Jacob Construction paints house exteriors for homeowners in San Francisco, San Rafael and across Marin and the North Bay, from our office in Sausalito. Whether you own a Victorian with layers of old paint, a stucco home in the Sunset, or you're getting ready to sell, we'll assess the house for free, give you a written quote, and offer financing options, subject to credit approval.
San Francisco is a hard place to paint a house, and exterior painters in San Francisco price that in very differently. Fog, wind, salt air, steep lots and detailed older trim all change what a good paint job takes. This guide covers what drives the price, what to compare between quotes, and what to ask about older homes.
At a glance
- We paint homes in San Francisco and the North Bay, including San Rafael and Marin, from our Sausalito office at 1 Harbor Dr, Suite 300.
- One point of contact: the person who quotes your job is your project manager until it's done.
- Quotes differ mostly because of prep, repairs and access, not the paint itself.
- Homes built before 1978 need lead-safe work practices when old paint is disturbed. Ask every painter how they handle it.
- Financing is available, subject to credit approval.
Why San Francisco Exterior Painting Quotes Vary So Much
Two painters can look at the same house and come back with very different numbers. In San Francisco, that's usually down to a few things:
- Older homes with detailed trim. Victorians and Edwardians have brackets, corbels, window casings and shingles that take far more time to prep and paint than flat stucco.
- Layers of old paint. Decades of coats can be cracked and loose, and need more scraping and sanding.
- Fog and moisture. Walls on the western side of the city and in the avenues stay damp for long stretches, which affects drying time, mildew and wood rot.
- Access. Three-story facades, steep streets, and houses built wall to wall with their neighbors mean ladders, scaffolding and careful planning.
- Repairs. Rotted siding, sills and trim have to be fixed before paint will hold.
A quote that doesn't mention these conditions hasn't priced them yet. You'll find out later.
Who to Call: Exterior Painters in San Francisco
When you compare exterior painters in San Francisco, get written quotes from two to four licensed contractors who have walked your house. We'd like to be one of those calls. When you request a free assessment, our project manager visits, looks at the paint, siding, trim and access, and explains what they find. You get a written scope, and the same person stays your contact through the final walkthrough.
We've been doing this since 2021. Jacob Construction holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is licensed in California (License #1073757). We handle permits and paperwork on roughly 90% of our jobs, so if your project needs one, you won't be dealing with the city yourself. One Pacifica homeowner wrote, "I would not hesitate to hire Jacob Construction again."
For more on how to choose, see our guide on how to choose an exterior house painter in the Bay Area.
The Quote Checklist to Use With Every Painter
Whoever you call, ask that the written quote covers:
- Every surface: siding or stucco, trim, window casings, cornices, eaves, doors, garage door, railings and stairs
- Washing and prep: how loose paint is removed, sanding, caulking and spot priming
- Repairs: which wood or stucco repairs are included, and how you'll approve anything found once the old paint comes off
- Access: ladders, scaffolding, and any sidewalk or neighbor coordination
- Products: paint brand, product line, color, sheen and number of coats
- Protection: windows, plants, neighboring walls, walkways and cars
- Lead-safe practices for homes built before 1978
- Schedule, cleanup and a final walkthrough
- Workmanship terms, in writing
If one quote covers all of this and another is a single line, you aren't comparing the same job.
Older Homes: Ask About Lead-Safe Practices
Many San Francisco homes were built long before 1978, which means older layers of paint may contain lead. Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes has to follow lead-safe work practices, including containment and careful cleanup.
Before you sign with any painter, ask:
- How will you find out whether lead-safe practices apply to my house?
- How will scraping and sanding be contained?
- How will you protect the yard, neighbors and the sidewalk?
- How will cleanup be done and checked at the end?
The answers should be in writing, as part of the quote.
Exterior Painting in San Rafael and the North Bay
Marin and the North Bay are a different painting climate from the city. Homes in San Rafael and inland Marin get more summer sun, so fading and dried-out trim are common. Homes near the bay and under mature trees deal with moisture, mildew and debris. Many North Bay homes have wood siding and decks that need regular attention.
Because our office is in Sausalito, North Bay homes are close to home for us. When we assess a house there, we look at sun exposure, shade and moisture on each side, the condition of wood siding and trim, and access on sloped lots.
Repainting Before You Sell
If you're preparing to list, tell each painter your listing date so the schedule works backward from it. Focus first on the front facade, the entry, and any peeling trim or rotted wood a buyer's inspector will note. If you're up against a date, our guide to exterior house painting under a deadline walks through how to plan it.
Can You Finance Exterior Painting in San Francisco?
Yes. We offer financing options, with monthly payment plans set up to fit a household budget. Financing isn't free and is subject to approval. We'll go through the options during your assessment. Read more in how Bay Area homeowners pay for home repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jacob Construction do exterior painting in San Francisco and San Rafael?
Yes. We paint house exteriors in San Francisco, San Rafael and across Marin and the North Bay, and our office is in Sausalito.
How many exterior painting quotes should I get in San Francisco?
Two to four, as long as each painter has walked the house and gives you a written, itemized quote you can compare line by line.
Why are San Francisco painting quotes so different?
Mostly because of prep, repairs and access. Detailed trim, old paint layers, fog-damp walls and multi-story facades all add work that one quote may include and another may leave out.
Do I need lead-safe painting for an older home?
If your home was built before 1978 and the work disturbs old paint, lead-safe work practices apply. Ask every painter how they'll handle it, in writing.
Can I finance exterior painting?
Yes, for approved homeowners. We offer financing options. Financing isn't free and is subject to approval.
Get an Exterior Painting Assessment in San Francisco or the North Bay
If your paint is peeling, your trim needs repair, or you're getting ready to sell, request a free assessment or contact us, or call (415) 779-8958. We'll look at your house, explain what we find, and give you a written quote and financing options. Financing is subject to approval.
