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September 10, 2025

How To Calculate The Cost Of Painting The Exterior Of A House?

A clean, durable exterior coat does more than look good. In Edmonton, paint protects wood and stucco from freeze-thaw cycles, spring wind, and long hours of summer sun. Homeowners often ask for a straight answer on price, and the honest reply is this: exterior painting cost depends on surface area, condition, height, access, product choice, and weather window. This article breaks those factors down with real numbers and a simple method any homeowner can use. It also highlights where paying a pro saves money in Edmonton’s climate.

Start with surface area: the square-foot rule that actually helps

Most exterior estimates start with wall square footage. Measure the home’s footprint length by width, multiply by the number of floors, and adjust for roof style and gables. Then subtract major windows and doors. A quick example helps:

  • A typical two-storey in Terwillegar: 36 ft long by 28 ft wide. Wall perimeter is 128 ft. Wall height per storey averages 9 ft. Two levels give 18 ft of wall height. 128 ft x 18 ft = 2,304 sq ft of wall area. Subtract 10% for windows and doors if there are many, or closer to 5% if there are few. Call it 2,100 to 2,200 sq ft painted surface.

This estimate gets you in the right ballpark for siding, stucco, or Hardie board. For houses with multiple gables in Glenora or Crestwood, add 200 to 400 sq ft for those triangular peaks. Garages add another 200 to 500 sq ft depending on size.

Price ranges in Edmonton for standard heights, average prep, and good acrylic paint typically run $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot of painted surface for professional exterior painting services. The lower end fits clean vinyl or aluminum with minimal prep. The higher end fits weathered wood or stucco that needs repairs.

Adjust for height and access

Two-storey homes cost more per square foot than bungalows. Extra ladder work, fall protection, and setup time across ledges and rooflines add hours. On a 2,200 sq ft two-storey in Summerside, a typical professional rate might sit closer to $3.00 to $4.00 per sq ft. A similar-sized bungalow in Capilano could fall between $2.25 and $3.25 per sq ft because access is simpler.

Tight side yards in older neighbourhoods like Ritchie or Strathcona also slow production. Squeezing ladders between fences and eaves takes more time and care. Expect a 5% to 15% access premium where space is limited or where shrubs and trees block the path.

The prep factor: what condition actually costs

Prep is the budget swing. Edmonton winters force moisture into hairline cracks. Spring sun bakes old coatings. On wood or engineered wood (LP SmartSide, CanExel), paint failure often starts at butt joints and bottom edges. On stucco, the weak spots are parapets, window returns, and the control joints.

Light prep includes a low-pressure wash, minor scraping, and spot-priming. Moderate prep adds sanding sheen off glossy coatings, caulking around trims, and patching small stucco fractures. Heavy prep includes widespread scraping, feather-sanding failing edges, epoxy repairs on sills, replacing rotten trim boards, and elastomeric or masonry patch on stucco.

For budgeting:

  • Light prep adds roughly $0.25 to $0.75 per sq ft.
  • Moderate prep adds $0.75 to $1.50 per sq ft.
  • Heavy prep, including wood repair or large stucco patching, can add $1.50 to $3.00 per sq ft.

A 1970s Highlands bungalow with peeling wood fascia and failed caulking can swing from a $3.00 baseline to $5.00 per sq ft after proper repairs. Skipping prep is the most expensive mistake because Edmonton’s freeze-thaw will push weak coatings off in two winters.

Material choices that matter in Edmonton

Edmonton’s climate punishes marginal paint. Professional-grade 100% acrylic exterior coatings pay back through longer intervals between repaints. Mid-grade paints cost around $55 to $70 per gallon retail. Premium acrylics and elastomerics run $80 to $110. High-adhesion primers for weathered wood or chalky surfaces range from $40 to $90 per gallon. Pros buy at contractor pricing, but the quality tier remains the same.

Coverage is a real number. Most acrylics cover 300 to 400 sq ft per gallon per coat on smooth siding. Stucco often needs more, closer to 250 to 300 sq ft. Deep colours and large sheen jumps often demand a third coat on trims to avoid flashing.

A practical example for a 2,200 sq ft paintable surface with two coats:

  • Siding and stucco at 300 sq ft per gallon: about 15 gallons for two coats.
  • Trims, doors, and accents add 2 to 4 gallons depending on the amount of trim.

At retail, paint and primer alone can range $1,200 to $2,200 for a typical home. Pro crews in exterior painting services Edmonton will discuss whether elastomeric is warranted on cracked stucco. Elastomeric costs more upfront but bridges minor cracks and delays water intrusion, which is cheaper than redoing stucco patches every few years.

