How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Outside of a House in Devon?

A fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home does more than make it look good. It protects your walls, render and woodwork from the weather, which matters a lot in Devon. But exterior painting is a bigger job than redecorating a room, and the price can vary widely. Here's what it typically costs to paint the outside of a house in 2026, and how to make the paint last.

Typical exterior painting prices in 2026

These guide prices from 2026 cost surveys include preparation, primer where needed and two coats of masonry paint:

For single walls or unusual properties, decorators often price by area, typically around £8 to £15 per square metre.

Don't forget scaffolding

Most two-storey homes need scaffolding to paint safely, and it's usually quoted separately. As a guide, expect around £500 to £900 for a two-storey semi and £900 to £1,500 for a detached house. Steep sites and narrow streets, common in hilly towns like Torquay and Brixham, can push this up.

What affects the cost?

Preparation and repairs. Washing down, scraping off flaking paint, filling cracks and treating mould or algae all take time. If the render itself is cracked or blown, it needs repairing first. Painting over failing render is a waste of money. Our external rendering team can fix this before painting starts.

Wall type. Smooth render is quickest. Pebbledash and roughcast take more paint and more time to cover properly.

Woodwork and extras. Fascias, soffits, windows, doors and gutters are often priced separately.

Number of colours. A single colour is quickest. Contrasting window surrounds or features add time.

Access. Conservatories, extensions, steep gardens and tight side passages all slow the job down.

How often should you paint the outside of your house?

As a rough guide:

• Masonry (render, brick, pebbledash): every 5 to 8 years on sheltered homes, but more like every 4 to 5 years on exposed sites.
• Exterior woodwork: every 3 to 5 years.

In South Devon, "exposed" covers a lot of homes. Properties in Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torbay face salt spray, wind-driven rain and strong sun, all of which break paint down faster. Choosing the right paint makes a big difference here. Our guide to the best exterior paint for coastal homes explains your options.

When's the best time to paint the outside of a house?

The ideal window in Devon is from May to early October. Masonry paint needs dry surfaces and mild temperatures to cure properly, ideally with a surface temperature of around 10°C or more and no rain for at least 24 hours. Avoid painting in winter, when cold, damp conditions stop paint bonding and drying properly. Book early if you can, as summer is the busiest time for decorators.

Signs it's time to repaint

• Paint that's flaking, peeling or bubbling
• Green or black staining from algae or mould
• Chalky residue when you brush your hand against the wall
• Faded or patchy colour
• Bare or cracked woodwork on windows and fascias

Flaking paint isn't just cosmetic. It lets water into render and timber, which can lead to damp inside. If you've already noticed damp patches on internal walls, it's worth having them looked at by our damp proofing team at the same time.

Is it worth paying for a professional?

For a bungalow with easy access, a confident DIYer can do a reasonable job. For two-storey homes, a professional is usually safer and quicker, and they'll prepare the surface properly so the paint lasts. Good preparation is the difference between paint that lasts eight years and paint that peels in two.

Get a free exterior painting quote

At J&J Contractors, we paint and protect the outside of homes across Exeter, Sidmouth, Paignton and South Devon. We repair render, prepare properly and use paints suited to the coastal climate. Every job is backed by our 10-year written guarantee. Call 07476 554105 for a free quote.