Transform Your Home's Appeal with Custom Painting

By Mary Butler

Nothing hurts your home's appeal quite like old paint. If the exterior paint is faded, cracked or peeling, it makes your home appear uncared for. The same can be said for interior paint that looks dirty, drab, or dated.

Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to quickly give your home an instant facelift.

Consider Hiring a Paint Contractor
While painting isn't rocket science, it's also not quite as easy as it looks, especially if you have high ceilings, difficult angles, or live in a two-story home. Paint contractors can not only do the job expertly, they can do it in less than half the time it takes a do-it-yourselfer. Paint contractors can also help you choose the best colors to compliment your dýcor and your home style.

Painting your home yourself does save money, but if you choose colors you can't live with and end up repainting, you could waste hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Many paint contractors use software programs that allow them to show you how your home will look using various color combinations. It's a service that can save you from making a costly mistake.

Important House Painting Tips
Don't skimp on the quality of paint. House painting is a chore. You want your paint to last as long as possible. Exterior paint needs to be tough enough to withstand the elements; interior paint should be able to endure regular sunlight and cleaning without fear of chipping or fading.

Scrap and prime before painting your home's exterior. Use primer inside to save time and money, especially if you're painting over a bright color. Light colors make small rooms appear bigger.

Be sure to paint the exterior of your home to match the character of your neighborhood. If you're surrounded by gaily painted Victorians, join the fun; likewise, if you neighbors prefer pastels, don't play the renegade.

Source:
Chicago Sun-Times