Paint is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to give your home a fresh look. But choosing the right color combination from the hundreds of options can be overwhelming.
Don’t let that stop you. The team at GreenCal Construction has twenty years of experience guiding Southern California homeowners through the process of choosing great paint colors.
The colors you choose should make you enjoy the sight of your home when you pull up after a long day of work. If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, it is wise to consider what colors will be appealing to buyers in your area.
In this article, we will discuss reasons to repaint your home’s exterior, popular choices for exterior color, things to consider when choosing paint color, and how color choice can affect your energy costs.
Reasons to repaint your home’s exterior
Why is exterior paint important? Painting your home’s exterior leads to improved curb appeal and increases the value of your home. According to a HomeGain survey, exterior paint leads to a 55% return on investment when the home is sold.
In addition to improving the look and value, exterior paint provides an added layer of protection from the elements. It keeps your home safe from weather damage, insects, and dust. Good exterior paint can help prevent exterior wood from rotting, saving you repair costs.
What is the most popular choice for a home’s exterior?
There are endless color combinations for your exterior house painting. Experts recommend choosing warm, soft colors. Off whites, greys, taupes, light blues and yellows are all appealing options. Check out some great examples from here. Light neutral colors make a house appear bigger than it is. Neutrals as the main color provide a great back drop for a dramatic pop of color on the trim.
What to consider when choosing exterior paint colors for your house?
There are two key things to consider when choosing exterior paint color combinations.
First, experts recommend sticking to no more than three colors. More than that can be distracting to the eye.
Use the 60-30-10 rule. 60 percent is the body of the home and should be one color. 30 percent is garage doors and trim, and should be the one accent color. Ten percent is the front of the house and shutters. This is where you can add a pop of color.
Second, consider the colors on your neighbors’ homes. Walk around your neighborhood and note the general color schemes present. It’s a good idea to choose something similar, as you might not want to be the one house that sticks out of the crowd.
Does the color of your house affect your energy bill?
Lastly, we want to talk about how the color of your house can affect your energy bill. This is not usually something that is taken into consideration when choosing exterior paint colors. But, in climates like Southern California, it is worth thinking about.
Consider a lighter color for your exterior walls in a hot climate like Southern California. Light colors reflect heat, keeping your home cooler and reducing your cooling costs. This is good for your wallet and good for the environment.
Painting the exterior of your home has so many benefits, whether you are planning to stay in your home for a long time, or are looking to sell in the near future. Don’t let the plethora of options hold you back from getting started on this great home improvement project. If you have more questions about why exterior painting is important, our team at GreenCal Construction is here to help. Contact us today.
