As a knowledgeable and dependable Sydney painter with over 10 years of experience, I’ve painted my fair share of two-story houses. If you want to give your two-story home a fresh coat of paint, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. The cost depends on several factors, including the size of your house, the number of coats needed, the type of paint used, and who does the work. In this blog post, I’ll break down the major cost factors so you can budget for your next exterior or interior painting project.
Size Matters
The overall size of your two-story home is the biggest factor in determining house painting costs. Larger homes require more paint and labour hours to complete the job. As a general guideline for exterior painting:
- Small 2-story home (under 2,000 sq ft) – $2,000-$3,500
- Medium 2-story home (2,000 to 3,000 sq ft) – $3,500-$5,000
- Large 2-story home (over 3,000 sq ft) – $5,000-$8,000+
On the interior, you can expect costs of:
- Small 2-story home (under 2,000 sq ft) – $1,500-$2,500
- Medium 2-story home (2,000 to 3,000 sq ft) – $2,500-$3,500
- Large 2-story home (over 3,000 sq ft) – $3,500-$5,500+
Keep in mind that if you’re painting just a portion of the interior, like certain rooms or trims, costs will be lower. I always recommend getting an on-site estimate to account for your project’s unique size and scope.
Prep Work Makes Perfect
In addition to painting, proper prep work is crucial for achieving a quality paint job. This includes:
- Cleaning surfaces
- Light scraping and sanding
- Caulking cracks and holes
- Patching damaged areas
- Priming
For exteriors, prep work may also involve power washing, removing loose paint, repairing siding, and masking off non-painted areas. Proper prep accounts for 30-40% of total house painting costs. So don’t overlook this important step!
Paint Quality Matters
When it comes to paint, you get what you pay for in terms of coverage, durability, and longevity. Here are the cost differences among paint grades:
- Economy paint – $20-$35 per gallon. Only 1-2 coat coverage.
- Mid-grade paint – $35-$50 per gallon. Decent 2-coat coverage.
- Premium paint – $50-$80+ per gallon. Excellent coverage and durability.
While premium paints cost more upfront, they often provide the best value over time since they last longer before needing repainting. I recommend investing in quality paint with built-in primers for most homes.
Labour Costs Add Up
Unless you plan on being your painting contractor, labour costs make up a significant portion of your total painting bill. Painting requires skilled professionals with the right tools, equipment, and experience to do the right job.
On average, experienced and licensed painters in Sydney charge $50 per hour per painter. For a two-story home, you’ll likely need a full 2-4 person crew working multiple days to complete the project efficiently. This can add $1,000 or more to your total painting costs. Be sure to get a detailed labour estimate from potential painting companies.
Number of Coats
Expect to apply at least 2 coats of high-quality paint; priming is excluded for best results. While some economy paints claim “one-coat coverage,” most surfaces need 2 coats for complete and even coverage. Adding a third coat drives up paint quantity and labour time. When repainting over similar colours, sometimes 1-2 coats suffice.
DIY vs Professional Painting
Doing it yourself can save on labour costs, but be prepared to invest significant time and effort. Lack of experience can also lead to subpar results, requiring re-doing work or calling in a house painter. Consider your skill level before tackling a large two-story painting project solo.
Hiring professional house painters leverages years of experience for top-notch results. And it frees up your time for more important things than home painting projects. Just get 3-4 estimates and check references to find a reputable company.
Additional Cost Factors
Other variables that can impact your total two-story painting costs include:
- Current colour vs new colour (darker colours may require additional coats)
- Type of siding (wood vs brick, stucco, etc)
- Accessibility (higher costs for 2nd story or high ceilings)
- Additional repairs needed
- Time of year (peak season rates)
- Your geographical location
- Disposal fees for waste
The best way to get an accurate painting estimate for your project is to contact local professional painters, such as myself, to provide on-site inspections and customized quotes. Be wary of any company that provides broad price ranges without seeing your home first.
FAQs
Should I paint the interior or exterior first?
I recommend tackling the exteriors first while the weather is optimal. This allows ample thorough prep work and proper dry time between coats. Then focus on interiors when weather turns colder.
How long does it take to paint a two-story house?
For proper prep and two coats, expect 5-7 business days for a medium-sized two-story home. Larger homes can take 10 or more days.
Should I use the same paint brand throughout?
Yes, sticking with the same manufacturer ensures optimal colour consistency across all painted surfaces, inside and out.
How long does house paint last?
On average, exterior paints should last 5-7 years before needing touch-ups. Interior paints can last 3-5 years under normal wear and tear. Higher-quality paints last longer. Proper prep and maintenance extend the paint’s lifetime.
What’s the best time of year to paint a house?
It’s best to paint exteriors between late spring and early fall when temperatures are consistently mild and rain-free. For interiors, any time of year works, but avoid major holidays.
Painting your two-story home is a significant investment. But proper planning, prep, materials, and hiring qualified painters pay off with years of beautiful results.