Exterior Painting Costs & What to Expect

Average Exterior House Painting Costs in Iowa

What Impacts the Cost of Exterior Painting?

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.

Exterior Pricing Matrix

A quick look at typical ranges based on home size and project type:

< 1,500 sq ft
Typical StyleRambler, Small 1.5 Story
Full Exterior Paint$5,500–$8,500
ComplexityLow–Med
Trim Only$2,000–$3,500
Stucco Repaint$6,500–$10,000
1,500–2,000 sq ft
Typical StyleLarger 2-Story, Stucco, Detailed Trim
Full Exterior Paint$7,500–$12,000
ComplexityMed
Trim Only$2,500–$4,500
Stucco Repaint$8,500–$13,500
2,500–3,000 sq ft
Typical Style2-Story Starter, Mid-Size Stucco
Full Exterior Paint$11,500–$18,000
ComplexityMed–High
Trim Only$3,500–$6,000
Stucco Repaint$12,500–$20,000
3,000–3,500 sq ft
Typical StyleUpper-End 2-Story, Detailed Facades
Full Exterior Paint$14,000–$22,000
ComplexityHigh
Trim Only$4,000–$7,000
Stucco Repaint$15,000–$24,000
3,500–4,000 sq ft
Typical StyleLuxury Homes, Heavy Trim
Full Exterior Paint$16,000–$28,000
ComplexityHigh
Trim Only$5,000–$8,000
Stucco Repaint$18,000–$30,000
4,000+ sq ft
Typical StyleLarge Custom, Historic, Complex
Full Exterior Paint$20,000–$40,000+
ComplexityHigh+
Trim Only$6,000–$10,000+
Stucco Repaint$22,000–$45,000+

Let’s Talk About Cost

How Much Does Painting Cost?

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.

What’s Included With Every Project

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.

Key Factors That Shape Exterior Pricing

  1. Size & Height of Home
    Larger homes and multi-story properties generally require more labor, prep, and materials.

  2. Surface Type & Material
    Wood, stucco, LP, metal, and composite surfaces each require different prep techniques and products.

  3. Surface Condition
    Peeling paint, weathering, or deferred maintenance can increase prep time and overall cost.

  4. Lead Paint & Specialized Prep
    Homes built before 1978 require EPA lead-safe practices, which add containment, cleanup, and disposal requirements.

  5. 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.

  6. Colors & Color Placement
    Multiple colors, detailed trim, and bold color changes can impact labor time.

  7. Product Selection
    Higher-end coatings can increase cost but often provide superior longevity and weather protection.

Standard Prep Work (Included)

Every Ekman Painting exterior project includes:

  • Full House Wash
  • Scraping Loose or Peeling Paint
  • Spot Priming Exposed Surfaces
  • Up to 100 Linear Feet of Caulking
  • Filling Small, Non-Structural Holes
  • Two Coats of Premium Exterior Paint

 

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.

Lead-Safe Preparation

Ekman Painting is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified firm.
For homes built before 1978, we follow strict federal guidelines that require:

  • Specialized Containment
  • Protective Barriers
  • HEPA Vacuum Cleanup
  • Safe Debris Disposal

 

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.

Repairs & Carpentry Services

We offer carpentry support to ensure your exterior is fully ready for paint. Common repairs include:

  • Wood Siding Replacement
  • Deck Repair or Replacement
  • LP Siding Repairs
  • Soffit & Fascia Repair
  • Filling Animal or Weather-Related Holes
  • Light Stucco Repair

 

Carpentry is billed separately with estimates provided before work begins.