Facade painting: compare quotes and prices

What does façade painting include?

Façade painting initially means coating the exterior surfaces, either the whole building or a particular exposed side. Shutters, eaves, railings and doors are not automatically included. Identify additional components explicitly.

Painting, render repairs and replacing insulation are different services. A sound substrate may only need refreshing. Loose layers, recurring cracks or damp require assessment first and potentially more extensive work.

How is the price made up?

A Zurich painter lists CHF 40–90/m² in June 2026, excluding scaffolding; repairs are additional. VAT treatment is not clearly stated. This is an individual benchmark, not a final price applicable throughout Switzerland.

A square-metre rate only helps when its scope is clear. One large uninterrupted surface may be easier to treat than the same area with numerous window reveals, colour changes and narrow sections. Protection and access also depend on the building.

Describe the exterior area clearly

Living floor area is not a substitute for the area to be painted. For an initial estimate, multiply width by height for each elevation. A rectangular wall 10 m wide and 6 m high has a gross area of 60 m². A triangular gable 8 m wide and 3 m high adds 12 m².

Record windows and doors separately. The quote should explain which openings are deducted and how reveals are measured. The highest working point, balconies, extensions and sloping ground describe access better than storey count alone. If measurements are missing, a site visit is more useful than an invented precise number.

Assess the existing surface before choosing paint

Rendered external insulation, solid masonry, timber and metal require different coatings. On render, the condition of the old paint also matters: is it sound, chalking or water-repellent? A new product must suit the complete existing build-up.

Silicate, silicone-resin and dispersion paints are not a universal ranking from poor to good. Suitability depends on substrate, moisture behaviour, appearance and the specific system. Ask why a product is recommended rather than specifying only a familiar name.

On older façade panels or coatings, sanding or aggressive cleaning should not start without assessment. Potential hazardous materials need professional clarification before disturbance. Building age is an indication, not proof of material composition.

Do not simply paint over growth, cracks and damp

Green or dark deposits can indicate repeated moisture exposure. Location, shade, splash water and junctions influence how quickly a façade dries. The assessment should consider causes, not just the colour of the growth.

Any protective treatment should reflect the risk and suitable alternatives. An additive does not guarantee a permanently growth-free façade. Clarify management of cleaning water and residues so they do not run uncontrolled into soil or watercourses.

For cracks, the contractor needs to distinguish a surface defect from movement in the construction. A fine pattern suitable for coating repair differs from an active crack. New paint also does not replace a repair to a leaking coping or defective junction.

Assess colour on a real sample area

A screen colour does not reliably show how an entire façade will look in daylight. Where possible, have a sample prepared on site and view it alongside the roof, windows, plinth and neighbouring buildings.

Very dark shades can cause greater surface heating. Particularly on insulated façades, the colour must be compatible with the approved system. Before a major colour change or work on a protected building, clarify local requirements and any necessary consent.

Allow for scaffolding and weather

Existing scaffolding needs to be suitable and available for the work. The quote should identify who arranges it and the included hire period. Narrow access, road space and extensions can affect the method.

Suitable conditions are needed during application and drying. Temperature, rain, dew and substrate moisture must be considered according to the product. Cleaning or render repairs may add waiting time. Agree a realistic work window with provision for weather adjustments.

Compare the same completed result

The lowest figure tells you little if the offers cover different work. Resolve open items before awarding the job.

• Surfaces and components. Which elevations, plinths, reveals and additional parts are included?
• Preparation and system. Which defects will be repaired and what coating build-up is proposed?
• Access and protection. Who supplies scaffolding, protects windows and plants and handles residues?
• Completion and price. How are colour, execution, cleaning, additional services and VAT agreed?