Renovation Budget: the price for a gypsum installation budget

It might take years to find your dream home, especially as neighbourhoods continue to develop and are becoming overcrowded. Maybe you’ve found the perfect spot, but the house itself isn’t quite what you’d envisioned. Have you considered demolishing it? Demolishing whole homes or parts of its interior would allow you to take the land that you want and build upon it your dream home. Of course, these projects come at a cost...so what is it? When it comes to different demolition projects, the cost to carry them out will vary widely. Ultimately, it will depend on factors such as where the building is located, the size of the home and land, the climate and so on. If you’re considering this project, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved so you understand the magnitude of such an endeavour. How much does it cost to demolish a house in Canada? Pricing Rundown: Bathroom, Concrete, Chimney, Pool, Deck, etc. Source: Canva As mentioned in our introduction, the costs involved in demolishing a house or a part of a property can vary widely. Some points to consider when it comes to final costs are: Permit costs; Square footage; Structural additions or number of storeys; The materials used to build the home; Waste management; Debris removal; Demolition workers or experts to carry out the project (labour costs). On average, costs can range anywhere between $5,800 to $36,000. On the cheaper end of the scale are houses that are demolished in rural areas, versus those in densely populated cities and thus, with more risks involved. If you’re looking at a complete demolition with a basement and foundation included, costs will be tipping toward the higher end of the scale, no matter where your home is located. Most demolition projects will be charged per square foot. This goes without saying, but costs will vary from one project to the next depending on the job at hand. Deck demo jobs aren't likely to cost as much as concrete, fireplace, or bathroom demolishing projects. The average cost can range anywhere from $7-$22 per sq. ft. Therefore, taking full measurements of the property can help you obtain a more accurate idea of what kind of budget you'll need (final costs), and the overall complexity of the project, including labour costs. Now that we have an idea of average costs, let’s look at some of the specifics that will definitely affect these square-foot costs. Factors Affecting Demo Costs in Canada Source: Canva Are you looking for experts for your demolition project? Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Permits and site preparation In every single case of a home demo or partial demolition project, you're going to need to register for permits, and there's a cost associated with each permit. These permits factor in everything from noise pollution caused by the demolition process, safety precautions, potential exposure to dangerous materials as well as potential daily routine interruptions for your neighbours. Another factor to consider is that demolition regulations will need to comply with municipal building codes, and thus applying for permits is a black-and-white agreement made stating you'll abide by regulations. If the demolition stage is part of a bigger project as a whole, such as a home remodel, usually the demolition permit will be included as part of the home remodelling permit. In most cities and towns, permit applications cost money. The price of this will be dependent on where you live and could range anywhere from $60 to $300. Do bear in mind that if you're going to be demolishing the foundation of the home, meaning cutting concrete or demolishing an actual structure, like a room, overall permit costs will likely increase or you may even need to apply for individual permits. The first step, when it comes to site preparations, are factors such as gas, water, electricity and HVAC units. All plumbing and electricity will need to be addressed with extra care by professionals in each respective field. Especially so if you’re taking down an entire structure from floor to ceiling, everything will need to be turned off. Be certain that anyone working on-site has the proper protective and safety gear including boots, gloves, protective eye and headwear and so forth. If you're working with professionals to carry out this project, it’s paramount that they have the proper certification. Another huge factor when it comes to the cost of a demolition project is working with hazardous materials. Especially in older homes, the presence of asbestos (or lead paint) is common and extra fees will be factored in if detected. Asbestos poses a threat to both the health of yourself and your loved ones as well as the environment, as it becomes airborne when handled. For this reason, you’ll need to have it removed prior to demolishing your home. Depending on the city where your house is located, the rules and regulations for removal will be different. For more information regarding the correct way to dispose of asbestos, check out our article: All About Asbestos Removal. Deconstruction vs Demolition Deconstruction is another option that may be more financially feasible for certain homeowners. Although deconstruction and demolition are often used as one and the same, their processes are different. Here’s a little bit of information on both to distinguish them. Demolition: Tearing down an entire structure or a piece of a structure. Leftover debris from a demolition project is treated as waste. Deconstruction: A slow teardown process of a structure that is done in a way to deliberately preserve parts of it to be recycled or sold. If you’re looking to get something finished tomorrow, your best bet is demolition. This process will actually be cheaper upfront and should take a day or two. On the other hand, deconstruction takes time; it could take up to weeks depending on the structure being knocked down. As it’s time-consuming, deconstruction can cost more money upfront. However, this process is usually accompanied by tax breaks or benefits, and selling salvaged pieces can help you get some of your money back in the end. Not to mention, deconstruction is eco-friendly. If you’re looking for detailed information about deconstruction, we have an entire article on the subject. Remember, it's always recommended to work with professionals on large-scale renovation projects. Demolitions require and involve many safety precautions, so consult with the right contractors and experts if you've decided to take on such a project.

