How to Increase Your Home’s Value with a Fresh Coat of Paint and Simple Improvements

If you're looking to improve the value of your home, one of the most cost-effective ways to do it is through a fresh coat of paint and a few home upgrades. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to refresh your space, these simple steps can increase your home’s value significantly. In this blog, we'll walk you through the process of repainting the exterior of your home and adding upgrades that will make a lasting impact.

Step 1: Assess the Condition of Your Home’s Exterior

Before you dive into painting and home improvements, it’s important to assess the condition of your home. Here’s a quick checklist of things to consider:

1. Check for Water Damage: Look for any areas of water damage, especially around the corners, base, and where sprinklers may have been hitting the house. This can cause swelling, rot, and even mold. Repairing any damage before painting will help prevent further issues.

2. Inspect the Caulking: Over time, caulking around windows and doors can break down due to weather and age. Inspect these areas carefully and replace any old, cracked, or missing caulking.

3. Look for Cracks and Chips: Cracks in the siding or small chips in the paint can often be repaired easily. Make sure to take care of these areas before you start painting to ensure a smooth and even finish.

4. Check for Blistering: Sometimes, previous paint jobs may have caused the paint to blister or peel. Use a paint stripper or sandpaper to smooth these areas out before repainting.

5. Evaluate the Siding Material: If you have composite materials like glorified cardboard siding, make sure it’s cleaned and prepared properly. It may not require the same care as wood siding, but it still needs attention.

Step 2: Pressure Washing and Cleaning

One of the first steps in preparing for exterior painting is pressure washing. This is essential to remove dirt, mildew, and any loose paint.

1. Pressure Wash the Exterior: Before starting, give your house a thorough pressure washing. This will remove all the dirt, grime, and old paint that could affect the new coat of paint. Pay close attention to areas where mold or mildew may have accumulated.

2. Watch Out for Hornets and Nests: Don't forget to inspect areas around the house for hornet nests or spider webs. It’s always a good idea to clear these before your client notices they were missed.

Step 3: Repair Water Damage and Siding

While pressure washing, you may notice some areas with water damage or swollen siding. It’s important to address these issues before applying paint to avoid further damage later on.

1. Fix Water Damage: If you spot any water-damaged siding, remove the affected sections and replace them with new materials. This will cost around $100 in materials and is essential to prevent future issues.

2. Replace Broken Corner Boards: Any damaged or swollen corner boards should be replaced. This is especially important if sprinklers are hitting the house, which can cause long-term damage if not fixed.

Step 4: Caulking and Priming

Proper caulking is essential for protecting your home’s exterior. Not only does it improve the look of your home, but it also provides a waterproof seal that can help prevent damage.

1. Caulk Around Windows and Doors: Inspect all the windows and doors for any cracked or missing caulking. Reapply new caulk around these areas to ensure a tight seal that will protect your home from water and air leaks.

2. Prime the Damaged Areas: For areas where paint has chipped, or the surface is damaged, apply a bonding primer to ensure that the paint adheres properly. This will also help to seal any moisture or water damage underneath the surface.

3. Use Triple Thick Peel Bond Primer: For areas with blistering paint or water damage, use a product like Triple Thick Peel Bond Primer to seal these areas effectively.

Step 5: Update Exterior Features

Once your home’s exterior is cleaned, primed, and ready for painting, consider upgrading some of the exterior features. These small changes can have a significant impact on your home’s appearance and value.

1. Update Your Lights

Outdated light fixtures can make your home look old-fashioned. Replacing exterior lights with modern, updated versions is an affordable and easy upgrade.

• Upgrade the light fixtures: For just $50, you can install new, more modern lighting to brighten up the front of your house. This is a quick and easy way to update the look and feel of your home.

2. Replace Damaged Screens

Over time, window screens can become torn or faded. Replacing these screens is a small task that can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal.

• Rescreen your windows: Most home improvement stores offer affordable rescreening services, or you can take them to a local company for a quick fix at an affordable cost.

3. Whitewash the Brick

If you have brick on your home’s exterior, it might look outdated or worn. One of the best ways to update it is by whitewashing the brick.

