How Much to Paint a 1,500 sq ft Exterior in Canada?

Homeowners across Canada ask the same question every spring: what does it cost to paint a home’s exterior, and what drives the number up or down? For a 1,500 square foot house, the short answer is that most projects land between $4,000 and $9,000 in Canada. In Edmonton, that range often sits around $4,500 to $8,500 due to climate wear, substrate types, and the prep many homes need after long winters. The wider range accounts for siding material, height, prep complexity, paint system, and access.

That span can feel vague when planning a budget, so the detail matters. The goal here is clarity. This guide breaks down real cost factors Depend Exteriors sees across Edmonton neighborhoods, what a clean scope includes, and how a homeowner can control the spend without taking risks on durability. It also maps price by common siding types and explains why exterior painting in Edmonton has its own rules compared to milder markets.

What a 1,500 sq ft price really means

Square footage for exterior painting usually refers to floor area, not wall area. Contractors translate that floor area into paintable wall square footage using multipliers based on the number of stories, roof pitch, and architectural detail. A compact 1,500 sq ft bungalow with straight runs and vinyl siding is faster and costs less than a 1,500 sq ft two-storey with gables, dormers, and mixed substrates.

A standard 1,500 sq ft single-storey home in Edmonton with vinyl or aluminum siding, modest trim, and no major repairs often prices from $4,500 to $6,000. Two-storey versions or homes with fibre cement or stucco can climb to $6,500 to $8,500. Older wood siding with heavy scraping and repairs can pass $9,000.

Typical cost ranges by siding type

Different materials need different preparation and paint systems. Here is how costs commonly break down for a 1,500 sq ft home in Edmonton and similar Alberta markets:

Vinyl siding: Often $4,500 to $6,500. Vinyl requires low-pressure washing, light scuffing in problem areas, and a vinyl-safe topcoat. Colour choice matters because dark colours on older vinyl can cause heat deformation. Reputable painters stay within the manufacturer’s lightness value guidelines.

Aluminum siding: Often $5,000 to $7,000. Oxidation is common and must be removed for adhesion. A bonding primer helps with chalky surfaces. Aluminum takes paint well once cleaned and primed.

Stucco: Often $6,000 to $8,500. Hairline cracks need elastomeric caulk or patching, and chalking must be addressed. Many choose a high-build elastomeric coating for breathability and bridge on hairline cracks, which adds material cost but gives a cleaner finish and better weathering in Edmonton’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Fibre cement (Hardie-type): Often $6,000 to $8,500. Usually in good structural shape, but joints and butt ends need attention and proper caulking. Paint holds well on fibre cement with the right primer when needed.

Wood siding: Often $6,500 to $9,500+. Cost depends on scraping, sanding, board repairs, back-priming cut ends, and priming bare spots. Wood moves with temperature swings and needs flexible coatings and solid prep to avoid premature failure.

Mixed substrates: Hybrid exteriors with stucco, wood accents, and metal or vinyl trim add time because each area needs different products and techniques. This can add $500 to $1,500 over a single-material home.

The Edmonton factor: climate and timing

Edmonton sees long winters, big temperature swings, and strong UV in summer. These conditions punish coatings. That affects both scheduling and specs. High-quality acrylics that remain flexible and resist UV should be the baseline. Painters must watch dew point and surface temperature, not just air temperature. Spring and fall projects often start late morning to avoid cold substrates and wrap before evening dew. Summer work avoids hot walls in full sun during peak hours.

Good crews plan sections so each coat cures within the manufacturer’s window. This adds small labor costs but avoids lap marks, flashing, and adhesion issues common with rushed timelines. Edmonton homeowners who pick the right month and a crew that respects weather windows end up with a longer-lasting job and fewer touch-ups.

What a professional exterior paint job includes

A reliable quote for exterior painting in Edmonton should define scope in simple terms. The average full-service package for a 1,500 sq ft home includes:

• Site prep and protection: Drop cloths, masking of windows and lights, flowerbed protection, and safe setup for ladders or scaffold.
• Washing: Low-pressure wash to remove dirt, pollen, and chalking. Heavier pressure risks driving water into the envelope, which is why a controlled wash is preferred.
• Surface prep: Scraping loose paint, sanding edges, spot-priming bare wood or metal, and caulking open joints and small cracks. Stucco cracks get flexible patch materials that handle movement.
• Priming: Problem areas get specialty primers. Bleed-through knots need shellac primers. Chalky surfaces need a bonding primer. Metal gets rust-inhibitive primer where needed.
• Coatings: Usually two finish coats on body and trim, sometimes one coat on sound vinyl if coverage is complete. Dark colour changes and porous substrates often need two finish coats for uniform coverage.
• Cleanup and walkthrough: Masking removed, debris taken away, and a final walk with the homeowner to note small touch-ups.