With spring around the corner, homeowners tend to look over their yards more often than not and compare them with that of their neighbours, which might lead one to notice their sad state. Thus, it may be a good idea to begin drawing up the list (starting with leaf removal) of all the projects that must be carried out to restore a yard to its former glory. Even if your to-do list is long—and landscaping plans are a daunting job as it is, you still have to ensure the work planned is within your budget. Landscaping costs can vary greatly, depending on the professionals employed, like landscape designers, architects or contractors. To know for sure whether your project is feasible, and most importantly, within your means, read on. How much is landscaping? Source: Canva Average Cost Estimate of Laying Peat: Examples As a proud homeowner, you want your yard to reflect that. So, does your lawn look like it needs a little bit of life? It’s likely that after a long winter, you’ll need to reseed it. Alternatively, you may want to lay peat moss in problematic areas. How much are landscaping costs when it comes to making your lawn look great again? If you decide to seed your land, first you'll need to think about adding more garden soil, which will cost you around $600 for about ​​5,000 square feet of land. When it comes to seeding such a surface area, expect to pay between $180 and $240. Would you rather buy grass patches? To do this, remember to follow certain precautionary measures, such as land levelling, alternating the edges when installing the patches, as well as appropriate irrigation after they've been put in place to ensure their viability. In terms of landscaping costs related to such a project, expect to pay $1,500 for 5,000 square feet of peat, so, the average cost is 30 cents per square foot. Basic Cost of Installing a Fence Source: Canva Acting as a barrier between your yard or garden and that of your neighbours, and adding to your home’s curb appeal, a nice fence can be an essential element of your property. If you currently have one, yet deem it to be subpar, and can’t be repaired, you may be shopping around the average costs involved when it comes to replacing and installing a new one, per linear foot and by type of material. So here it is: Aluminum: $42 to $120 Wrought iron: $36 to $66 Chain link: $14.50 to $25 Treated wood and PVC: Between $30.50 and $60 PVC: Roughly $65 How much does it cost to build a patio/deck per square foot? A patio or deck is a perfect place to enjoy beautiful summer days and even better weather. Generally, this is one of the main elements of a backyard and, essentially a place where you spend time with family and loved ones. If you already have one, your existing patio may need an update. Here’s a summary of the average costs currently in effect to build a patio based on material options: Composite wood: Between $60 and $72 per square foot; Western red cedar: $42 per square foot; Pavers: Between $18 and $30 per square foot; Roasted wood: Between $60 and $72 per square foot; Treated wood: Between $36 and $48 per square foot; Concrete: Approximately $60 per square foot; Less common wood species (teak/Ipe): Between $12 and $14.50 (without installation); Fibreglass: $18 per square foot (between $2 and $4 for sanding). For such a landscaping project, note that a limited lifetime warranty applies to treated wood and red cedar, while a 25-year warranty applies to composite wood. For those who would like to make eco-friendly choices as part of their landscaping work, you may consider bamboo, which will cost around $7 per square foot. Since it grows quickly and is resistant to mould and insects (subject to the application of treatment for these purposes), it’s an excellent alternative to other exotic woods such as teak or Ipe. However, note that it does need an oil-based treatment to avoid greying over time. Are you unsure of the type of material to choose for your brand-new patio or deck? Check out our article Building a Patio: Shapes and Materials How much does it cost to build a pergola in your backyard? Source: Canva Aside from artificial grass and ambience lighting, there are outdoor spaces aside from decks to consider, like a pergola. Such an option is considered by some as a small peace haven sheltered from the sun, intended for rest and relaxation, an extension of your indoors, yet outdoors. It’s a more complete structure than a traditional patio, as such, you shouldn't be all too surprised to find out that its price points are higher. Among the options available to you when it comes to such landscaping work, there's the attached, freestanding, or retractable pergola. The first one leans on the front of the terrace or your garden while giving a modern look to the terrace. The second, for its part, consists of a more independent installation. As for the latter, and as its name suggests, it’s mainly for temporary installation. Regardless of the type of pergola that your heart desires, the price you pay will be directly related to its material. For an aluminum pergola, the prices will be between $3,000 and $7,200. For a vinyl