Many homeowners have the misconception that painting their house is a luxury or something they can do later. Many of them don't realize that it's one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the appearance and value of any property. However, it is not always obvious when the right time is to update the walls with a fresh coat of paint. If you wonder if now is the moment to fold your sleeves, grab a brush, a couple of gallons of grey chalk paint and get the job done, here are 9 signs that will tell you for sure.
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1. It’s Been a While Since You Painted
There is no consensus about how often a house should be painted. Typically, professionals recommend freshening the exterior paint every 5 to 10 years and the interior walls every 2 to 5 years. However, it'll depend on several factors, including climate in the area, type of surface, how much do you like the color, the quality of the products used to paint before, and if there are evident signs of wear or damage. You can always get the opinion of a professional painter or consultant on the matter, but if you genuinely think it is time to give your home a facelift, go ahead and do it.
2. Paint is Chipping, Cracking or Blistering
Repainting will give your house an instant wow factor but can also preserve the good health of one of your most significant lifetime investments. If you start to notice blisters on your walls or see chipping and cracking areas in the paint, it is probably due to weather factors such as humidity and extreme temperatures. In these circumstances, it is highly recommended to repaint. Doing so will restore the beauty of your property and help you prevent future damages.
3. Paint is Fading
Direct sunlight and extreme weather are among the reasons why exterior paint fades over time. If the paint is fading in certain zones of your home, repaint may be the best option. Be sure to use good-quality paint with chemical pigments since those work better against UV rays than organic pigments. Houses with vibrant, rich colors tend to experience fading more prematurely than those coated with a more neutral, light paint color. Take this into account when choosing shades.
4. There Are Wood Rot Signs
Wood rot is mainly caused by dampness, and it's a common threat to the stability and value of any wooden or wood-siding construction. Painting your home is waterproofing it, providing protection against early signs of wood rot such as unattractive stains, peeled paint, cracks, mold, and mildew. Painting wood might require additional preparation steps to accomplish the job as successfully as possible.
5. You’re Selling The Home
Ready to sell your home? Painting at least the exterior using the right colors can provide you with a higher return on investment. Giving a home a fresh paint job can be pricey depending on factors such as its size, the chosen color, labor costs, materials, location, and whether you will paint yourself or cede the job to a contractor. However, several benefits to painting your home for sale include:
- Dashing listing pictures.
- A better first impression during open house events.
- Showing that you appreciate the property.
- Giving the house a "move-in-ready" vibe.
6. Wood, Vinyl or Aluminum Siding Look Old
If you notice your siding being increasingly unappealing, paint is a cheaper alternative to renew its tired look. Whether wood, aluminum, or vinyl, siding is long-lasting but can sometimes show evident wear signs. You can easily fight back with a couple of gallons of paint. Vinyl siding can be more challenging to paint, so If you are doing the job yourself, make sure to ask your nearest specialty paint store for recommendations.
7. There Are Minor Stucco Problems
Stucco is a cement-based siding used to add texture to the walls of a home. Stucco is usually made out of a mix of cement, sand, lime, and water, making it prone to damages that can lead to severe issues like water intrusion and mold. If your home has stucco walls and you start to notice some minor problems, such as small cracks, painting your home can be part of the solution. Start the fixing by covering the fissure with caulk and then proceed to paint.
8. You Just Bought a New Home
There are several reasons why new homeowners decide to paint a newly acquired home. Personal taste may be the more obvious, but you will probably be doing some cleaning, modifications, or repairs, so painting makes sense after all that. If you decide to paint your home, remember that doing so is a matter of aesthetics and protection. Make sure to pick the correct type of paint for the surface you'll be working on, have the tools you may need handy, and consider the kind of weather in your area. The time of the year is also essential, so make sure to schedule the work for summertime.
9. You Don’t Like The Current Shade
After you spend money, time, and effort inventing a house you love, the last thing you should be doing is to comply with walls painted with a color you can't stand. Color is so much more than just a visual experience; it can have a significant psychological impact on your mood and living quality. If you are unsure about what steps you should take in choosing colors for your spaces, consult an expert.
We hope this article has answered your questions about whether or not it's time to repaint your home. If you are experiencing any of the above signs or situations, plan accordingly to give your home a makeover. Remember that you can always hire a professional to do the job. That will ensure expert prepping, advanced painting techniques, and the use of high-quality materials. A coat of paint is simple, but it can work wonders for a home when needed.
