How much does exterior painting cost in District of Columbia?

A typical exterior project in District of Columbia runs $7,300 to $36,600, adjusted for District of Columbia construction costs (well above the national average). Exterior paint commonly runs $3–$8 per sq. ft. of surface area.

Is your exterior painting quote in District of Columbia fair?

Compare the quote to the state-adjusted range on this page, make sure every line item in the "what's included" list appears in writing, and get at least two other bids. Home Project Copilot's free scan flags missing scope and vague terms in under a minute.

How much does a 2,000 sq. ft. exterior paint job cost in District of Columbia?

Whole-house exterior paint at 2,000 sq. ft. typically runs $7,300 to $19,500 in District of Columbia. That is a $3–$8 per sq. ft. of exterior surface rate from public cost guides, adjusted for District of Columbia construction costs. Access, demolition, repairs, and permits can add to it.

District of Columbia cost guide

Exterior painting cost in District of Columbia

In District of Columbia, exterior painting prices run well above the national average — whether you're in Washington, Georgetown, or Capitol Hill. Here's what a complete, permitted job should cost, and how to tell whether the quote in your hand is fair.

Typical District of Columbia range

$7,300 – $36,600

Exterior paint commonly runs $3–$8 per sq. ft. of surface area.

Included at this price: Prep, repairs, materials, labor, and cleanup.

District of Columbia prices by project type

Project	District of Columbia range	Unit check
Exterior painting	$4,900 – $22,000	Exterior paint commonly runs $3–$8 per sq. ft. of surface area.
Fence installation	$3,700 – $22,000	Wood fencing commonly runs $25–$60 per linear foot installed.
Driveway or walkway	$6,100 – $30,500	Concrete drives commonly run $8–$18 per sq. ft. installed.
Drainage, grading, or waterproofing	$3,100 – $24,400	French drains commonly run $30–$90 per linear foot installed.

Reviewed 2026. Editorial benchmarks from public cost surveys (Zonda Media / Remodeling magazine, Houzz, Angi / HomeAdvisor), adjusted by a state construction-cost index. Not a bid, appraisal, or licensed estimating data.

What a common size costs in District of Columbia

Whole-house exterior paint: $3–$8 per sq. ft. of exterior surface, adjusted for District of Columbia construction costs.

Size	District of Columbia estimate
1,500 sq. ft.	$5,500 – $14,600
2,000 sq. ft.	$7,300 – $19,500
2,500 sq. ft.	$9,200 – $24,400
3,000 sq. ft.	$11,000 – $29,300

Per-unit rate from the public cost guides cited above, multiplied by size and the District of Columbia construction-cost index. Access, demolition, repairs, and permits can add to it — this is a benchmark, not a bid.

Red flags in District of Columbia exterior painting quotes

Wash, scrape, sand, and prime scope
Number of coats and the exact product line
Which surfaces are included: body, trim, soffit, fascia, shutters, doors
Caulking and rot repair allowance
Masking and protection of landscaping and hardscape

Commonly missing line items: primer on bare or repaired areas, caulking of joints and penetrations, wood rot repair allowance, second coat, soffit and fascia.

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