model, you should plan on spending between $600 and $3,600. What about the wooden or metal pergola? For these, you should plan on paying between $1,200 and $6,000 and between $840 and $ 5,640, respectively. What should I budget for the services of professional landscapers? Source: Canva If you’re thinking about re-conceptualizing your yard design or feel the need to redesign certain aspects of your backyard, pool area, or garden, doing business with landscaping professionals such as architects and designers may be something to consider. Following a land analysis and determining its particularities, if any, as well as taking into account your functional and aesthetic needs, they'll submit several landscaping proposals to ensure the job is done right. For example, the construction of a façade and the completion of the plan necessary for its realization could be close to $12,000. Their job won't solely lie in the conceptual dimension of your project, but they'll also be able to supervise each step of the process. The hourly rates for services of a landscape architect cost between $55 and $130 per hour. As landscaping project plans are a significant investment, don’t hesitate to request multiple quotes from multiple companies, landscapers or contractors. In the event that you mainly need professionals to carry out your work, you may decide to do business with a landscaper. Note that this is remunerated at a fixed rate depending on the extent of the work carried out. Once again, let us reiterate the importance of obtaining several quotes based on your landscaping plan to be able to make an informed decision and get the best cost per square footage. Backyard Landscaping Projects in Canada: How to Save Money When it comes to revamping your back or front yard landscaping, you have to ask yourself this question: What budget am I working with, and is it a limited budget? If you need to save a few bucks, there are several tips that can help you do so. Among these, let us first mention the purchase of recycled materials from ecocentres/recycling centres that are open in your area. Second, keep an eye out and try to spot the discounts made available to you by plant stores in your area. Discounted flowers or perennials can drastically lower the overall costs. Also, why not consider the possibility of swapping plants with one of your neighbours? This is all the more possible since perennials can be separated, and rearranging or redesigning your flower beds can make it easier to spot plants that need to go. Buying young trees can also save you precious dollars. Of course, you’ll have to be patient before you see your pretty trees reach their full splendour, but the savings are worth it. Similarly, buying young perennials is also a very economical idea. Indeed, they grow quickly and in one season, you will see them reach the same size as their buddies sold at term. Fun Fact In our blog articles, we often mention the importance of return on investment in interior renovation projects in regard to a bathroom or kitchen. But, as a homeowner, did you know that quality landscaping can also increase the value of your property? Indeed, potential buyers see it as a major plus, and in return, it can increase the value of your home by 15% to 25%. Pretty interesting, no? Summary Chart: How Much to Landscape a Backyard Building a deck Composite wood Between $60 and $72 per square foot Western red cedar Approx. $42 per square foot Torrefied wood Between $60 and $72 per square foot Treated wood Between $36 and $48 per square foot Concrete Approx. $60 per square foot Exotic wood Between $12 and $14,50 without installation Fibreglass Approx. $18 per square foot Paver stone Between $18 and $30 per square foot Installing a fence Aluminum $32 to $120 per linear foot Ornamental iron $36 to $66 per linear foot Chain link $14 to $25 per linear foot Treated wood and PVC $30,50 to $65 per linear foot Building a pergola Aluminum Between $3000 and $7200 Vinyl Between $600 and $3600 Wood Between $1200 and $6000 Metal Between $840 and $5640 Other types of projects (for a 5000 square foot land) Installing peat blocks $1500 Seeding $600 for garden soil and between $180 and $240 for seeds The rate to hire a landscape architect Between $55 and $130 per hour The rate to hire a landscaper Varying package deals

The kitchen backsplash plays a role that is both practical and aesthetical. It is used to protect the walls that are often exposed to our creative culinary impulses (who hasn't sent tomato sauce flying all over the walls before?). A backsplash is also a visual element that can be used to create a cohesive look in the room, bringing together the upper and lower cabinets, as well as the counter. Therefore, we want to be sure to choose the right material for a kitchen backsplash. Most people will opt for a tile backsplash, whether it's made of ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl. However, there is a wide variety of materials that can be used for this purpose. