How Much Does Exterior Painting Cost?

After deciding to paint, the next question is always cost—and the answer is usually “it depends.”

How Much Does Exterior Painting Cost in Kansas City?

Prices vary widely depending on the home’s size, condition, and architectural complexity.

Smaller Homes vs. Larger Projects

Crestwood Painting has painted cozy ranch homes for as little as $4500. At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve worked on Ward Parkway historic gems that can reach $35,000.

Most Homes Fall in the Middle

The majority of homes in Kansas City land between $7,000 and $15,000. Factors like height, trim detail, and color scheme play a big role in that range.

Our historical data shows that our process and materials last upwards of 15 years when applied over properly prepped surfaces.

Neighborhood Styles Vary

Whether it’s a Roeland Park bungalow, a Brookside Tudor, or a multi-level home with wraparound porches, each Kansas City house has its special qualities. Prep work, accessibility, and fine details vary more than you might think.

Historic Homes Require More

Older homes tend to need more prep, and they often include decorative elements like brackets and shutters. When you're working with 100-year-old wood siding and ornate trim, it’s reasonable to anticipate a bit more time and cost.

Surface Material Makes a Big Difference

Different materials call for different prep techniques and paint systems.

James Hardie Siding

Fiber cement siding like James Hardie is extremely durable but still benefits from proper surface prep and paint selection. While not as labor-intensive as wood, care must be taken with caulking and surface cleaning before painting.

Shake Shingles and Cedar Clapboard Siding

Shake shingles and cedar clapboards need more attention. Removing old paint, cleaning in grooves and edges, and ensuring proper priming of exposed wood all add to the scope—and cost—of the project.

The Power of Prep Work

Proper preparation leads to longer-lasting results—but it also impacts the budget.

House Washing and Surface Cleaning

Before anything else, the surface must be clean. A thorough house wash removes mildew, dirt, and chalky residue so paint adheres properly.

Removing Loose Paint, Priming, and Sealing

Loose or peeling paint must be removed. Any bare wood needs to be primed, and all gaps sealed with caulk to prevent moisture intrusion. These steps are crucial for long-term durability.

Prep is where most of the labor happens—and it’s also where lasting value begins.

More Colors, More Cost

Each additional paint color adds complexity, especially on homes with detailed trim.

Architectural Styles Influence Color Needs

A mid-century home might use three colors: siding, trim, and shutters. A classic Craftsman or Queen Anne could easily require four or five to highlight features like corbels, beams, or dentil molding.

Dark Over Light (and Vice Versa)

Changing from white to navy or forest green to beige can be dramatic—but not necessarily more expensive. Products like Sherwin-Williams Duration cover extremely well, often in a single coat when applied properly.

Ask About Product Choice

If you’re planning a big color shift, talk with your painter about the best way to approach coverage. Testing a few sample areas (see our how to test paint colors guide) is a smart move before committing.

Trim, Shutters, and Architectural Details

Details make a home stand out—but they also require extra time and care.

Removable vs. Fixed Shutters

When shutters are attached with screws, they can usually be removed for painting. But plastic shutters secured with pound-in anchors are best left in place and painted around to avoid breakage or siding damage.

Bracketed Eaves, Corbels, and Trim Accents

Decorative features like brackets and crown molding usually require precise brushwork. They often get accent colors, meaning more prep, more cutting-in, and more ladder work.

Choosing the Right Products

The right paint delivers better results with fewer coats and longer durability.

Premium Paint Pays Off

Sherwin-Williams Duration is a standout option for exterior surfaces. It offers excellent adhesion, durability, and color retention—especially in the Kansas City climate.

Performance Backed by Data

Our historical data shows that most high-quality exterior paints last upwards of 15 years when applied over properly prepped surfaces. Investing in better paint means longer intervals between repainting and better-looking results throughout.

Making a Smart Plan for Your Exterior Project

A little planning goes a long way toward a smoother experience and better results.

Ask Good Questions Early

Not all painters prep the same way. Ask what kind of primer they use, if they caulk everything, and how they handle loose paint. If you’re unsure where to start, see our 12 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Painter.

Think Beyond the Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a great time to update other features. Now might be the moment to refresh your vinyl window trim color or choose one of our best front door colors for a bold entryway.

Ready to Start? Let’s Talk

You can book an estimate online by choosing a time that works best for you. The meeting usually takes 30 minutes or less, and there’s no pressure—just straightforward answers and advice tailored to your home.