Painting a home's exterior is a cost-effective way to increase value and boost home appeal. Exterior painting has a 55% return on investment (ROI), while interior painting has a 107% return on investment on average.

A house exterior needs painting every five to ten years on average, depending on the location, climate, sun exposure, material, and condition. Wood siding needs repainting every 3 to 7 years, while fiber cement siding needs repainting every 10 to 15 years.

Signs a house exterior needs painting:

• Paint is peeling, flaking, bubbling, cracking, faded, or chalky
• There are exposed patches of wall
• Stucco needs patching, or wood boards need replacing
• The last paint job was longer than 10 years ago
• You are selling the home and want to boost curb appeal

An average-size house takes three to four days to paint with a professional team of three painters. A large three-story or 5+ bedroom house takes four to six days to paint the exterior on average. This time estimate includes prepping the house, painting, and cleaning up.

The best time to paint a house exterior is in spring, early summer, or fall when temperatures are 50°F to 85°F and moisture is low. Consult with a local painter in your area to select the optimal time to start your project.

The top reasons to paint the exterior of a house are:

• Increase home value and curb appeal
• Protect from the elements and weather damage
• Increase the lifespan of siding
• Change the look or ambiance
• Prevent exterior wood from rotting or insects
• Repair damage

Painting companies do not expect a tip. However, if they go above and beyond or spend more time than expected, a cold drink, hot lunch, or $10 to $20 tip is appreciated. Giving the painter a positive review on HomeGuide, Yelp, or Google is better than a tip.

Start by searching our list of exterior painters, then compare reviews and costs. Next:

• Get at least three free estimates in-person to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
• Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Ask if they are part of their local chamber of commerce or any trade associations such as the Painting Contractors Association (PCA).
• Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best exterior house painters in your area.

When hiring a house painter, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been a painting contractor?
• How many similar projects have you painted?
• Can I see your portfolio?
• Can you provide me with a list of references?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Are you a member of the BBB, chamber of commerce, or any trade associations?
• Are your painters' employees or subcontractors?
• What qualities do you look for in subcontractors? Do they have professional training?
• What quality of painting materials do you use?
• What is your preparation process before painting?
• How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
• Who's the project manager?
• What hours do you and your crew work?
• How long will the project take?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• How long is your warranty, and what does it cover?
• How much is your cost estimate?
• Can you provide me a written and signed contract with a breakdown of all costs?
• What is the structure of the payment agreements?
• Are financing options available?
• What do I need to provide to get started?