You’ve booked your painter, chosen your colors, and now you’re wondering: how long is this going to take to have the exterior of our house painted?
If you’re hiring a professional crew, the answer depends on a few key factors—but generally, most exterior painting jobs take between 3 to 7 days from start to finish.
At Inspired By Design Painting, we know that great work shouldn’t drag on forever. We pride ourselves on delivering clean, efficient exterior repaints that transform your home without disrupting your life.
What Factors Affect the Timeline?
1. Size and Complexity of the Home
- A small, one-story ranch might take 2–3 days.
- A multi-story home with trim details, porches, and dormers can take 5–7 days.
- Very large homes or historic properties may require 7+ days, especially if restoration is involved.
“We don’t rush it—but we do respect your time. Our crews work hard, stay focused, and get in and out without dragging the job out.”
— Brandon Miller, Owner
2. Prep Work Requirements
Prep is where the magic (and most of the time) happens:
- Pressure washing (done 1–2 days before painting)
- Scraping and sanding loose or peeling paint
- Caulking gaps and seams
- Priming bare or repaired surfaces
The more prep needed, the longer the job—but the better the finish.
3. Weather Conditions
In Michigan, weather is a real factor. We need:
- Dry conditions (before and during)
- Temps between 50°F–85°F
- Low humidity for faster drying
Rain or cold snaps may delay or pause work for a day or two, but we build in contingency days so you’re not left guessing.
4. Paint Type and Number of Coats
- Most exteriors need 2 full coats for lasting coverage.
- Dark-to-light or drastic color changes may require a primer coat + 2 topcoats.
- Higher-end paints may take longer to cure but offer better long-term protection.
5. Crew Size and Workflow
At Inspired By Design, we run multiple experienced crews, often with a dedicated job site manager. That allows us to stay on schedule without cutting corners.
“Every home we paint gets its own foreman—someone who’s there to make sure timelines stay tight and quality stays high.”
— Brandon Miller, Founder
What to Expect Each Day
Day 1 – Setup, washing (if needed), protection of landscaping and property
Day 2–3 – Surface prep: scraping, sanding, caulking, priming
Day 3–6 – Painting: siding, trim, doors, and accents
Day 6–7 – Touch-ups, cleanup, and final walkthrough with you
Note: Homes in excellent condition may skip Day 2 or reduce prep time. Weather can extend the total timeline by 1–2 days if needed.
How to Help the Project Go Faster (and Smoother)
- Trim back landscaping that’s touching your siding
- Move outdoor furniture, planters, or decorations away from the house
- Let your neighbors know we’ll be painting
- Make sure pets and kids stay safe during working hours
We’ll handle everything else—from setup to cleanup.
Final Thoughts: Quick Isn’t Always Quality
Can a paint crew rush through your house in two days? Sure. Will that paint job last through Michigan winters, summer sun, and time? Probably not.
We believe in efficient, not rushed. Our goal is to leave your home protected, beautiful, and built to last—without dragging things out longer than necessary.
