All projects are different, but there are several common factors that influence the cost of an exterior painting project.
The biggest considerations include:
Understanding these variables helps you plan confidently and choose the best approach for your home.
A quick look at typical ranges based on home size and project type:
The honest answer: it depends—but we’re here to make pricing clear and predictable.
We use a standardized metric-based bidding system, all of our estimates are built off of metrics, not guesswork. Every home is unique and has different needs.
Whether you’re refreshing trim, repainting stucco, or updating a historic home, Ekman Painting provides realistic cost ranges and transparent estimates, so you know exactly what to expect when working with a professional, local painting company.
Once your contract is signed, our team handles every detail:
Scheduling & Coordination
Color & Project Details Confirmation
A Dedicated Project Manager
Kickoff Meeting On-Site
Final Walkthrough to Ensure Satisfaction
Every exterior project is backed by our three-year warranty, covering premature paint failure on non-horizontal surfaces.
These ranges reflect more than square footage. In Iowa’s older neighborhoods—where surfaces age faster due to freeze–thaw cycles—prep work, materials, and home age all influence final pricing.
Size & Height of Home
Larger homes and multi-story properties generally require more labor, prep, and materials.
Surface Type & Material
Wood, stucco, LP, metal, and composite surfaces each require different prep techniques and products.
Surface Condition
Peeling paint, weathering, or deferred maintenance can increase prep time and overall cost.
Lead Paint & Specialized Prep
Homes built before 1978 require EPA lead-safe practices, which add containment, cleanup, and disposal requirements.
Repairs & Carpentry Needs
Damaged siding, trim, or fascia may need repair before painting can begin. Carpentry work is billed separately on a time-and-materials basis.
Colors & Color Placement
Multiple colors, detailed trim, and bold color changes can impact labor time.
Product Selection
Higher-end coatings can increase cost but often provide superior longevity and weather protection.
Every Ekman Painting exterior project includes:
Not included unless noted: sanding, glazing, and storm window removal.
Proper preparation is the foundation of a long-lasting exterior, and it’s included in every estimate.
Ekman Painting is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm.
For homes built before 1978, we follow strict federal guidelines that require:
Lead-safe prep on older homes can increase the overall project cost by roughly 10–15%, reflecting the additional time, materials, and containment required.
While it can increase the overall cost, lead-safe practices ensure your home is painted safely and correctly, protecting your family and meeting EPA standards.
We offer carpentry support to ensure your exterior is fully ready for paint. Common repairs include:
Carpentry is billed separately with estimates provided before work begins.
From worries about current damage to your home to anxieties of dealing with budget painters, we know how stressful painting projects can be.
Start planning your project by getting a free detailed proposal from one of our estimators. We would be grateful to serve you.
Tell us more about your painting project!