A complete scope like this separates a paint job that looks good for one season from one that still looks new after several winters.

Labour, materials, and how the math works

Labour is most of the cost. For a straightforward 1,500 sq ft single-storey home, two painters might spend 3 to 5 days depending on prep. A two-storey or detail-heavy project can take a small crew 5 to 7 days. Rates vary by company, insurance level, and experience. Edmonton projects with proper WCB coverage, liability insurance, and crew training typically reflect that in the rate but reduce risk for the homeowner.

Materials include cleaning agents, caulking, primers, and finish paint. Premium exterior acrylics from recognized brands in Edmonton can run $65 to $110 per gallon retail, with contractor pricing slightly lower. Most 1,500 sq ft jobs use 10 to 20 gallons across body and trim, sometimes more for stucco or heavy colour https://dependexteriors.com/our-services/exterior-painting changes. Elastomeric products and specialty primers add cost but can save on maintenance over time.

Equipment and access also matter. Extensions, planks, pump jacks, or a boom lift add time and rental costs for tall gables or steep sites. A two-storey with limited side yard access can add a few hundred dollars simply due to setup time.

Price drivers homeowners control

Colour choice: Dramatic colour shifts need extra coats and careful priming, which adds labour and material. Staying near the existing shade shortens the job. On vinyl, very dark colours may be off the table due to heat absorption.

Scope creep: Adding doors, fences, or detached garages mid-project can stretch the timeline. Defining what is in and out at the start keeps costs steady.

Repairs: Small carpentry fixes can be included, but soft wood and damaged trim can turn into a separate repair line. Addressing rot before painting is wise, though it affects final cost. A pre-job walkthrough with a ladder helps spot these early.

Scheduling: Booking exterior painting in Edmonton ahead of peak season can help lock better timelines and sometimes better pricing. Last-minute rush jobs in a short weather window are harder to staff and may cost more.

Why some quotes are low and some are higher

Two quotes can differ by thousands for the same home. The difference usually sits in prep time, primer choices, number of coats, and insurance coverage.

• Prep time: Light washing and a single coat over failing paint will look fresh for a few months and then peel. Thorough prep takes time and shows in the quote.
• Primer and coatings: Using bonding primers on chalky aluminum or the right sealer on wood prevents failure. Cheaper products can reduce the upfront cost and shorten the life of the job.
• Number of coats: A true two-coat system protects better and looks richer, especially with colour changes. If a quote is vague on coats, ask.
• Insurance and safety: Fully insured crews with WCB and fall protection policies price differently than ad hoc teams. That coverage protects the homeowner.

Experienced homeowners ask for a written scope that lists washing, scraping, caulking, priming, and number of finish coats by surface. That document makes quotes comparable and highlights gaps.

Edmonton neighbourhood examples and real ranges

Older wood homes in Highlands or Ritchie often have detailed trim and layers of old paint. Expect more scraping and spot-priming, plus carpentry on sills, which pushes costs toward the higher end. A typical 1,500 sq ft character home there might land between $7,000 and $9,500 if wood repairs are needed.

Vinyl-clad homes in Terwillegar, Windermere, or Summerside tend to fall in the lower to mid range if the siding is in good condition and the colour change is moderate. Many of these projects hit $4,500 to $6,000 with careful cleaning and one to two finish coats.

Fibre cement homes in Keswick or Secord usually come in mid range due to masking and joint work, often $6,000 to $8,000. The finish looks sharp and holds colour well when prepped right.

Stucco exteriors in Glenora or Westmount can vary. Hairline cracks and chalking are common. A standard repaint might sit around $6,500 to $8,000 with elastomeric on problem elevations. Heavier repairs or re-texturing will increase cost.

These are working ranges, not fixed prices. Access, landscaping, and custom colours shift the final number.

Spraying vs brushing and rolling

Spraying lays an even coat and speeds application on broad, smooth areas like stucco and long runs of siding. Back-rolling after a spray coat on porous surfaces helps the paint work into textures. Brushing and rolling are slower but precise for trim and tight details. Crews in Edmonton often blend methods: spray large surfaces, brush and roll trim, and back-roll stucco. The method influences labour hours and finish quality. A pure spray-and-go approach saves time but can miss penetration on textured surfaces.

