Exterior painting is a sure-fire way to improve the curb appeal of your home and tidy up all those little areas which need some TLC, before listing the property for sale. Paint is a fast and easy fix for a variety of problematic concerns and is perhaps the very best DIY home staging method you can use to increase the property value for little cost and a bit of hard work. Remember, when it comes to painting, it is the labor which is expensive , not the materials. Do the painting yourself and you can save lots of money.
This commentary details painting outdoor features of your home as part of a real estate staging project.
Exterior Painting Basics
Painting the entire exterior of your home is a huge task and should only be handled by a professional painting contractor or a very experienced do-it-yourselfer with good tools and a power paint sprayer. However, most homes do not require a full paint job, but instead really only need some touch-up work in crucial locations.
If the exterior of your home is in good condition, use paint sparingly and only where it is needed to make the finish perfect. I recommend checking around doors and windows, since these areas often require maintenance.
Double check wood work and moldings for rot and give a fresh coat of paint for a nice clean look. Paint any railings or accessories on the outside of your home which need some care and be especially vigilant that the entire front of your house is perfect.
Be very careful when painting on a ladder. Consider using an extension pole and keeping your feet on the ground whenever possible.
Exterior Painting Advanced Ideas
Painting can also improve other less obvious areas of the property, besides the home itself. Exterior home staging is all about making big changes for little money and here are some of my favorite exterior uses for paint when staging a home for sale:
Paint a deck for instant appeal and a whole new look.
Paint a fence to give it new life.
Paint the shed to match the house, including moldings.
Paint leaders and gutters to match or contrast the home.
Paint old garage doors, as long as they are in otherwise good condition.
Exterior Painting Summation
There are few ways of improving a property easier and cheaper than with home staging with paint. Many home owners are intimidated by the prospect of painting, but really there is nothing to fear. Most people get the hang of it in no time and realize it is far simpler than they once thought. There is no doubt that painting can be physically tiresome, but when the results are in and you have made such a positive impact on your home, you will be delighted with the decision to perform the work. Best of all, you do not have to break the bank to do it, since paint is so inexpensive and it goes a long way.