Details that shift price: trims, accents, and doors

Homes with heavy trim detail, board-and-batten siding, and multi-tone colour schemes require more cut-ins and staging time. Each additional colour adds washout time for equipment and extra trips up the ladder. A fresh colour on the front door often needs a bonding primer and two colour coats for a true finish. Decorative railings and metal elements require rust-inhibiting primers and a different product family, which adds steps.

https://dependexteriors.com/our-services/exterior-painting

For a two-colour scheme (field plus trim), the incremental labour is modest. A three- or four-colour scheme, common in infill builds in Westmount, can add 5% to 12% to the labour portion. Complex trim layouts add a similar premium.

Edmonton weather windows and scheduling

Exterior painting in Edmonton usually runs from late May through September, with shoulder-season work possible during warm, dry stretches. Night temperatures matter. Many products need 10°C or higher for 24 hours to cure well. Wind is another issue; overspray on vehicles is a risk along busy streets like 99 Street or Whyte Avenue. Good contractors schedule by elevation and forecast, shield areas near vehicles, and plan early-morning or late-day painting to avoid direct heat on dark colours.

Weather downtime adds contingency. For self-estimates, assume 10% schedule float for June and July, and 15% to 20% for May or September.

DIY vs professional: honest cost comparison

A confident DIY homeowner with ladders and a sprayer can save on labour, but the cost of time, safety, and redo risk needs a line on the spreadsheet.

Direct DIY costs for a typical two-storey:

  • Paint and primer: $1,200 to $2,200.
  • Consumables (tape, plastic, rollers, brushes, sleeves, caulk, filler): $200 to $400.
  • Equipment rental (airless sprayer, extension ladders, pump jacks or scaffolding for a week): $300 to $900.
  • PPE and safety gear: $100 to $300.

That puts direct costs near $1,800 to $3,800. Add two full weekends for a bungalow, or three to four weekends for a two-storey with trim. The hidden cost is time at height and the learning curve to avoid lap marks on hot days. Most homeowners find that a professional crew in exterior painting services Edmonton delivers a smoother finish, better prep, and a warranty, which spreads cost over a longer repaint cycle.

Simple formula you can use today

To estimate your own home in Edmonton:

  • Step 1: Measure wall area. Perimeter x wall height (total painted height). Subtract 5% to 10% for windows and doors.
  • Step 2: Pick a base rate by siding type. Vinyl or aluminum: $2.00 to $3.00 per sq ft. Wood, Hardie, or stucco: $2.50 to $4.50 per sq ft.
  • Step 3: Adjust for prep. Light (+$0.25 to $0.75), moderate (+$0.75 to $1.50), heavy (+$1.50 to $3.00).
  • Step 4: Adjust for height/access. Two-storey or tight access: add 5% to 20%.
  • Step 5: Add trims and extra colours. Two colours minimal change. Three or more: add 5% to 12%.

Keep math simple. A 2,200 sq ft painted surface in Rutherford, wood trims, moderate prep, two-storey: start at $3.25 per sq ft, add $0.75 for prep, add 10% for height and yard access, total near $4.40 per sq ft. That lands around $9,700 before GST. Quotes vary by crew size, scheduling, and warranty terms, but this keeps you inside a reasonable range.

Siding-specific considerations that affect cost and longevity

Vinyl siding: Paint sticks if the surface is clean and dull. Use a vinyl-safe colour, especially with deep hues. Dark colours can cause heat absorption and siding warping. Costs stay on the lower range because prep is mostly wash and scuff.

Aluminum siding: Oxidation must be washed off. A bonding primer and 100% acrylic finish coat hold well. Costs sit middle range. Overspray control is essential.

Wood siding and trims: Moisture meters, proper caulking, and end-grain sealing prevent failure. Pre-priming bare wood spots is crucial. Costs lean higher because of prep volume and ladder time.

Fiber-cement (Hardie): Holds paint very well if clean and dry. Joints and nail heads often need attention. Costs sit mid to high depending on height.

Stucco: Hairline cracks benefit from elastomeric or high-build masonry paint. Spraying with back-rolling fills texture and increases film thickness. Stucco often uses more paint per square foot, which nudges cost upward.

Colour and sheen choices that Edmonton homeowners rarely regret

Mid-tone neutrals with a satin or low-sheen finish balance durability and cleanability. Flat on stucco can hide surface irregularities but tends to hold dust from wind. Satin on trims gives better washability through spring grime. Deep, dark colours look sharp but absorb heat and show dust; they often need an extra coat for even coverage. In bright sun areas like Windermere, a mid-tone siding with a crisp white trim ages gracefully and hides dust better than very dark fields.

Hidden line items: what to ask before signing

A professional, clear quote in Edmonton should specify:

  • Prep steps listed by surface, not vague language. For example, scrape and sand failing fascia paint, prime bare wood with bonding primer, replace up to 20 linear feet of rotten trim at $X per foot.
  • Product names, sheen, and number of coats for each substrate.
  • Protection plan for windows, walkways, decks, and nearby vehicles.
  • Schedule window with weather contingency and elevation order.
  • Warranty terms written in years and what is covered, such as blistering or peeling.

These details make it easier to compare quotes on value rather than on a single bottom-line number.

