Upgrading your curb appeal is a multi-faceted effort. Focus on landscaping to make sure it complements your home and presents the aesthetic you’re looking for. Evaluate your exterior lighting – does it match the style of your home? Is there enough to offer safety and feature the elements you desire? Great, that handled, then don’t wait, just paint! It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to elevate the look of your home. We chatted with one of our long-time trade partners for tips on getting the best exterior paint job.

1. Is there a preferred time of year to paint the exterior of your home?
   A. Yes, the busy season for exterior paint jobs in our area is typically between May and September, although in temperate years it can be accomplished at other times of the year as well.
2. When do you typically need to book a quality painter by?
   A. Depending on the painting company’s size, many are booked up by May through the rest of the dry season. Sometimes you can still find an available painter in July, but by August, you’ve likely missed your window. If this is a priority for you, we’d recommend getting on a company’s calendar early in the season.
3. What can homeowners do to get ready for a paint job?
   A. Drive around your neighborhood and take note the houses you like the color of. If one particularly catches your eye, stop and ask the homeowners for the color. Paint chips are helpful, but nothing can beat seeing what the finished product will look like in real life. Note whether your home and the one you like faces different directions or gets significantly more or less natural light as paint colors can change dramatically depending on the light.
4. What should homeowners look for in a quality painter?
   A. I think it’s important that a tradesperson is part of their professional association. In the painting world, that’s the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. I also appreciate when a business participates in their community, either in the way of charitable donations or events. Business longevity is a bonus as they’ve likely survived the last several years with repeat business and quality customer service, though there’s always exceptions to that rule. It’s easy to check online review sites to see what other homeowners’ experiences have been. Finally, check to see if the company’s license is active, that they have insurance and that there are no outstanding violations.
5. How should I budget for this project?
   A. As with any other home improvement project, every home is different. Some require more prep work than others, some have more square footage, or have inherent risks for a painting company such as heights or steep angles. Ask your neighbors with similar houses what they paid for a recent paint job and then get a quote to see if it’s in line. We always appreciate a company that provides a warranty on their work.
6. How long should I expect it to take?
   A. Again, it depends on the complexity of the home its existing state; but on average it takes around a week to get your home looking beautiful again.
7. Do you protect windows and doors that aren’t being painted or that will feature a different color?
   A. Yes! A quality painting company will have a plan for protecting the surfaces not being painted as well as ensuring no overspray to neighbors’ homes and surrounding area. We use plastic, paper and safe-release blue painter’s tape for protection and always clean up after ourselves.
8. Do you help clients pick paint colors?
   A. Picking the right color and shade is a real art. If a client isn’t working with a full-service contractor like McAdams Remodeling & Design, we have an on-staff color consultant that can help. In addition, quality paint companies, like Benjamin Moore, have a representative that can offer guidance for clients. In a pinch, online tools can be used to get an idea of how a color will present on your home and will offer tips on complimenting shades for trim.
9. What if I hate the color when it’s done?
   A. As with any change to your home, it can be a shock to see the differences. Hopefully you’ve done the work ahead of time to ensure that your color choice is just what you’re looking for. This is also where finding a nearby house is especially helpful because you’re seeing the color live and can confirm that you like the finished effect. If you really hate the final look you can always pay to have it painted again.
10. How long should an exterior paint job last?
    A. In our climate, a quality paint job should last 12-15 years on average. High weather sides of your home will fade sooner than others and some maintenance, like touch-up caulking with expanding and contracting joints, can help extend the life of the paint. We like to make sure our clients understand that conditions in the Puget Sound can have an effect on a home’s exterior paint, especially if living close to the water.
11. What are the hardest surfaces to paint and why?
    A. Galvanized metal can be challenging at times as it needs special cleaning and prep prior to painting. Decks or other horizontal surfaces can also be tough as paint can pool leaving imperfections if you’re not careful. Selecting a quality painter with years of experience can help alleviate concerns.

If you are looking for a paint resource or have a question on elevating the potential of your home with a remodel, please call us; we’re here to help!