How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior?
£1,000 – £6,000
for a 3-bed semi
Painting the exterior of a house costs between £1,000 and £6,000 for a typical 3-bed semi-detached, depending on the size of the property, the amount of surface preparation needed, and whether scaffolding is required. Exterior painting protects the building fabric from weathering and dramatically improves kerb appeal.
Average cost
£1,000 – £6,000
for a 3-bed semi
Prices vary by region, property type and tradesperson. Always get at least two quotes.
What affects the price?
Property size - a terraced cottage costs far less than a large detached house with multiple elevations
Scaffolding - usually required for any work above ground floor and adds £800-£2,000 depending on property height and footprint
Surface preparation - flaking paint, bare masonry, and cracks all need treating before painting
Paint type - breathable masonry paint, silicone render paint, or smooth masonry paint at different price points
Labour vs materials
Exterior painters charge £150-£250 per day. A typical semi-detached takes a two-person team three to five days. Materials including primer, masonry paint, and trim paint add £300-£800. Scaffolding is almost always a separate hire cost.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
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