Painting Companies Boston: Triple-Decker Guide
Not every painting company handles Boston's triple-deckers and historic brownstones the same way. Here is what sets specialized crews apart and what it costs.
By Jason Green · Interior & Exterior Painting · Published August 24, 2026 · 6 min read
Triple-Decker Prep Challenges
Three-story wood-frame triple-deckers common in Dorchester and South Boston require extensive scraping and priming, especially on older units with peeling lead paint.
Access is also harder, since crews often need extension ladders or scaffolding on narrow side yards shared with neighboring properties.
Historic District Rules for Brownstones
Back Bay and Beacon Hill brownstones fall under local historic district review, meaning street-facing exterior colors and even trim materials need Boston Landmarks Commission approval.
Companies experienced in these neighborhoods usually keep an approved color palette on hand to speed up the process.
Comparing Painting Company Estimates
Estimates should break out labor, materials, and any lead-safe prep surcharge separately so you can compare apples to apples.
Be wary of bids far below others in the same neighborhood, since it often signals shortcuts on prep or uncertified lead work.
Interior Considerations for Condo Conversions
Many Boston triple-deckers have been converted into condos, so painting companies often coordinate with condo associations on shared hallway colors and scheduling.
Interior work can proceed year-round, making winter a good time to get better scheduling availability and pricing.
Typical cost ranges
| Brownstone facade repaint | $9,000 - $18,000 |
| Triple-decker exterior | $5,500 - $11,000 |
| Condo hallway/common area | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Trim and shutter detailing | $800 - $2,000 |
Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.
Common questions
Do brownstones need special painting permission in Boston?
Yes, street-facing facades in Back Bay and Beacon Hill require Boston Landmarks Commission approval for color changes.
Why is triple-decker painting more expensive than a single-family home?
The extra stories, tighter access, and higher likelihood of lead-safe prep on older units add labor time compared to typical suburban houses.
Can I paint a condo building's exterior myself?
Most Boston condo associations require using a licensed, HIC-registered contractor for exterior work on shared building elements.
How long does a triple-decker exterior repaint take?
Most jobs take 5 to 10 working days depending on weather, prep needs, and the number of crew members assigned.
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