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of the materials that are most often used to build a backsplash, as well as their average prices. How much does a kitchen backsplash cost? Source : Canva You could get away with a budget of $240 to $480, or pay up to $4800 for your backsplash. Indeed, it should be noted that since there is a wide selection of materials that can be used as backsplashes, there is something for all tastes and all budgets. However, on average, people pay between $1,800 and $3,000 for their backsplash, including labour and materials. It should also be noted that some materials can easily be set up by people with little to no renovation experience, while others must be installed by contractors. The prices that we are going to present in this article will be a general reflection of the current material costs on the market, as well as the costs of installation by an expert. However, it is difficult to take into account all the factors that can affect the final amount you will pay, because each case is very different. For example, you may need to repair and prepare the wall surface before installing the backsplash. Please note that the amounts indicated in this article are for information only. To make it all clearer, we have gathered the data in a chart: Material Average price (material only) Cost of labour Total cost for an area of ​​50 square feet (taking into account 20 hours of labour, with exceptions*) Ceramic $1 to $12 per square foot (some high-end models can go up to $22 per square foot) For installation by an expert, count $40 to $60 per hour. Materials: $50 to $600 Installation: approximately $800 to $1,200 Total: 850 to 1,800$ Porcelain $5 to $15 per square foot (some more luxurious models can go up to $24 per square foot) For installation by an expert, count $40 to $60 per hour. Materials: $250 to $750 Installation: approximately $800 to $1,200 Total: $1,050 to $1,950 Glass tiles Approximately $15 to $30 per square foot Approximately $15 to $30 per square foot Materials: $750 to $1,500 Installation: $800 to $1,200 Total: $1,550 to $2,700 Glass panels Approximately $48 per square foot For installation by an expert, count $10 to $15 per square foot. Materials: 2,400$ Installation: $500 to $750 Total: 2,900 to 3,150$ Marble tile backsplash Approximately $36 to $48 per square foot For installation by an expert, count $40 to $60 per hour. Materials: 1,800 to 2,400$ Installation: $800 to $1,200 Total: $2,600 to $3,600 Note: It is also possible to install a marble slab backsplash, but the price will be much higher (we are talking between $2,400 and $12,000 for 50 square feet) Slate tile backsplash Approximately $12 to $36 per square foot For installation by an expert, count $40 to $60 per hour. Materials: $600 to $1,800 Setup: $800 to $1,200 Total: $1,400 to $3,000 Adhesive tile backsplash (example: Smart tiles, Speedtiles) About $12 to $22 per square foot For installation by an expert, count $40 to $60 per hour. Materials: $600 to $1100 Installation: $400 to $600 * calculating a 10 hour installation Total: 1,000 to 1,700$ Other possible materials for a backsplash Source: Canva We could also have talked about other types of backsplash materials for the kitchen or the bathroom, but the prices are more difficult to present without having more information about your kitchen. Here are some other materials you might consider: Concrete Quartz (slab) Granite (slab) Stainless steel Drink Wallpaper How much does a bathroom backsplash cost? Source: Unsplash It is also possible to install a backsplash in a bathroom. Of course, the square footage of this backsplash will generally be smaller (unless you decide to cover an entire wall). Most of the time, bathroom backsplashes are ceramic or porcelain. Here are the approximate prices for a 20 square foot bathroom backsplash (including installation): Ceramic backsplash: $405 to $815 Porcelain backsplash: $480 to $865 Adhesive tile backsplash: $430 to $720 How do you calculate how much material you will need for your backsplash? Source : Unsplash You will need to do a calculation that gives you a figure in square meters or square feet. Here is the equation to follow to measure square feet: Length x width (10ft x 15ft) = 150 square feet Next, measure the obstacles to avoid (cabinets, mouldings, electrical installations). You will then need to subtract this figure from the previous number (ex: 150 square feet - 35 = 115 square feet). Finally, you don't want to run out of material, so you'll need to have some in backup. This means that you have to calculate 5 to 15% for losses. For example: 10% of 115 square feet = 11.5, so a total of 126.5 square feet To make your life easier, once you have this number, you can take it to a hardware store rep (or specialty store) and they'll help you purchase the right amount of material. What are the characteristics of backsplash materials? Ceramic backsplash - pros and cons Source : Unsplash It's not for nothing that ceramic is often used to build a backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom. This material is generally affordable, quite easy to maintain and versatile in terms of style. Indeed, ceramic blends just as well with contemporary decor as with a more