Winter is the best time to refresh your home interior !
Winter is the best time to refresh your home interior !
Here's How a Fresh Coat of Paint Can Boost Your Home's Value
Spring is just around the corner, and if you're planning to sell your home, now is the time to start preparing. One of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home—and attract potential buyers—is a fresh coat of paint. It's a relatively simple and cost-effective update that can make a big impact. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest paint color trends and share some expert tips to ensure your paint job is flawless.
Why Paint Matters
When buyers walk into a home, the first thing they notice is the condition of the walls. A fresh coat of paint can make your home look well-maintained, clean, and move-in ready. On the other hand, outdated or scuffed walls can make even the nicest home feel neglected. According to experts, painting your home before listing it can add thousands of dollars to its value.
Trending Paint Colors for 2024
Choosing the right paint color can be overwhelming, but staying on trend can help your home stand out. According to Emma Yardley, writing for HGTV, darker shades are making a comeback, especially for long or rectangular rooms. These colors can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for spaces that feel too expansive. Here are some top picks:
Behr’s Cracked Pepper: A deep, almost black shade that adds drama and sophistication to any room.
Behr’s Wild Mustang: A rich, earthy brown that brings warmth and depth.
Behr’s Raspberry Crush: A bold, saturated hue that adds a pop of color and personality.
If you prefer a lighter, more neutral palette, Yardley suggests these soft, versatile colors:
Gilden's Limitless: A soft, muted blue that’s perfect for creating a calm, serene space.
Gilden's Subdued: A gentle green that feels fresh and natural.
Gilden's Blush Beige: A warm, subtle pink that adds a touch of elegance.
For those who want to play it safe, classic neutrals are always a good choice:
Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter: A light gray with warm undertones, it’s a favorite for its versatility.
Benjamin Moore's Balboa Mist: A slightly warmer gray that works well in any room.
Sherwin Williams' Amazing Gray: A true gray that’s timeless and sophisticated.
Preparation Is Key
According to Mauro Henrique of This Old House, "Eighty-five percent of any painting project is the preparation." Proper preparation ensures that your paint job looks professional and lasts longer. Here are five tips to get started:
Remove Hardware: Take off all hardware, including door handles, light switch covers, and outlet covers. To keep things organized, tape the hardware and screws together and attach them to a poster board with a room map. This way, you won’t lose any pieces or forget where they belong.
Clear Out Obstacles: Ideally, you should clear the room entirely. If that’s not possible, move all furniture to the center and cover it with plastic sheeting. This will give you enough space to work and protect your belongings from paint splatters.
Protect Your Floors: Don’t forget to protect your floors! Use painter's tape, rosin paper, and plastic-lined canvas drop cloths to cover the floor. Recently, a client of ours accidentally spilled paint on a carpet, leading to a costly and time-consuming cleanup. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Fill Holes and Gaps: Before painting, fill in any holes, gaps, or cracks in the walls. This includes anchors for large hangings. If you’re taking items like a TV arm mount with you, remove them and repair the wall. Buyers expect the home to be in good condition, and this step will make the transition smoother.
Sand and Clean Walls: Use 120-220 grit sandpaper to smooth the walls and then wipe them down with a damp cloth. This will remove dust and ensure a smooth, even paint application.
Calculating Paint and Prepping Your Space
Once you've chosen your colors, the next step is to figure out how much paint you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to calculate one gallon of paint per 280 square feet of wall space. To determine the square footage, multiply the height by the width of each wall you plan to paint. This will help ensure you have enough paint to cover the entire area without making multiple trips to the store.
Taping Off for a Clean Finish
Before you start painting, apply painter’s tape to baseboards, cabinets, ceilings, and floors. This will protect these areas from stray brushstrokes and roller splatter. If you find that the tape isn’t sticking well, try running a screwdriver carefully along the edge of the ceiling or wherever you’re having trouble. This technique smooths out any texture, creating a clean surface for the tape to adhere to, ensuring straight, crisp lines.
Mastering the Painting Process
For the best results, break your room down into small sections or "zones" and complete each one before moving on to the next. This method allows you to maintain focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the project. Start with "cutting in," which means using a paintbrush to paint around windows, ceilings, and baseboards. This step is crucial for achieving clean edges and a professional-looking finish.
Next, use a roller to apply paint to the larger areas of the wall. For the best coverage, use a primer before applying your topcoat. However, some paints, like C-2, allow you to skip the primer step, though these tend to be more expensive. If you’re using a paint that doesn’t require primer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.
When using a roller, make sure to load your paint tray properly and avoid over-saturating the roller. Excess paint can lead to splatter, which can be frustrating to clean up. Instead, aim for even coverage by rolling in a “W” or “M” pattern, filling in the gaps as you go.
Take Your Time for Maximum Impact
Remember, patience is key. Painting is one of the least expensive home improvements, yet it can have a significant impact on your home's value. Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes, uneven coverage, and a less-than-perfect finish. By taking your time and preparing properly, you'll not only achieve a stunning result but also maximize your return when it comes time to sell.
In the world of home improvement, few things offer as much bang for your buck as a well-executed paint job. So as you prepare to list your home this spring, channel your inner scout and be prepared. A little effort now can go a long way in helping you sell your home quickly and at the price you deserve. Happy painting!
