The DIY Option

Painting a house exterior is within reach of a competent DIYer, provided the property is single-storey or you can safely access upper sections from a scaffold tower rather than a ladder. The key skills needed are thorough surface preparation — washing down walls, filling cracks, sanding and priming bare masonry or timber — followed by the application of a suitable exterior masonry paint or timber finish in dry, mild conditions. Realistically, a semi-detached house requires a full weekend of preparation and two to three further days of painting. You will need a scaffold tower or hired staging (not just a stepladder for upper sections), a large masonry brush, a long-pile roller and extension pole, dust sheets, masking tape, a pressure washer or stiff brush for cleaning, exterior filler, stabilising primer, and appropriate exterior-grade paint. Materials for an average three-bedroom semi typically cost £300–£700 depending on paint quality and the number of coats required. The main risks are working at height without adequate support, applying paint in unsuitable weather (below 5 °C or in rain), and poor preparation leading to early peeling. Before you pick up a brush, read our guide on how to paint exterior walls for a step-by-step walkthrough of preparation and application. If your walls have cracks that need attention first, our guide on how to render an outside wall covers repair options before you paint.

The Trade Option

A professional exterior decorator will assess the condition of your render, masonry, and timber before starting work. They will pressure-wash the entire facade, treat any mould or algae, fill and make good cracks and gaps, apply stabilising primer to friable surfaces, and then apply two coats of exterior masonry paint to walls and appropriate primer and topcoat to all external timber including window frames, soffits, fascias, and bargeboards. Professionals work from scaffolding erected specifically for the job, which they either supply or arrange. Typical trade costs for a three-bedroom semi-detached house in the UK range from £1,500 to £4,500 for labour and materials combined, depending on property size, surface condition, region, and whether scaffolding is included. Larger detached properties or those with significant render repairs can cost considerably more. To find a reputable decorator, look for members of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) or request quotes through a vetted trade directory. Always obtain at least three written quotes and check that the decorator carries public liability insurance. For timber repairs to window frames that may be needed before painting, a joiner working alongside your decorator may be appropriate — see our guide on how to repair a wooden window frame.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When DIY Makes Sense

• The property is single-storey or all upper sections can be safely reached from a hired scaffold tower on firm, level ground.
• The existing surface is sound — no large cracks, active damp, crumbling render, or extensive bare masonry requiring specialist treatment.
• You have the time to prepare surfaces properly: cleaning, filling, priming, and waiting for drying times between coats.
• You are comfortable working at height and have access to the correct access equipment — not a stepladder propped against the wall.

When You Must Use a Tradesman

• The property is two storeys or higher and full scaffolding is needed — erecting and using scaffolding safely is subject to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (HSE), and incorrect scaffolding erection is a significant safety risk.
• The property is a listed building or within a conservation area — changes to the external appearance, including paint colour, may require listed building consent or permitted development approval from the local planning authority.
• There is active damp, cracked or blown render, or structural defects behind the surface — these must be assessed and remediated by a specialist before any paint is applied, or the new coating will fail prematurely.
• The wall is clad with a specialist material such as timber weatherboarding, EIFS (external insulation), or pebbledash in poor condition — incorrect preparation or paint choice can cause long-term moisture problems and void any product guarantees.

If You DIY — Where to Start

If you have decided to paint your house exterior yourself, start with thorough preparation — it accounts for the majority of the work and almost entirely determines how long the finish lasts. Our step-by-step guide on how to paint exterior walls covers everything from washing and repairing masonry through to choosing the right paint and applying it in the correct conditions. For associated timber work such as window frames and soffits, see our guide to prepping and undercoating wood before applying a topcoat, and for any front door repainting that forms part of the project, our guide on how to paint a front door gives a full method. All exterior painting guides sit within the broader Painting & Decorating Guide for further reference.