classic environment. On the downside, it should be noted that ceramics can be complicated to install, so it is strongly advised to hire an expert. Moreover, even if the maintenance of the surface is easy, it is sometimes difficult to clean the joints between the tiles. And if the grout is of poor quality, you may need to fix it eventually. Porcelain backsplash - pros and cons Source : Unsplash The advantages and disadvantages of porcelain are quite similar to those of ceramic. The main difference between these two materials is that porcelain is denser and stronger than ceramic. So its lifespan can be longer. Also, porcelain absorbs less water than ceramic, which can be an interesting advantage in a humid room like the kitchen or the bathroom. Finally, porcelain is a little bit more expensive than ceramic, but when compared to other materials such as marble or slate, it remains a very accessible option. Marble backsplash - pros and cons Source : Unsplash In a kitchen or a bathroom, marble is perceived as a luxurious and durable material. Its surface is smooth and soft, which makes the marble easy to wash. Among the disadvantages, note that marble is one of the most expensive backsplash materials. You'll also have to apply a sealant from time to time to protect the surface from stains (especially in the kitchen). Finally, marble can be a heavy material, so if you opt for a marble slab, you may need to reinforce the wall's structure. Adhesive tile backsplash - pros and cons Source : Canva If you are looking for a backsplash that is easy to install, affordable and simple to maintain, consider buying adhesive tiles! Adhesive tiles have the great advantage of being able to reproduce other more expensive materials such as marble, stone or mosaic at a low price. There's something for everyone on the market, from bright colours to more neutral hues, to funky and classic patterns! These tiles are designed to be easy to lay, even if you don't have experience with this type of project. Of course, for an impeccable result, it is always better to hire a contractor. As for the disadvantages, adhesive tiles can be less resistant to heat and wear (depending on the surface finishing material). Slate tile backsplash - pros and cons Source : Unsplash Slate is a natural stone that is rich in textures. It works especially nicely with contemporary decor. A sealant must be applied to the surface, after which the slate will be impermeable. Its main disadvantage is the price because it is one of the high-end options in terms of backsplash. However, if you've opted for a slate counter, it can give a magnificent result! Glass backsplash - pros and cons There are two options for a glass backsplash, either the glass panel backsplash or the glass tile backsplash. In either case, it is best to hire a specialized contractor to carry out the installation. Even though the glass is very strong, you don't want to break your glass panel trying to install it! Once properly in place, the glass provides a beautiful surface that is easy to clean and bright. You will be able to choose from different colours and glass surface textures. Can I install a kitchen backsplash myself? Source : Canva Yes and no. It really depends on the material, your skills and the time you have to devote to the project. If you really want to install your own backsplash and you have no experience in the matter, opt for adhesive tiles. These are easier to install and require less equipment, products and time. You could also try installing ceramic or porcelain tiles, but be aware that an impeccable result will be more difficult to obtain. Finally, trying to install a marble, slate or glass backsplash yourself is not recommended. Here are a few articles to read about kitchen and bathroom backsplashes Would you like to know more about the different types of backsplashes? Here are some interesting articles to read on our blog: 5 Affordable Kitchen Backsplashes RenoQuotes.com Kitchen Renovation Guide 9 Types of Kitchen Backsplashes Reno inspiration: 10 examples of ceramic backsplashes How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Spring is just around the corner, and this makes it the perfect time for planning out your garden, backyard and front lawn. If you’re working with plenty of space or you’re looking to investigate a little further into the potential of your property including growing your own vegetable and fruit garden, then you could be interested in working with a horticulturist. A horticulturist can help you plan and design a garden or recreational area with the idea of preserving natural resources. So, if you’re set on working with one, this article will look at what a horticulturist will do as well as how many specific projects may set you back. Keep reading to find out all of the necessary information on this subject and you’ll be able to start planning for your spring project! Working with a Horticulturist: Must-Know Facts source: unsplash What does a horticulturist do? Horticulturists are interested in and deal mainly with the reproduction of plant life. They work to understand and manage the