, they can cost between $200 and $300, impacting the overall project cost.

Prep Work

Preparing your apartment for paint is a crucial and often labor-intensive step. Exterior siding prep work, including tasks like scraping, sanding, power washing, and siding replacement, can cost between $0.50 and $2.50 per square foot. This cost is generally included in the overall square footage painting cost.

Painting Access

Accessing higher stories poses challenges and requires equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, or electric-powered lifts. The need for such tools contributes to the total cost of the project.

Paint Quality

The quality of the paint chosen influences the overall cost. Higher quality paints, though initially more expensive, offer better durability, color retention, and longevity. While basic paints may be more budget-friendly, they might result in a less durable finish, necessitating more frequent repainting and potentially increasing long-term expenses.

Paint Brands

The choice of exterior paint brands can impact long-term costs. Premium brands, though pricier initially, often provide superior quality, durability, and color retention. Opting for reputable brands can lead to a longer-lasting finish that requires less maintenance over time.

Trim Painting

Determine if the cost to paint your home’s trim is included in the square footage pricing. If separate, budget an additional $1 to $6 per linear foot for exterior trim painting. Discuss this with your contractor to ensure clarity on the overall project cost.

Additional Costs and Considerations

In certain scenarios, the following expenses might be incorporated into the overall cost of painting your apartment’s exterior:

Needed Repairs

Before commencing the exterior painting of your home, essential repairs may be required. These repairs encompass tasks such as re-caulking around doors and windows, removing lead paint, addressing mold issues, or fixing and replacing sections of siding. Neglecting these repairs could compromise the longevity and appearance of your new exterior paint.

Additional Upgrades

A fresh coat of paint on your apartment’s exterior can draw attention to other areas that may appear outdated and in need of improvement.

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While engaged in your painting project, contemplate undertaking additional upgrades such as a landscaping makeover, the addition of shutters, the installation of new windows or doors, or the completion of any other upgrade projects on your checklist. This integrated approach can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home.

DIY Exterior House Painting Expenses

In certain instances, a homeowner with a knack for handiwork may opt for a DIY exterior house painting project. If you don’t have the necessary tools, you’ll need to either rent or purchase items like a paint sprayer, pressure washer, power tools, and ladders, in addition to acquiring painting supplies such as paint and brushes.

It’s essential to weigh the safety considerations, as tasks like climbing a ladder for painting are often best suited for professional handling.

If the prospect of DIY exterior painting doesn’t align with your preferences, there are likely numerous local painters in your vicinity ready to take on the job.

When seeking professional painters, it’s advisable to collect quotes from at least three companies, allowing you to compare services and pricing estimates.

Tips for Cutting Exterior House Painting Expenses

To make exterior house painting more budget-friendly, strategic decisions can help you save on costs. Here are some tips to achieve this goal:

Get Multiple Quotes

When hiring professionals, seek quotes from different contractors. This allows you to understand the average cost and negotiate a competitive price for your project.

DIY vs. Professional

While professionals ensure high-quality work, smaller exterior paint projects might be manageable as DIY endeavors. However, complex jobs with multiple stories may require professional expertise.

Prepare the Exterior

Before painting, prepare the walls’ surface. Thoroughly clean, sand, and repair any damaged areas to ensure proper paint adhesion and a smooth finish.

Choose High-Quality Paints

Opt for high-quality paints when selecting the right paint for your apartment. Despite initial higher costs, their durability and coverage often mean fewer coats are needed, ultimately saving on both paint and labor expenses.

Select Off-Season

Spring and summer are peak seasons for exterior painting, leading to higher contractor rates. Consider scheduling your project during off-peak seasons when contractors offer lower rates, providing potential savings.