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Zeal Professional Painters

Cost guide

How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in NZ?

Repainting the exterior of an average New Zealand home usually costs between $8,000 and $18,000, with larger or two-storey homes running higher. Cladding type, the condition of the existing paint, access and the amount of preparation needed are the main things that move the price.

Price by cladding type

Weatherboard generally takes longer to prepare and paint than flat surfaces because of the profiled boards and gaps, so it can sit at the higher end. Plaster and fibre-cement are often quicker to coat but may need crack repair and the right masonry system. Brick is sometimes painted too, which requires specific products to let the wall breathe.

Why preparation drives the cost

On exteriors, preparation is everything. Sun, rain and salt break paint down over years, so we wash, scrape back failed paint, sand, fill, treat any rot and prime bare areas before a single top coat goes on. A home with sound existing paint costs far less to repaint than one with widespread flaking and weathered timber.

Coastal homes — think Raglan — need extra attention because salt-laden air is so aggressive on coatings.

Getting an accurate exterior quote

Because exterior condition varies so much, an on-site assessment is the only way to get a reliable figure. We look at the cladding, the state of the existing paint, access and any repairs needed, then give you a fixed written quote with the products and number of coats spelled out.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I repaint my exterior?

Most New Zealand homes benefit from an exterior repaint every 7–10 years, sooner on exposed or coastal sites. Catching it before paint fails badly keeps costs down.

Does the paint brand really matter outside?

Yes. Premium exterior coatings hold colour and protect for years longer than budget paints, which usually makes them cheaper over the life of the home.

Can you paint in winter?

We work year-round and plan exterior work around dry weather windows so coatings cure properly.

Refresh your space today, with Zeal

Whether it's a residential refresh or a large-scale commercial project, we bring quality and professionalism to every stroke.