Exterior Painting Cost in Washington DC 2026
Exterior Painting in Washington DC costs between $5,109 and $20,436 in 2026, with the average around $10,218. Washington DC pricing runs 70% above the US national average. 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.
What exterior painting includes in Washington DC
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: $37/hour for an experienced painting pro.
What changes the price of exterior painting in Washington DC
- 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 Washington DC, because the metro has its own labor pool, material delivery distances, and permit timelines.
Washington DC climate and demand for painting
Humid subtropical; freeze-thaw cycles; historic preservation drives material choices
Washington DC permits for exterior painting
Building department: DC Department of Buildings (DOB). https://dob.dc.gov
Typical permit cost: $400 - $4,500 residential. Inspection time: 10-25 business days. Washington DC rule: DC DOB and DCRA have strict historic preservation review (HPRB). License + basic business license required. DC has no state taxes but has its own sales tax (6%).
District of Columbia sales tax and licensing for Painting
District of Columbia sales tax: 6% (no local addition). Real property labor not taxable; TPP repair labor is taxable.
State license: DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, required: $390 (basic business license).
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