Assuming no structural work is necessary, repainting your house is also one of the most cost-effective ways to improve its appearance. Before you choose a painting contractor to start your project, consider the following preparation tips:
Accentuate the past
There’s something to be said about exterior paint colors of the past, especially if your house has a definable architectural style, like Victorian, Cape Cod or Craftsman. Ask a design professional to find paint samples from the era in which your home was built.
Structural harmony
Think of your house as a singular entity. What color is your roof? Is it slate, aluminum, copper or cedar shake? Even though you don’t need to match your paint to your shingles, the colors should fit together in some way. Also, consider the landscaping and natural elements around the house. Are you in a wooded area? Is there a lake nearby? These can suggest color combinations that help you decide on an exterior paint color.
Dark details
If you have an archway, trim or other feature you want highlighted, draw attention to it with darker colors. Dark colors make things appear a bit smaller than they actually are, and they’re a great choice for recessed panels. If you have features that protrude from the wall surface, highlight them with lighter colors so they stand out more against the darker shade. If you use darker colors for the exterior paint, be sure to use a higher sheen to limit UV damage.
Consider the number of colors
The number of colors depends on the simplicity or complexity of your home. Adding too many colors to a home that’s designed to have a maximum of three or four colors can make it look garish. Look for homes with similar architecture, hopefully by the same builder, and see what others have successfully done. The right home can have as many as 10 colors, but that requires the keen eye of a professional designer. Start out conservatively and add more colors if the project requires it.
Take advantage of color tools
Pick up a color wheel or color fan. Most professional shops have pint-size samplers available that you can take home and test on your exterior. Paint chips can also help you decide what you’re after. To be absolutely certain, have an actual wet sample painted on your home. Exterior paint colors look much different in person than they do when printed on pieces of cardboard. At different times of the day, the paint will take on a different hue or look a bit lighter or darker.
After you decide to move forward with your painting project, it’s essential to first receive a detailed bid. The proposal should explain exactly what work is to be done, including the preparation steps and the materials to be used. That way, if there’s a disagreement over the work, you’ll have the contractor’s promise in writing. “Getting three bids is always a good idea,” adds Joe Sabel, owner of J & J’s Final Coat Painting, Inc. in Oakley. “If one bid comes in very low or very high, you can toss it out. There are many painters who will underbid and then do a fast, low-quality job. There are also some who are extremely busy and don’t really need the work, but they’ll give a very high bid just in case you bite.”
