How Long Does It Take to Paint a House?

To get a quality paint job for the average sized home, there are a number of questions you're likely to have.

The answer to how long it will take a professional painter team to paint your entire home will depend on a number of factors that we will be discussing in today's blog post. We’ll focus on exterior painting instead of interior.

Homeowners seeking to refresh their property's appearance and exterior painting contractors preparing for a new project should both take into account the complexity of the job, the size of the home, and any other details that may affect how long it takes to complete so that everyone can be on the same page.

Ways in Which Exterior Painting Time Is Affected

Here are the primary factors that determine the timeline to complete an exterior paint job.

Size & Type of Home

The average time to paint a house exterior can vary depending on the type of painting you’re doing. For instance, a one-story ranch house may take less time than a two-story colonial. Also, the size of your home plays a factor in the timeline. 

Large homes will often require longer painting times, as will homes with more intricate designs. 

Brick or stone homes can also take a lot longer than wooden ones due to the need for more paint and improved application techniques. And be sure to factor in the time it takes to paint a house’s trim, such as window frames and front doors.

Location of the House

To answer "How long does a paint job take?", the location of the property may also impact how long it takes to paint a house. 

If the house is located in a high-traffic area or a neighborhood with strict noise ordinances, painting contractors may need to work on a reduced schedule, leading to more extended painting times. 

Similarly, homes that face specific weather patterns may have to wait for ideal weather conditions before a painting project can begin.

Size of the Crew

The size of the crew is another crucial factor in determining the painting schedule. A larger crew is generally better, as it leads to more efficient and faster repair work. However, a more substantial team may also carry a higher price tag. 

It really depends on how fast you need the job done. Some contractors may also prefer smaller crews because they can be more agile and allow for more personal attention to each job.

Crew Skill Level

How long to paint a house may also depend on the crew’s skill level. House painting contractors with experience and expert knowledge of techniques such as spraying, rolling, and brushing can often finish a job in more of a timely manner compared to those without this expertise.

And if the crew has access to specialized equipment, they may be able to finish even quicker. 

You can always hire a professional contractor for the job to ensure it is done properly and efficiently. They have certifications and the proper knowledge to handle the job.

Weather

When asking "how long does it take painters to paint a house?", weather conditions play a key role in outdoor painting, and if bad weather delays the process, it will inevitably result in an extension of the project timeline. 

The total time of the paint project can be increased by two to four days, depending on the duration and intensity of the bad weather. 

For example, if it rains during the house painting process, the crew must take a break for the surfaces to dry before they can apply more paint. And if the temperature is too hot, the paint won't go on correctly.

What's Involved in an Exterior Painting Project?

For those wondering, let's get more specific with a timeline you can expect to follow.

Step 1: Cleaning - 1 day

Cleaning is the first and most crucial step in home exterior painting. The process usually involves pressure washing, scraping off old paint, and addressing cracks and gaps in the wood. Even for an average sized home, the cleaning process can often take a whole day.

Step 2: Prep Work - 1 day

With respect to prep work, how long to paint a house exterior can vary on this one. Once the surface of your home is completely clean and dry, the next step is to prepare it for painting. This step may include sanding, priming, and masking off areas like windows and doors. 

It's essential to take the time to do this step correctly for the best results in the long run, and it usually takes a day to complete.

Step 3: Home Exterior Painting & Cleanup/Drying - 2-3 days

With proper cleaning and preparation done, it's time to start painting your home! The duration of this step depends on the size of your home and the number of coats needed. After painting, cleaning up the site is critical, and it may take a day or less. 

However, how long does exterior paint take to dry, and how long does it take for exterior paint to dry? Drying time can be time consuming depending on the type of paint and environmental factors, but it usually takes two to three days.

Step 4: Enjoy the Results! - 5 to 8 years!

Congratulations, your house painting project is complete! By taking the time to do the paint job right and following these critical steps, your home should look fantastic and be protected for years to come. 

Depending on the surface's quality and geographical location, a well-done painting project should last around 5 to 8 years. Keep your space looking fresh by scheduling regular cleaning and touch-ups.

So how long does it take to paint a whole house and how long does it take to paint a house exterior? Usually 4-5 days and it’s almost never longer than a week in total.

Quality Exterior Painting Services in Oahu Area

We see a lot of people asking the following: how long does it take to paint a new house, how long does it take to paint a small house, and how long does it take to paint a house yourself? That's why we decided to create this guide to give you the answers you need.

At Oahu Pro Painters, we have the expertise and knowledge to provide you with quality exterior painting services. 

Our experienced crews are fully equipped with the right tools and know-how to get an exterior paint job done quickly and correctly. A fresh coat has enver looked so stunning. Schedule an estimate today!