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How much does it cost to hire an exterior painter? 2025 cost guide

It can help unify the appearance of your indoor and outdoor spaces and improve the overall curb appeal, therefore increasing the value of your property. Typically a very big and potentially complex job, this is one task that most homeowners are glad to outsource. 

If you’re ready to give the outside of your home a refresh, here's an idea of what to expect costwise for exterior house painting in 2024. 

new-house-build-exterior-painting

Cost to Hire an Exterior Painter

Exterior painting can range from $3,000 to $35,000, depending on several factors which we will look at in more detail below.  Typically, Australian painters charge by the square metre with adjustments to the cost made based on the surface being painted. 

For instance, you might pay between $15 to $45 per square metre for painting a brickwork exterior and between $12 to $60 per square metre for timber. 

While these prices are the general industry standard, most exterior painters will request to inspect your house’s exterior in person before providing a quote. 

What is the average cost of exterior house painting?

The simple answer is that it depends. The style of your home, the kind of painter you hire, the condition your home is in and more will all be factored into the final price. 

As discussed above, painters generally charge per square metre, so using this as a guide some estimations for exterior painting prices are as follows: 

House Type/Material Average Cost per Square Metre (AUD) Total Cost (for 100m² Surface Area)

Brick (One-Storey)

$30 - $50

$3,000 - $5,000

Brick (Two-Storey)

$40 - $60

$4,000 - $6,000

Weatherboard (One-Storey)

$35 - $55

$3,500 - $5,500

Weatherboard (Two-Storey)

$45 - $70

$4,500 - $7,000

Rendered (One-Storey)

$35 - $60

$3,500 - $6,000

Rendered (Two-Storey)

$45 - $75

$4,500 - $7,500

To put this into context, an exterior house painting quote may be as follows: 

  • Single storey, brick bungalow (veneer or render): $4,000 to $7,000 
  • Large two-storey, rendered brick home: $12,000 to $20,000
  • Small weatherboard home in good condition: $7,000 to $12,000 
  • Small Victorian home: $12,000 to $18,000 
  • Mid-size Queenslander-style home: $10,000 to $25,000 

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What factors influence exterior painting costs?

Size of Your Home

As already outlined, exterior painters will charge per square metre, therefore, the more square metres your home is, the more you can expect to be charged. 

Exterior Type 

The type of home exterior you have will affect the price, for example, brick walls require primers and topcoats, which may cost more. 

Paint Colour Choice & Type

The paint colours you choose can alter the price as some shades may require more coats leading to more products being used. Likewise, if you use more than one colour or opt for speciality paints such as those with a gloss or textured finish costs will also increase. 

Paint can cost between $50 to $100 per litre or more and incur additional labour charges of $5 to $15 per m² for textured or high-gloss finishes that are harder to work with. 

Detail Required 

The amount of detail required in the paint job can significantly affect the cost. For example, Victorian homes have an extensive amount of detailed trim for painters to work with. This requires more time and more attention to detail, adding anywhere from $500 to $1,500 on top of base costs. 

Prep Work Required 

The amount of prep work required will alter the painting cost, as some exteriors may require pressure cleaning or repair work before painting can begin and to ensure a great result. This can add an estimated $500 to $1,500 (varies by condition) to your quote. 

Height & Number of Storeys 

Taller or two-storey homes may require scaffolding which is an additional cost to consider and may also take up more time for painters. There are also added safety requirements that come with this. Expect an additional $500 to $2,000 to be added to your quote in these cases. 

House Accessibility Problems

Access challenges to your house’s exterior may be a problem and require scaffolding or other safety measures or movement of items close to the home. Where your home is more difficult to work on you may incur an added charge of between $200 to $1,000. 

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Potential Hidden Costs & Optional Extras

No matter how well you plan or how detailed an exterior paint quote may be, it's always wise to plan for surprises. Even the most experienced painters may not be able to anticipate where additional work may be required until they begin the job. 

Likewise, you may elect to invest in additional services such as patching or superior paint products for greater longevity. Here’s a rough guide of what to expect so you can avoid any budget challenges:

Additional Service Cost Impact Details

Paint Stripping

$5 - $10 per m² ($500 - $1,000 total)

Needed for peeling paint or where too many layers of old paint exist (common on heritage homes)

Lead Paint Removal/Remediation 

$50 - $100 per m²

This may involve stripping lead paint and disposing of it safely or properly sealing it before painting 

Repairs and Patching

$300 - $2,500+

For repairing damaged surfaces before painting

Priming

$2 - $5 per m² ($200 - $500 total)

Required for new or untreated surfaces

Premium Paint

$60 - $100+ per litre ($1,000 - $3,000 total)

High-quality, long-lasting paint for tough conditions

Clean-Up and Disposal

$100 - $500

For disposing of any excessive or unexpected waste and cleaning up after the job

Considerations When Getting Quotes for Exterior Painting

In order to get the most accurate quote, we recommend being extremely detailed in your description and allowing the painter to inspect your property. 

Key elements to include in your description include: 

  • An estimation of the square metres of wall surface to be painted 
  • How many storeys 
  • Current paint condition
  • Preferred paint colours
  • Surface material (brick, timber, cladding etc.) 
  • If any detailed painting is required
  • If there are access problems
  • Whether any additional exterior objects need painting (doors, window trims, porches etc.) 

It's worth keeping in mind that smaller jobs may not always be quoted as low as you’d expect. Your painter must still account for travel, set up, labour and materials and ensure they can cover these costs. 

What should I ask my painter?

Prior to hiring a painter, you should ask the following questions to ensure you receive the best possible service. 

  • Do you have a licence? 
  • What training and qualifications do you have? 
  • What experience do you have?
  • May I see examples of your previous jobs?
  • Do you provide written quotes?
  • Do you have the required insurance to do this job?
  • What is included/excluded in your service? 

Hire an Exterior House Painter

When it comes to finding an exterior house painter, we have you covered with our directory listings and quote comparisons. Find a trusted and experienced house painter today at Service.com.au.

Further Reading

All the costs quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are to be used as an AUD cost guide and may vary locally, and are subject to market changes.

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Can I paint my house exterior myself?

Painting the exterior of a house is a large job that requires the correct knowledge and skill. We heavily encourage enlisting a professional to carry out this job, however, it can be a DIY project for those who have properly researched the task.

What is the average cost to paint my house’s exterior?

This depends on the size of your home, access, number of storeys, colour schemes and so forth, as mentioned above.

Do I need to provide the paint, or will the painter supply it?

Typically your painter will supply the paint and include its costs within your quote. Painters often have access to wholesale rates for paint which can help to reduce expenditure on materials. Should you prefer to source and provide the paint yourself, you can simply discuss this with your chosen painter.

How long does exterior paint usually last?

Exterior paint typically lasts 5 to 12 years, though this can vary greatly based on a variety of factors. For instance, paint on homes in coastal or harsh climates with high UV/Sun exposure or high humidity will often have a reduced lifespan, so investing in a premium paint product is advisable. Other factors like surface material, application preparation and quality, and how well it is maintained (e.g., cleaning and repairs) can also affect paint longevity.