Did you know that houses need to be repainted every 5 to 10 years on average? This means you'll probably need to paint your house at least once, depending on how long you live there. Painting the exterior of your house is an investment, so you want to make sure you pick the right colors the first time. Read on to learn how to choose exterior paint colors that will make you proud to call it home.
Think About the Areas You're Not Painting
It may seem counter-intuitive, but the first step in choosing exterior paint colors is thinking about the areas you're not painting at all. This is because you'll need to make sure these areas match the new colors of the house.
Areas you probably aren't painting include the roof and brick areas.
The brick in your home and the materials that make up your roof have their own color with underlying tones that might be warm or cool. You'll want to consider these when changing the exterior of your home so the sides match the roof.
Look At Other Houses
Another tip for how to choose exterior paint colors is looking at other houses for inspiration. You can look up good looking houses online or keep your eye out while driving. The more the house resembles your own, the better.
This can be particularly helpful in determining color combinations.
You Need More Than One
The truth is, you need to choose more than one color when painting the exterior of your home.
At the very least you'll want to have a separate trim color. This color can help your windows and doors really pop.
If you're feeling bold, you can use an accent color for another area of your house to add a little personality. It's not uncommon to choose a standalone color for your front door, for example.
Consider Your Home's Value
The color of your house can strongly affect the value of your home when you choose to sell it.
For example, recent studies have found that having a black door can increase a home's value by a whopping $6,000.
When you choose exterior paint colors, be sure to consider how they affect your home's value. This goes for interior paint as well.
Get Paint Samples
Once you've narrowed down your options significantly, it's time to get some paint samples. Paint samples are smaller tubs of paint that you can use to paint a very small portion of your house.
It's a good idea to test paint an area with a door, trim, and wall. This way you can see how your color choices look together.
Be sure to wait until the paint dries all the way because it can darken or lighten throughout the drying process.
Know How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors
Knowing how to choose exterior paint colors is the first step to a beautiful home with a higher value. When painting your house, be sure to consider your roof color, look for inspiration, pick a separate color for trim and doors, consider the added value, and test colors out in advance.