• Whitewashing the brick: Whitewashing can give the brick a fresh, clean look and make it appear more modern. It’s a great way to brighten up the front of your home and add curb appeal.

Step 6: Repainting the Exterior

Now that the preparation is complete, it’s time to repaint the exterior of your home.

1. Use Lifetime Warranty Paint: When selecting paint, choose high-quality, long-lasting paint with a lifetime warranty. This ensures that the paint will hold up against the elements and keep your home looking fresh for years to come.

2. Select the Right Colors: Opt for neutral tones or colors that match the surrounding area. Grays and whites are popular choices for modern homes and can work well with the whitewashed brick.

3. Don’t Forget the Garage and Doors: Repainting the garage door and front door can make a huge difference. If the paint has faded or chipped, it’s worth the time to fix it.

Step 7: Address the Small Details

While painting the main areas, don’t forget about the little things that can make your home look polished and well-maintained.

1. Replace Old Doorknobs: If your doors have outdated or damaged doorknobs, consider replacing them with more modern hardware. This small change can make a big difference in the overall look of your home.

2. Fix the Weather Stripping: Check the weather stripping around doors and windows. If it’s cracked or damaged, replace it to help improve energy efficiency and prevent drafts.

3. Touch Up Small Areas: Don’t overlook minor cracks and dents. Use Bondo or similar fillers to smooth out any imperfections and create a flawless finish.

Step 8: Saving Money with Upcycled Paint

One way to save money while still using high-quality paint is by opting for upcycled paint. This eco-friendly paint is made from recycled materials and provides a great finish at a lower cost.

• Save up to $1,500 on paint: By using upcycled paint, you can save around $50 per gallon compared to traditional paints. This means significant savings if you’re painting a large area, such as the exterior of your home.

• Eco-Friendly Choice: Upcycled paints help reduce landfill waste and provide a sustainable solution for homeowners.

Final Thoughts: Repainting and Simple Upgrades Add Value

Repainting your home’s exterior and making simple upgrades can increase your home’s value by thousands of dollars. By focusing on small improvements like updating lights, replacing screens, caulking windows, and choosing modern finishes, you can make your home look fresh, modern, and well-maintained.

Whether you’re looking to sell or just want to enhance your home’s appearance, these steps will help boost its curb appeal and make it stand out in the market. A little effort and investment can go a long way in improving the aesthetics and value of your home.

FAQs

1. How much does exterior painting increase home value?

Repainting your home’s exterior can increase its value by $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the size of your home and the quality of the work. It significantly improves curb appeal and makes your home look well-maintained.

2. How often should I repaint my home’s exterior?

Typically, you should repaint your home every 7 to 10 years. However, if your paint has faded or is peeling, it's a good idea to repaint sooner.

3. How long does it take to paint the exterior of a house?

For an average-sized home, exterior painting can take 3 to 5 days, depending on the amount of preparation required and the number of workers.

4. How much does it cost to repaint a house?

Repainting costs vary by location, home size, and the quality of materials. On average, it can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for a standard-sized home.

5. What are some low-cost improvements that increase home value?

Simple updates like new light fixtures, replacing door hardware, and whitewashing brick can enhance your home’s look for a low cost but a high return on investment.

6. Why is caulking important when repainting?

Caulking helps seal gaps around windows, doors, and other joints, preventing water damage and drafts, and ensuring a smooth and long-lasting paint finish.

7. Can I use regular paint on composite siding?

Composite siding requires special care, as it’s not real wood. Use a paint designed for composite materials to ensure proper adhesion and durability.

8. How do I fix water damage before painting?

Remove any damaged sections of siding and replace them. Use bonding primer on water-damaged areas before repainting to ensure a proper seal and finish.

9. Can I do exterior painting myself, or should I hire a professional?

While some homeowners can handle exterior painting, hiring a professional ensures that the job is done correctly, especially if there’s significant prep work or repairs to be done.

10. Is upcycled paint a good option for exterior painting?

Yes, upcycled paint offers a great finish and is eco-friendly, helping to reduce waste. It’s a cost-effective option that can save you money while still providing a high-quality look.