The exterior of your home is the first thing that everybody notices, including you! The curb appeal of your home can make or break your love for the house. Exterior paint is one of the best ways to refresh your home without breaking the bank, but there are a few things you need to know before you grab a brush or roller.
Hire a Professional
It can be tempting to try and save a few bucks by painting the exterior of your home yourself, but that’s a big mistake. You need to hire an established professional to ensure your home ends up looking how you want, instead of like a home improvement project gone wrong. Ask friends and family members for recommendations and interview multiple painters before you make your pick.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Painting the exterior of your home is all dependent on the weather. Because of that, if you need your home painted by a certain date, hire a painter far in advance. You need to leave ample time for unexpected weather delays. A rushed job or a job done in the wrong weather conditions won’t turn out well!
Testing for Lead Paint
Make sure your painter tests the paint that currently on your home for any traces of lead. If they find lead, they’ll need to follow specific removal protocol that can add to the total time and cost of the job. Although finding lead paint is frustrating, it isn’t something that can just be overlooked.
Budget for Rot
You should be prepared for a portion of your budget to go to rot repair and carpentry. As the contractor starts to strip and remove the old paint, they will likely come across areas of the home that need to be repaired before they can be repainted. If the painter isn’t removing the old paint and sanding before applying the new paint, they could be missing a rot issue that will cost you more in the long run.
You Get What You Pay For
When it comes to the actual paint that you use on your home, you get what you pay for. Listen to the recommendation of your painter and spend slightly more for a higher quality paint that will last for years to come. For more advice on painting the exterior of your home, contact the experts at Rob Ross Painting!