how to acurattly estimate exterior painting cost

[Tony White]

I need a new paint job on the exterior of a duplex. How do I estimate that cost so I can work out a budget? 

[Michael Woodward]

@Tony White  Lowe's, Home Depot, or your local paint supplier should be able to help you figure it out.  They might use an estimator software or if they offer painting services, they might send someone over to do the quote.  The only way to get really accurate numbers though is to get quotes from at least three painters.  Quotes can vary tremendously depending on the quality of the painter and how busy they are.  It can be a hassle but there's really no other way.