Pricing guide
How Much Does Exterior House Painting Cost in Melbourne?
What an exterior repaint actually costs in Melbourne, why weatherboard costs more than render, and where the money in an exterior quote really goes.
All figures on this page are indicative ranges based on projects we have quoted across Melbourne. They are not a quote. Every job is priced individually after an on-site inspection, because condition and access change the number more than size does.
Indicative exterior painting prices in Melbourne
These are indicative price ranges only. Every project is individually quoted after an on-site inspection — scope, condition and access change the number significantly.
| Project | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Single-storey render or brick | $4,000 – $11,000+ |
| Single-storey weatherboard | $6,000 – $16,000+ |
| Double-storey homeIncludes access equipment | $9,000 – $20,000+ |
| Luxury or large exterior | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
| Eaves, fascia and gutters only | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Windows, doors and trims only | $2,500 – $8,000+ |
| Garage door | $400 – $1,200+ |
What affects the price most
Substrate
Weatherboard is the most expensive surface to prepare because every board edge has to be scraped, sanded and feathered. Render and brick are faster per square metre. This is the single biggest driver of exterior price.
Condition of the existing coating
A tired but sound finish needs a wash and two coats. A peeling, blistered or chalking exterior needs to be scraped back, sometimes over most of the house, and that can double the labour.
Height and access
Double-storey work, steep blocks, tight side setbacks and anything over a roof line needs scaffolding or an elevated work platform. That is a real hire cost plus set-up and move time.
Repairs required
Rotten weatherboards, split trims, failed putty, cracked render and rusted gutters all need repair before coating. Repair work is quoted separately so you can see it.
Number of coats and colour change
Two coats over primer is standard. A dramatic colour change, or bare timber requiring full priming across the whole facade, adds a coat's worth of labour and material.
Weather window
Winter exteriors take longer because the usable application window each day is shorter and rain days interrupt the run. The same job can take noticeably more days in July than in October.
Detail level
Federation and heritage homes with fretwork, verandah detailing, multi-pane windows and decorative trims carry far more cut-in time than a simple modern rendered box.
Why exterior costs more than interior
Per square metre, exterior painting almost always costs more than interior. The preparation is heavier, the access is harder, the weather interrupts, and the coating systems are more expensive.
It is also the repaint with the highest consequence if it is done badly. A poor interior job looks disappointing. A poor exterior job lets water into your building fabric, and the repair bill for rotted timber or water-damaged render dwarfs what you saved on the paint.
What should be included in an exterior quote
A complete exterior quote in Melbourne should specifically list all of the following. If any are missing, ask before you compare prices.
- High-pressure clean of all surfaces to be coated
- Scraping, sanding and feathering of failed coatings
- Timber repair allowance, with any board replacement identified and priced
- Re-caulking of joints, window and door frames
- Full priming of bare and repaired areas, named primer product
- Two topcoats of a named exterior system
- Eaves, fascia, gutters, downpipes — in or out, stated explicitly
- Access equipment — scaffold or EWP, included or excluded
- Protection of landscaping, paving, driveways and windows
- Certificate of currency for public liability insurance
Getting the timing right
Spring and autumn give the best conditions in Melbourne and are also the busiest periods, so book early if you want a specific window. Summer works well with an early start to avoid applying to hot surfaces in direct sun.
Winter is not impossible, but the job runs longer and the schedule is less predictable. If your exterior is already showing bare timber, do not wait for perfect weather — exposed substrate deteriorates fast, and a winter repaint costs less than replacing the boards.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint the outside of a house in Melbourne?
Broadly $4,000 to $20,000+ for a typical home, driven mainly by substrate, storeys and condition. Single-storey render sits at the lower end; a double-storey weatherboard needing significant preparation sits at the top.
Why is weatherboard more expensive to paint than render?
Preparation. Every board edge has to be scraped, sanded and feathered, bare timber has to be primed, and joints re-caulked. That is many more labour hours than washing and coating a flat rendered wall.
How long does an exterior repaint last in Melbourne?
Seven to ten years on weatherboard and eight to twelve on render is typical when the preparation was done properly. Coastal and heavily exposed properties sit at the shorter end.
Is scaffolding included in the price?
It should be stated either way. On our double-storey quotes, access equipment is listed as an included line item so you are not surprised by a variation later.
Can I paint just the front of my house?
You can, and it is a legitimate way to stage the cost. Be aware the freshly coated elevation will make the others look tired, and the untouched sides keep ageing.
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