How long an exterior paint job should last in Edmonton

With strong prep and a quality acrylic paint, homeowners can expect 7 to 10 years on many substrates. Stucco with elastomeric coatings can go longer if cracks are maintained. Wood siding varies more, especially on south and west elevations that take the most UV. Trim edges and horizontal surfaces fail first, so spot maintenance in year 4 or 5 extends the life of the whole job.

Homes near busy roads or open fields collect dust and require more frequent washing for appearance and longevity. A gentle rinse each spring and quick touch-ups on scuffs or chips make a real difference.

Permits, lead paint, and safety notes

Most exterior painting in Edmonton does not require a permit. However, houses built before 1980 may have lead-based paint layers. Safe practices include containment during scraping and proper disposal of debris. Reputable painters can test suspect areas or assume lead-safe methods where appropriate. Homeowners should ask if lead safety is part of the plan on older properties.

Working at height needs proper ladder footing, tie-offs on steep areas, and fall protection. This takes more time, but the alternative risks are obvious. Homeowners can ask about the crew’s safety plan during the estimate.

How homeowners can prep and save without cutting corners

Homeowners who want to streamline the project can handle certain tasks before the crew arrives. Clearing furniture, trimming shrubs that touch the siding, and removing fragile decor near work zones help the crew move faster. Marking sprinkler heads and protecting delicate plants saves headaches. Choosing paint colours and finishes before the start date prevents delays.

Some consider DIY washing to save costs. If done carefully with low pressure, a pre-wash helps. High pressure can force water behind siding or into stucco cracks, so caution is key. For many, leaving washing to the painting crew is the safer route.

Warranty and what it really covers

A common warranty on exterior painting is two to three years on labour and materials. Read the terms. Warranties usually cover peeling and blistering due to workmanship or product failure, not fading from UV or damage from hail, sprinklers, or ice melt. In Edmonton’s climate, a fair warranty honours early failure but sets reasonable exclusions. Depend Exteriors documents prep, primers, and finish coats to back the warranty with a clear paper trail.

Budgeting tips for a 1,500 sq ft exterior

Paint in the same colour family to reduce coats and cost. Schedule in early summer when temperatures are stable and days are long. Group work with neighbours if possible; sometimes crews can reduce mobilization costs when working on the same block in Summerside, Glenora, or Rutherford.

If the budget is tight, prioritize the most exposed elevations and trim. South and west faces fail first in Edmonton. Painting those areas now and scheduling the remaining elevations next season is a practical phased approach that keeps the home protected.

Why many Edmonton homeowners choose professional crews

DIY painting a 1,500 sq ft exterior is a big lift. Access, prep, and weather windows add risk. A professional team brings the right primers, mixes, and equipment. More importantly, they bring judgment shaped by local conditions. A crew that paints through June wind, July sun, and September cool-down knows how to adjust technique and timing. That know-how translates into better adhesion and a finish that lasts.

For homeowners researching exterior painting Edmonton, the most relevant questions to ask a contractor are the simple ones: what prep is included, what primers will be used on each surface, how many coats on body and trim, how will you handle temperature and dew point during the job, and what exactly does the warranty cover? Straight answers signal a dependable team.

A clear path to a firm quote

Homeowners can reach a firm number quickly by sharing a few details during an estimate:

• Siding type and age, plus any known repairs.
• Photos of each elevation, close-ups of peeling or cracking, and a few shots from 10 to 15 feet back.
• Height notes: two-storey, walkout basement, or steep gables.
• Colour change plans and desired finish sheen.

With that, a site visit can confirm measurements, test for chalking, and check moisture on suspect areas. Depend Exteriors uses that data to propose the right system, not just a price.

The bottom line for a 1,500 sq ft home in Edmonton

Most 1,500 sq ft exterior projects in Edmonton fall between $4,500 and $8,500, clustering near the middle for vinyl or aluminum and rising for stucco, fibre cement, and older wood. Prep and access drive variance more than the paint itself. Homeowners who invest in steady prep, smart product choices, and good timing see the best long-term value.

Depend Exteriors paints exteriors across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and nearby communities, with clear scopes and durable systems. Homeowners in Terwillegar, Windermere, Summerside, Glenora, Ritchie, or Highlands who are planning exterior painting can request a no-pressure site visit. A short walkthrough leads to a precise quote, a clean schedule, and a finish that stands up to Edmonton weather. If a homeowner already has photos and siding details, Depend Exteriors can start with a remote estimate and confirm on site.

Ready to price your 1,500 sq ft exterior with confidence? Reach out to Depend Exteriors to schedule an estimate for exterior painting in Edmonton. A focused plan, the right prep, and a reliable crew turn a seasonal chore into a smart investment that holds its colour and protects the home for years.