Exterior Painting Cost in Boston 2026

What exterior painting includes in Boston

Painting of the home exterior with power washing, scraping, priming bare spots, and two coats of weather resistant acrylic paint. Includes caulking and trim work.

Typical time on site: 3 to 5 days. Local labor rate: $33/hour for an experienced painting pro.

What changes the price of exterior painting in Boston

• Home square footage
• Number of stories
• Siding material and condition
• Prep and scraping needed
• Paint grade and coats

A exterior painting quote priced off statewide averages will be off by 10 to 20 percent for Boston, because the metro has its own labor pool, material delivery distances, and permit timelines.

Boston climate and demand for painting

Severe winters with deep frost lines; coastal storm exposure; historic housing stock

Boston permits for exterior painting

Building department: City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). https://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services

Typical permit cost: $300 - $4,000 residential. Inspection time: 10-25 business days; plan review 6-10 weeks. Boston rule: Boston ISD requires Construction Supervisor License (CSL) for any structural work. Lead paint compliance (RRP) strict due to age of housing. Hub zone requires extra parking permit for trucks.

Massachusetts sales tax and licensing for Painting

Massachusetts sales tax: 6.25% (no local addition). Real property labor exempt. Multiple-quantity threshold reporting requirements for tools and equipment.

State license: Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs (Home Improvement Contractor Registration), required: $150 registration + Construction Supervisor License $150.

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