Before you start painting your exterior, you should have an idea of how much it will cost. Many painters use a formula that calculates the price based on the size of your home and the linear footage of the trim. This way, you know how much paint you need and won’t overspend. When you’re selecting a painter, make sure to ask about the factors that increase the cost of the project. A painter should also give you an estimate of how much the project will cost based on the square footage of your home.
While you may be tempted to skip this step, there are some important considerations. The first step is to pressure wash the exterior of your home. Then, you need to wait until the surface is completely dry. Paint can take up to three days to dry, so make sure the weather is conducive to your project. Keep in mind that the weather changes as the seasons change. In winter, the daytime is shorter, so make sure you plan enough drying time between coats.
If you’re looking for a company to paint your exterior, you may want to consider joining the Angie’s List. This site matches customers with trustworthy and experienced painting companies. These companies charge a monthly fee to join and will only list the best painting contractors. If you have a special budget, it may be worthwhile to invest in a membership in one of these online directories. Your customers will appreciate the professional look of your work and will likely refer you to their friends and family.
Getting a written estimate from a painting contractor is one of the most important parts of hiring a painting contractor. A good one will contain a detailed explanation of the entire project. The cost should be clear and include all expenses. You should also make sure to request a written warranty for your project. It may be useful in the event you have any problems or questions after the project is complete. You should also request to see their insurance documents and liability policy.
You may be interested in using a color-based trend. The easiest way to follow this trend is to use one color on the exterior of your home. However, you can also opt to use multiple light-hued colors. This will allow you to match with the trend without sacrificing the beauty of your home. Ideally, you should stick to pastel shades if you’re painting for the springtime. It will reflect the nature that surrounds you.
A fresh coat of paint on the exterior of a home is an excellent way to boost the value of your home. Compared to a decade-old paint job, a new coat of paint can make a home look brand new and well-maintained. After all, buyers love a well-maintained home, and a home with great curb appeal will appeal to buyers. Furthermore, a well-maintained home attracts great homeowners, which are the best neighbors. And a safe, beautiful neighborhood attracts buyers as well.
When choosing a paint for your exterior, make sure to choose a color that is resistant to different types of weather. While interior paint doesn’t need to withstand weather and temperature changes, exterior paint does. It contains additives that will protect the paint from fading and mildew. Aside from being resistant to fading, exterior paint is also more durable and will resist rust, algae and mildew. This is especially important if your exterior paint is exposed to rain.
Lastly, consider the time of year when you will be painting your exterior. Avoid painting your home during hot days or during heavy rainfall as it can cause paint to deteriorate more quickly than indoor paint. Exterior painting is generally done between March and late October. As the temperatures are warmest during those times, painting contractors are often very busy. It’s important to check the weather forecast before painting and choose a day that isn’t too hot or too cold.
To save money on your exterior painting project, it’s important to do the prep work yourself. Before you begin painting, clean the siding and sand off any flaking paint. If you’re using an alkyd paint, you can use a random-orbit sander to remove stubborn paint. You should also caulk door and window frames. Then, fill any cracks and holes with wood filler. Caulking joints should be covered with wood primer.