6 Exterior Painting Questions to Ask Before Your Next Project

Painting or staining your home’s exterior can instantly improve its curb appeal and boost its value. If you’re forgoing the DIY route to save time and energy or to avoid potential injury, here are some questions to ask your painting professional about exterior painting or staining to nail down your budget and get the most out of the project.

1. What Is the Primary Surface Material of Your Home’s Exterior?

First, your local exterior painter will need to know what you’d like painted or stained. They’ll ask specifically about your siding, which will influence how easy it is to refinish and what type of paint or stain is appropriate. Staining is really only an option for wood shake siding, and different types of paint and applicators may be necessary for different siding materials. Your pro will also ask if you want fascia boards, soffits, and exterior trim painted.

2. When Do You Need Your Home Painted or Stained?

Spring and fall are typically the best times to have your home painted. Most professionals will take two to three days to paint or stain your home’s exterior, including prep, painting, and cleanup. This includes siding, fascia, and soffits for a standard-sized home. However, if you need to refinish additional surfaces—such as porch railings or decks—or have a large home with more surface area to cover, the project could take four to seven days.

3. How Big Is Your Home?

Your professional painter will ask how large your home is, including the square footage and the number of stories, as this affects the materials they’ll need, the cost, and how long the job will take. Most will complete an in-person inspection to confirm measurements before beginning, but your answer to this question can get you a preliminary estimate.

4. What Is Your Budget?

The average cost to paint a home’s exterior is $3,200, but prices vary widely based on the size of the home, the paint or stain used, and the siding material. Your expert can make recommendations based on your budget, such as using a more affordable stain or upgrading to a more durable paint.

5. What Type of Climate Do You Live In?

Any paint or stain on your home’s exterior is constantly exposed to the elements, so considering your local climate is critical to ensuring your new paint job lasts and continues to provide value. Your pro may recommend specific paints or protective coatings to improve longevity in areas with heavy rainfall, excessive sun, or other harsh conditions.

6. Are There Any Additional Projects You Need Done at the Same Time?

Coupling painting or staining projects is a great way to save time and money. If your wooden fence has seen better days or you want your shed to match your home’s new paint color, tell your pro about these add-on services.