House Painting & Stucco in Houston

How much does an exterior house painter cost in Houston? Day rates $400-$600, exterior painting $18-$32/m2. HOA rules, Hardie board tips, and Heights district guide.

Texas, United States Avg. house price: $290,000

House Painter Costs in Houston

Service	Low	High	Unit
House Painter	$400	$600	per day
Exterior Stucco	$55	$85	per m²
Exterior Painting	$18	$32	per m²

Prices are -5% compared to the US national average. Updated March 2026.

Architecture in Houston

Dominant Styles

Ranch
Colonial Revival
Mediterranean
Contemporary stucco

Typical Materials

Brick veneer
Hardie board siding
Stucco
Wood siding

Heritage Notes

City of Houston has 23 protected and historic districts. Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) reviews exterior changes in designated districts such as Heights East and Old Sixth Ward.

Historic Districts & Permit Rules

Houston has 23 historic districts, including Heights East, Old Sixth Ward, Westmoreland, Freeland, Audubon Place.

Certificate of Appropriateness requirements may apply in designated historic districts, removing the right to change exterior color or material without review. Always check with your local historic preservation office before painting or stuccoing.

For individually landmarked properties, traditional finishes and historically accurate colors are typically required. Contact your local preservation officer before starting work.

Local Tips for Houston

Avoid exterior painting from June through early September: surface temperatures frequently exceed 110°F/43°C and afternoon humidity stalls cure; October to April is ideal.

Most Houston HOAs in master-planned communities (Kingwood, The Woodlands, Memorial) require written color approval: submit Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore codes, not paint chips.

Hardie fiber-cement board is the dominant siding material; use a 100% acrylic exterior paint with a primer for lap and trim boards.

HAHC-designated districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness before repainting an unpainted brick or adding a new color.

Popular Paint Brands in Houston

Sherwin-Williams Behr Benjamin Moore PPG Valspar

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an exterior house painter cost in Houston?

Day rates for an exterior house painter in Houston typically range from $400 to $600 in 2026. This is -5% compared to the US national average.

Do I need a permit to paint my house in Houston?

Painting an existing residence in Houston usually does not require a permit. However, if your home is in one of Houston's 23 historic districts (such as Heights East, Old Sixth Ward, Westmoreland), you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before changing exterior colors. HOA approval is also commonly required in master-planned neighborhoods.

What is the best time of year to paint a house exterior in Houston?

The best months for exterior painting in Houston are October to April. With 1264mm annual rainfall and 2560 hours of sunlight per year, this window offers the most stable surface temperatures and humidity for a quality cure.

How much does exterior stucco or rendering cost in Houston?

Exterior stucco and rendering in Houston costs $55-$85 per m2 depending on system (traditional cement stucco, acrylic stucco, or elastomeric coating). For a typical 200m2 exterior, expect to pay $11,000-$17,000.