soil, landscaping, plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits and offer insight regarding the best trajectory for you to make the most of your soil and your property. It’s common for people to confuse a horticulturist with a landscape architect, but these professions have fundamental differences that we’re going to lay out below. A landscape architect is all about the design elements and will understand how to layout public spaces, gardens, parks or backyards. In contrast to this, a horticulturist understands the actual science behind how flowers, plants, and greenery interact and grow. Specifically, they will be trained and understand plant propagation, crop production, genetic engineering, plant physiology, and biochemistry while also conducting research in gardening and landscaping. The work of a horticulturist extends beyond regular garden plants and involves berries, fruits, nuts, vegetables, shrubs, trees, turf, and managing your soil. Not only is their knowledge exceptionally wide-ranging, but they take on many different roles. They may work with private or educational institutions, the government or on residential projects. Some examples of projects a horticulturist may take on: Research: A horticulturist may engage in plant-based research, with a specialization or focus. This type of horticulturist may conduct controlled experiments in specific environments in order to better understand the plants they’re focusing on. Landscaping: It’s common for a horticulturist to work as part of a team or contractors or a landscaping company to assist in the design and development of site-specific projects. As mentioned, they have the ability to cultivate flowers, trees, bushes, grass, and shrubs while advising you on the correct products to use when caring for them. They will also be well-versed in irrigation so that your plants remain alive and healthy. Since they understand the relationship between plants, they’ll be able to offer a well-rounded landscaping plan that could last a lifetime. Consultant: A horticulturist can serve as a consultant, and this can work to maximize the landscape that you’re working with. They will advise on details such as planting, growing and harvesting techniques. They can also help with managing insect or parasite infestations. Do these qualifications describe someone you’re looking for? If so, keep reading for some common prices when it comes to hiring a horticulturist! Looking for landscaping specialists to transform your backyard? Fill in our form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Common Costs Associated with Working with a Horticulturist source: unsplash Now if you’ve made the decision that you’re hiring a horticulturist, there are many factors that will play into budgeting for this project. The specifics will come down to how large of a space you’re working with as well as which services you’re hoping for. Hourly rate: $40- $150 If you’re working with a horticulturist who charges by the hour, you’re looking to pay between $40-$150 an hour, with anything over that being an extremely experienced or jack-of-all-trades horticulturist. Some will charge a flat rate for a consultation, while others will include the consultation, design plans and any revisions made all in the hourly rate. Make sure to check in with your horticulturist. Flat rate: $2,000- $10,000 It’s difficult for us to lay out a specific flat rate you may be looking at for this project. However, you can expect to pay an average of $5,400 for a medium-sized property. Again, the price will be dependent on the number of hours invested in the project as well as the services you’re looking for from the horticulturist. Do bear in mind that a flat rate may only include the consultation and the plans, and may not include them actually carrying out the work with you. Design plans: $200- $500 If you’re simply looking for blueprints or plans with detailed landscape designs and information about local plants, then you may be able to pay for these alone. In most cases, this will also involve a flat rate consultation fee on top of the projected costs. Why is working with a horticulturist important? source: unsplash The green space around your home is important. Many environmental concerns are addressed when working with a horticulturist. Planting and maintaining the trees, plants, flowers, grass, as well as the fruits and vegetables native to your region will help to balance the ecology of the area including combating certain weather concerns such as erratic rainfall and overheating cities. Not to mention, having the ability to grow and cultivate your own fresh fruits and vegetables has both a local and environmental impact. Being able to access locally grown fruits and vegetables mean that less food and plants will have to be freighted in and imported with high fuel costs. Further, running a small farm or garden impacts the accessibility to fresh produce within your community. Working with a horticulturist is a fertile investment with many long-term benefits. The costs upfront might seem high, but in the future, you will appreciate the expense.

