Exterior house painting cost in Houston, TX
For house painting in Houston, describe damp ground and standing water and the work you want done. Border Quotes looks for an independent local provider.
Typical price ranges
HomeGuide puts professional exterior painting at $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot house. Size, stories, siding type and prep work drive the price.
- Per square foot, labor and paint: $1.50–$5.00
- Average 2,000 sq ft house: $3,000–$10,000
- Painter labor per hour: $25–$75
- 1,500 sq ft house (about 1,200 sq ft paintable): $1,800–$6,000
- 2,500 sq ft house (about 2,100 sq ft paintable): $3,200–$10,500
- Wood siding: $1.50–$5.00 per sq ft
- Vinyl siding: $1.50–$4.50 per sq ft
- Stucco: $2.00–$5.00 per sq ft
- Brick: $2.50–$5.00 per sq ft
Source: HomeGuide, Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House, updated July 9, 2025, accessed October 29, 2026. National averages, not a quote; your price depends on your project. HomeGuide, Cost to Paint the Exterior of a House. HomeAdvisor's range is $1.50 to $4 per square foot of paintable area. HomeAdvisor, Cost to Paint a Home Exterior
Local labor costs in Houston
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median wage of $22.18 an hour for construction and maintenance painters in the Houston metro area, 7% below the national median of $23.75. Labor is a large part of these jobs, so local wages are one reason quotes here can differ from the national ranges.
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston metro area (SOC 47-2141)
Local rules and tips for Houston
Houston's heat and humidity affect how paint cures. Ask the painter which product they will use and to follow the temperature and humidity limits on its data sheet, how they handle mildew before priming, and how weather delays are scheduled.
EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting program
Houston has a humid Gulf Coast climate and relatively flat terrain. Rain and damp ground are useful details to mention when describing an outdoor project. For a repaint, distinguish interior rooms from weather-exposed exterior surfaces and show the existing coating.
Hiring in Texas: license and permit checks
Texas has no general state contractor license. Certain trades require state licenses: electrical, air conditioning and heating through TDLR, and plumbing through the state plumbing board; check the requirements for the work you need.
Ask the provider for the license or registration number if their trade requires one, and ask about insurance. Confirm city or county permits with the local building department and get a written scope of work.
What changes the price
- Paintable wall area, which is smaller than the floor area once windows and doors are subtracted.
- Number of stories and access: second stories need ladders or lifts.
- Siding: stucco and brick are porous and take more paint.
- Prep: pressure washing, scraping, caulking, wood repair and primer.
- Trim, doors, shutters and accent colors.
- Lead-safe work on homes built before 1978.
How to choose a provider
- Get at least three written quotes that list the same scope, materials and cleanup.
- Check the license (where your state requires one) and ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Ask who pulls the permit and whether the permit fee is in the price.
- Agree on a payment schedule tied to finished work; avoid paying most of the price up front.
- Get the warranty for labor and materials in writing.
Red flags
- Cash-only deals or pressure to sign the same day.
- No written contract, no address and no proof of insurance.
- A price far below every other quote with a vague scope.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm from crews you cannot verify.
Services in Houston
Other areas
Exterior house painting cost guides
What exterior painting usually costs, with sourced price ranges and local rules.
Get a local quote
Border Quotes is a referral service, not a contractor. Send your project and ZIP code; we look for an independent local provider who can quote it. This service is new, so we cannot promise availability, and we tell you if we cannot find one.
FAQ
How much does exterior painting cost in Houston?
HomeGuide puts professional exterior painting at $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot house. Size, stories, siding type and prep work drive the price. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median wage of $22.18 an hour for construction and maintenance painters in the Houston metro area, 7% below the national median of $23.75. Labor is a large part of these jobs, so local wages are one reason quotes here can differ from the national ranges.
Are there local rules for exterior painting in Houston?
Houston's heat and humidity affect how paint cures. Ask the painter which product they will use and to follow the temperature and humidity limits on its data sheet, how they handle mildew before priming, and how weather delays are scheduled.
Which license and permit checks apply in Texas?
Texas has no general state contractor license. Certain trades require state licenses: electrical, air conditioning and heating through TDLR, and plumbing through the state plumbing board; check the requirements for the work you need. Ask the provider for the license or registration number if their trade requires one, and ask about insurance. Confirm city or county permits with the local building department and get a written scope of work.
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
HomeGuide reports $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot house, including labor and materials.
My house was built before 1978. What should I ask?
Federal EPA rules require firms that disturb paint in pre-1978 homes to be EPA Lead-Safe certified and follow lead-safe work practices. Ask for the firm's certification before work starts.
How do I compare painting quotes?
Make sure each quote lists the same surfaces, number of coats, paint brand and product line, prep steps, repairs, and who supplies the paint.