1. Typical Exterior Painting Costs by House Type
Exterior painting prices depend on the size of your home, the surface (brick, render, pebbledash or timber), its condition, and how easy it is to reach. Published guides give a starting point. They vary, so treat them as guides only:
Checkatrade: Checkatrade's painting and decorating cost guide gives about £1,100 to £1,500 for a three-bed semi and £1,750 to £2,500 for a four-bed detached, with exterior painting at around £15 to £25 per m².
Which?: Which?'s painter and decorator cost survey found a much wider range of £600 to £4,500 for painting the exterior of an average three-bed semi, assuming the render is in good condition and only needs a repaint.
The gap between those figures shows how much access, preparation and location can change the price.
2. Scaffolding and Access
Access is one of the biggest variables in exterior work. Bungalows and ground-floor areas may need only ladders, but two- and three-storey homes often need towers or full scaffolding for safe working. Ask each decorator:
Whether scaffolding is included in their quote, or arranged and billed separately
How long the scaffolding will be up
Whether you'll need a licence from the council, for example if it goes on a public pavement
Important: make sure every quote states clearly who is responsible for arranging and paying for scaffolding. Otherwise two quotes that look similar can be very different in reality.
3. Masonry, Render and Pebbledash
The surface makes a big difference to the time and materials needed:
Smooth render is usually the most straightforward to paint with masonry paint.
Pebbledash and textured finishes use more paint and take longer to cover properly.
Brick is often left unpainted. Painting it is a big decision, because it's hard to reverse and may affect breathability.
Timber such as fascias, bargeboards, windows and doors needs sanding, priming and suitable exterior paint or stain.
Cracks in render, loose areas and algae or mould need treating before painting, and that preparation adds to the cost.
4. The Best Time of Year to Paint Outside in the UK
Paint needs dry weather and moderate temperatures to cure properly, so most exterior painting in the UK happens between late spring and early autumn. Rain, frost or damp walls can ruin a finish. Good decorators keep an eye on the forecast and may reschedule, so build some flexibility into your plans.
Because demand is highest in the warmer months, it's worth getting quotes early.
Quick tip: ask for quotes in late winter or early spring so you can book a decorator before the busy season starts.
5. How Long Exterior Paint Lasts
How long an exterior paint job lasts depends on the quality of preparation, the paint used and how exposed your home is. Coastal and hillside properties take more of a battering from wind and rain. Good preparation and quality masonry paint usually last much longer than a quick coat over a poorly prepared surface. Ask your decorator what they expect for your property and paint system, rather than relying on general claims.
6. Questions to Ask Exterior Decorators
What preparation is included: washing, fungicidal treatment, crack repairs?
Which paint will you use, and how many coats?
Are windows, doors, fascias and gutters included?
Do you hold public liability insurance?
What happens if the weather delays the job?
For broader advice on vetting a tradesperson, see how to find a reliable painter and decorator, and when quotes come in, use our guide to comparing decorating quotes.
7. Is Professional Exterior Painting Worth It?
Working at height is risky, and exterior painting needs the right equipment and products. A professional brings safe access, proper preparation and a durable finish. Our article on why hiring a decorator is worth it covers the wider benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint the outside of my house in winter?
It isn't impossible, but cold, damp and short days make it much harder for paint to cure properly. Most decorators prefer to do exterior work between spring and early autumn, and some products state minimum application temperatures on the tin.
Do I need permission to paint my house exterior?
Usually not, for an ordinary house. Listed buildings, homes in conservation areas with special restrictions, and some leasehold or estate properties may need consent. Check with your local planning authority or freeholder if you're unsure. Our help centre can't give planning advice, but your council can.
Is pebbledash more expensive to paint?
Generally yes. Its rough texture uses more paint and takes longer to cover evenly than smooth render, so expect a higher quote for the same wall area.
Should I paint my brickwork?
Think carefully. Painted brick needs repainting periodically and is hard to return to bare brick. Some older homes need breathable finishes to avoid trapping moisture. Ask a decorator, or a surveyor for older properties, before committing.
What's included in an exterior quote?
It varies. A thorough quote should list washing or fungicidal treatment, crack repairs, the number of coats, the paint system, the areas included (walls, windows, fascias, doors, gutters) and how access and scaffolding will be handled.
How often should I repaint the exterior?
There's no single answer. It depends on exposure, paint quality and preparation. Signs it's time include flaking, fading, cracking or algae growth. A decorator can assess the condition and tell you whether a full repaint or spot repairs make sense.
Will painting the exterior add value to my home?
It can improve kerb appeal and protect surfaces, but we can't promise a specific increase in value. If you're preparing to sell, ask a local estate agent which improvements make the biggest difference in your area.
How Find A Decorator Can Help
Find A Decorator is a new UK marketplace that connects homeowners and businesses with professional painters and decorators. We're in our early, pre-launch stage, so we're still growing our network of decorators in each area. Decorator profiles cover 11 regions across Great Britain: Greater London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands, North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Scotland and Wales. We don't cover Northern Ireland at the moment.
To get started, post your decorating job with as much detail as you can: room sizes, surfaces, photos and when you'd like the work done. You can read more about our exterior painting service, and if you have questions about how the platform works, our help centre explains the process step by step.
A clear job description gets more accurate quotes. Include the number and approximate size of the rooms or areas, which surfaces need painting, the current condition of walls and woodwork, whether you'll supply the paint, any access issues such as parking or stairs, and your ideal start date. The more a decorator knows up front, the fewer surprises there are later for both of you.
Final Thoughts
Published guides suggest a three-bed semi might cost from around £1,100 to £1,500 according to Checkatrade, though Which?'s survey found a much wider range. Scaffolding, surface type and preparation make the biggest difference, so make sure each quote spells them out. Get several detailed quotes, compare them on the same scope, and book early for the dry season.