Over time, our tastes change and our interests expand. It’s common for this to be reflected in and around your home. Many people will turn to a large-scale home renovation or even a quick DIY clean-up or project to breathe new life into the abode. A tried and true renovation that’ll update the appearance of your home and will add some serious curb appeal is an exterior painting project. This could mean giving your entire facade a new, bright coat or updating trims around doors and windows. Regardless, an exterior painting project is an excellent investment. This article will outline factors to consider before grabbing the brush as well as an outline of average costs. Outdoor Paint Projects: Average Costs Source: Canva Planning the budget for an exterior painting project is fairly straightforward. You’re going to want to calculate all exterior surfaces you plan to paint into square footage and this will help you determine the amount of primer or paint necessary to cover everything evenly. Additionally, the quality of the paint will be another factor in the overall cost, as higher-quality paints are going to require a bigger budget. Another note is to consider doors, trim around the facade, windows, and doors. You might choose to paint these another colour or they may require a different type of paint depending on the material they’re made from. Lastly, this is not a project for a novice and thus, you might want to work with professional or several others. Think about the cost of labour which will be affected by the number of stories your home has as well as how easily accessible all the exterior surfaces are. Here are some approximate outlines of average costs. Size of House Average Cost Small-sized house (1,000 square feet) DIY: $1,440 With labour: $2,760 Medium-sized house (3,500 square feet) DIY: $3,000 With labour: $4,800 Large-sized house (5000 + square feet) DIY: $4,800 With labour: $7,200 The average price of paint will range between $24 to $72 per gallon, and a single gallon will cover about 200 square feet. Do take into account tools you might need for this project including brushes, and tape to mark off the trim. As you’ve noticed above, working with contractors will generally double the cost of the job. But working with professionals will guarantee that it’ll be done correctly. Looking for professional painters? Fill in the form to be connected with top-rated contractors! Other factors to consider when painting outdoors Source: Canva There are several factors to consider when taking on an exterior painting project, and the first of those will be cleaning and prepping the surfaces for painting. Since we’re talking about the exterior, you’re likely going to need a heavy-duty cleaning method like a pressure washer. This step is essential, as a clean surface will guarantee that paint can be applied evenly and this will increase longevity. If you’re working with professionals, they may have this step covered but make sure to check with them. Otherwise, you might need to rent a pressure washer, so do take this into account when drawing up a budget. The climate in your area will also have an impact on your exterior painting project. If you’re living in a particularly warm or humid part of the country, then you need to take extra precautions during the painting process. This could include choosing specialty paint or working with a finish that’ll help keep optimal paint quality. Lastly, if you find any damage around your home including replacing rotting wood or filling in gaps, you’re going to need to repair this before any painting can be done. Depending on the level of damage, this could be a quick fix or a full-on repair. Again, consider this when planning a budget for your exterior painting project. What type of paint should be used for outdoor surfaces? Source: Unsplash Choosing the right paint for your exterior project will come down to many different factors. One of the most important particulars when deciding on paint is the time it will take to finish curing. For exterior painting, there are two main types to choose from and these are latex (water-based) and oil-based. Although latex paint will dry in a day or two, it can take up to 30 days to be fully cured. Oil-based paint will initially take a little bit more time to dry but will cure much quicker after just a few days. For the most part, the type of paint you end up choosing will come down to the material that you’re painting. For example, if the exterior of your home is mostly metal, you’ll want to avoid using water-based paint. Latex paints are best left for plaster, drywall, siding, stucco, wood, aluminum and cement. A note is that some may argue latex paints should not be used on wood, as the drying process can swell the wood. Weather is another deciding factor when determining when to paint and what to paint with. This is where we’ll need to consider the curing time. Paint is considered to be fully cured when the residual solvents have evaporated. If you live in a particularly humid climate, you’re going to need to avoid painting during rainy or very hot seasons, as this weather can damage freshly-applied paint and affect the time it will take to cure. However, since liquid evaporates faster when temperatures are higher, choose a time of year when the weather is warm and don’t take this project on in the middle of winter. Before you start painting, we suggest that you check out this article: House Painting Projects: What are the Ideal Conditions