Cost of Painting the Outside of a House in Suffolk

The outside of a house takes a beating. Sun, frost, rain and damp all work on the paint, which is why exterior jobs cost more per square metre than interior ones.

Here is what shapes the price.

Typical ranges

These are ballpark figures for Suffolk and will vary with the property.

• Fascias, soffits and guttering only: often £500 to £1,200
• Windows and doors, repainted: around £40 to £90 per window, more for large or detailed ones
• Rendered house, one full repaint: commonly £2,000 to £5,000 for an average home
• Larger detached house with woodwork, render and scaffolding: can reach £5,000 to £10,000 or more

Treat these as indicative. An inspection will always beat a guess.

Access is a big part of it

Anything beyond comfortable ladder height needs scaffolding or a tower, and that can add several hundred pounds or more. Bay windows, tall gables and rear extensions are the usual culprits. Skimping here is unsafe, and slow work costs more in the end.

Preparation decides the lifespan

Exterior paint fails where preparation was rushed. That means washing down, scraping loose paint, treating algae, repairing rot, filling cracks and priming bare areas.

A cheap quote often skips most of that. A repaint that lasts eight to ten years looks very different from one that peels in two. We explain how often woodwork and render need attention in our guides, and the principles are the same ones in proper wall preparation.

Surface type

Rendered walls need hairline cracks filled and a suitable masonry paint. For older buildings, breathable paint matters, as we cover in our breathable paint guide.

Brick is often left alone, but can be painted. Once done, it is a long-term commitment.

Timber windows and doors need careful prep and a flexible exterior coating.

Pebbledash is rough and absorbs a lot of paint, so material costs rise.

Weather and timing

Exterior work is a seasonal job. Spring to early autumn is the usual window, with dry spells essential. Booking ahead for the good months is wise.

Period and listed properties

Colour and materials may be restricted in conservation areas or on listed buildings. See our period property work and our guide on exterior colours for Suffolk period homes.

Getting value for money

Choose a decorator who explains the prep, names the paint system and gives a written scope. Ask what guarantee covers peeling. Compare quotes using the checklist in our piece on comparing decorator quotes.

We carry out exterior painting and decorating across West Suffolk. Request a quote and we will come and look at the house.