Painting decision guides
Repaint the exterior when the coating is failing - chalking heavily, cracking, or peeling - rather than on a fixed calendar. This Old House notes a properly applied exterior paint job should last five to 10 years, depending on paint, substrate and climate. Interior repainting is discretionary unless surfaces are damaged, so prioritize by wear: kitchens, baths, hallways and trim before bedrooms.
The main decision is timing. Exterior paint that is still sound but faded can usually wait; exterior paint that is cracking or peeling cannot, because water is now reaching the substrate and the repair bill grows. Walk the house and look at the north and weather-facing sides first - they fail first.
If you're selling, be realistic about return. Fresh paint helps a listing look cared for, but a full exterior repaint at roughly $4,400-$8,800 for a 2,000-square-foot house is a large bet on a sale price. Targeted work - front elevation, trim, front door, worn interior rooms - usually does more per dollar.
The contractor decision matters more than the product decision. You want written prep scope, proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, a written workmanship warranty, and - for a pre-1978 home - a verifiable EPA or state Lead-Safe Certification. Anyone reluctant to supply those is telling you something.
Finally, decide what you're willing to live with. Paint is reversible and relatively cheap compared to structural work. Do not let a contractor upsell you into stripping a whole house when spot repair, priming and two coats will get you another decade.
Choosing painting between the options
The judgement calls that decide the bill, before anyone quotes you.
- Repaint on condition, not on schedule Chalking, cracking, exposed wood and peeling are the triggers. Fading alone usually isn't.
- Fix water first, always Roof, gutters, flashing and grading come before paint. Otherwise you are buying the same failure twice.
- Prioritize the surfaces that get touched Trim, doors, kitchens and hallways wear out years before bedroom walls do.
- Verify insurance with the insurer, not the contractor Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from their agent. Screenshots and PDFs are easy to fake.
- Don't hire from a door knock Storm-chasing and door-to-door painting crews are a persistent source of complaints. Take the time to get local references on comparable jobs.
All painting decision guides
Painting Repair vs Replace
Painting DIY vs Pro
Painting Budget vs Premium
Where these figures come from
Sources last checked
- This Old House - Cost to Paint House Exterior (updated 03/06/2026) · retrieved 2026-07-25
- EPA - RRP Program: Contractors · retrieved 2026-07-25
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