Realistic timelines for common Edmonton home types

A three-person crew can complete:

  • Standard bungalow in Ottewell with light prep: two to three days.
  • Two-storey in Secord with moderate prep and two colours: four to six days.
  • Large two-storey with stucco and complex trims in Glenora: six to eight days, longer if heavy stucco repairs are needed.

Add drying time for elastomeric and for cool nights. A well-run crew staggers elevations and uses warm hours to keep coatings inside their temperature range.

Safety, insurance, and why it matters in a windy city

Working at height beside gusty corridors near the river valley is a safety issue. Reputable companies carry WCB coverage and liability insurance. Homeowners should ask for proof; a simple PDF from the insurer or WCB clears this up in minutes. Crews should tie off when working above certain heights, keep ladders at proper angles, and avoid spraying in high wind. It sounds procedural, but it prevents injuries and protects neighboring properties from overspray claims.

Why winter, spring, and fall affect budgeting

Edmonton winters push moisture into cracks and under failed paint. Spring thaw exposes those failures. Homes painted late in fall with marginal temperatures sometimes show early wear, which turns into a repaint sooner than planned. Booking prime summer weeks can be competitive, so early scheduling gets the best window. Off-peak discounts sometimes appear in shoulder months, but they are worth it only if conditions meet the paint’s curing requirements.

A quick cost walkthrough: three Edmonton scenarios

Small bungalow in Delton, aluminum siding, light prep, two colours, easy access:

  • 1,600 sq ft painted surface x $2.50 to $3.00 = $4,000 to $4,800.
  • Add minor trim work or a front door repaint: $200 to $450.
  • Expected range: $4,200 to $5,250 plus GST.

Two-storey in Terwillegar, vinyl siding with wood trims, moderate prep, two colours:

  • 2,200 sq ft x $3.25 to $3.75 = $7,150 to $8,250.
  • Height/access premium around 10% if yards are tight: +$700 to $800.
  • Expected range: $7,900 to $9,000 plus GST.

Stucco home in Glenora, hairline cracking, elastomeric, three colours:

  • 2,800 sq ft x $3.75 to $4.50 = $10,500 to $12,600.
  • Extra materials for elastomeric and stucco patching: $600 to $1,200.
  • Expected range: $11,100 to $13,800 plus GST.

These numbers assume a professional crew using premium acrylics, with proper prep and a written warranty.

How Depend Exteriors estimates and controls cost

Depend Exteriors focuses on exterior painting services Edmonton homeowners can trust under real climate pressure. The estimator measures live, not from guesswork, and discusses prep by surface. If stucco needs elastomeric in specific zones only, they mark those areas rather than blanket the house. If wood trims show soft spots, they test with a pick, price replacement per linear foot, and prime end grain before install. This approach keeps costs honest and avoids surprise change orders.

Crew leads plan elevations around sun and wind. Dark south elevations get morning or evening shifts to prevent lap marks. North and east sides often run mid-day. They control overspray with shields, adjust tips to reduce atomization in wind, and back-roll stucco to load film thickness. The finish shows it.

Tips to keep your budget tight without cutting durability

  • Keep colours simple. Field plus trim looks sharp without the extra labour of a third accent.
  • Fix gutters and downspouts before painting to avoid streaks and water damage on new coatings.
  • Prune shrubs away from walls a week before the job so crews can access without damaging plants.
  • Choose a proven mid-sheen acrylic for trims; it cleans easier and outlasts flats in Edmonton’s grime.
  • Approve a colour sample on your actual siding under daylight before bulk paint is ordered.

These small decisions prevent rework and protect the schedule.

Ready for a precise number?

If measuring and estimating feels like guesswork, a site visit solves it. Depend Exteriors provides detailed, written estimates for exterior painting services Edmonton wide, including neighbourhoods like Windermere, Summerside, Ritchie, Glenora, and Terwillegar. The team measures, checks moisture and adhesion, outlines prep by surface, and specifies products by brand and sheen. Most visits take 30 to 45 minutes, and quotes arrive quickly with clear start dates.

Call or request a visit online to lock in a reliable weather window and an accurate price. A well-prepped, properly coated exterior will last through Edmonton winters and stay sharp for years, which is the real cost saver.

Depend Exteriors provides stucco repair and exterior masonry services in Edmonton, AB. Homeowners and businesses trust our team for stucco installation, repair, and replacement across a range of property types. As experienced Edmonton stucco contractors, we focus on durable finishes, reliable timelines, and clear communication with every client. Whether you need minor stucco patching, complete exterior resurfacing, or full stucco replacement, we deliver results that add value and protection to your property. Licensed and bonded, we stand behind our work and complete projects on schedule with attention to detail. If you are searching for stucco contractors near me in Edmonton, Depend Exteriors is ready to help.

Depend Exteriors

8615 176 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5T 0M7, Canada

Phone: (780) 710-3972

Website: https://dependexteriors.com

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