It may seem like an eternity away, but we’re already getting excited about the spring. And with good cause, as it’s not exactly been the mildest or most pleasant of winters.

With the (eventual) arrival of longer and pleasant days, attention once again turns to exterior home improvements. A prime example of which is exterior painting – something more people tackle during the spring than any other season.

Whether planning to sell your home or simply looking to spruce things up for your own benefit, a fresh coat of paint can be totally transformative. But there are a few important factors that should be considered, before deciding which color to go with.

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and each to their own. There’s no such thing as choosing the ‘wrong’ color for your home’s exterior, just as long as you are happy with the result.

Still, a few tips and guidelines can go a long way, in contributing to a successful outcome. If painting your home’s exterior is on your agenda this coming spring, here’s how to get the whole thing off to the best possible start:

1. Use Actual Samples of Paint

First up, we cannot stress highly enough the importance of testing your preferred colors with actual samples of paint. It’s never a good idea to use printed samples or little bits of fabric to see how the finished result will look.

This is due to the fact that different types of paints and colors look entirely different on different surface materials, in different lighting conditions and so on. However it looks on the picture or piece of fabric, it could look entirely different on your home. Hence, you need to score samples of actual paint and apply them yourself, in order to find out how they will look.

2. Consider the Rest of the Neighborhood

Your goal might be to choose a color that makes your home stand out, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, it’s advisable to go against anything that could clash too starkly with its surroundings.

Doing so could lead to two outcomes best avoided – you could infuriate your neighbors, and it could create an eyesore that detracts from your home’s market value. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to choose the exact same colors as your neighbors. It simply means being strategic and going with something that doesn’t stand out like the proverbial sore thumb.

If in doubt, consult with your preferred painting contractor for their advice and input.

3. Remember the Trim and Details

When choosing the primary paint color for a property’s exterior, it is also useful to consider how you will paint your trim. One option is to paint the trim and details the same color as the rest of your home, if looking to keep things quick and easy.

Personally, we advise selecting a trim color that perfectly accents the exterior of your home.  One that complements the primary color and brings the whole thing to life. This can be particularly useful if (as above) looking to create a result that really pops, but doesn’t create too much of a statement.

Choosing the right trim color can be great for adding personality to a home’s exterior, without risking it all on a questionable primary color.

4. Fencing, Decking, Sheds Etc.

Likewise, putting together the total package means considering all other exterior elements. Examples of which include fencing, decking, sheds, patio furniture and so on.

Your choice here is again to paint them the same color as the main color you choose for your home’s exterior. Alternatively, you can select the color you use for your trim, or bring a third color into the mix.

If your exterior features like these are predominantly out of sight, you can get away with more or less any color you like. But it is nonetheless the smaller details like these that can add up to the biggest differences, where kerb appeal is concerned.

5. Selling or Staying?

Last up, painting a property’s exterior prior to putting it on the market isn’t quite the same as painting it for your own enjoyment. Getting the best price for your home means painting it (inside and out) using colors that appeal to prospective buyers – not just those that appeal to you.

For the most part, this means keeping things simple. Go for a relatively neutral tone like light gray and you really cannot lose. Again, if in doubt, consult with your preferred painting contractor for their advice and input.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss your project in more detail, contact a member of the team at Homm CPS today.