Get a Fresh Outlook with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Fall is approaching, so it’s time to start thinking about doing those projects around the house that have taken back seat to summer plans.  Your home is most likely one of your biggest investments, and it is well worth the time and money to keep it in the best condition possible.  Regardless of whether you plan on selling any time in the near (or not so near) future, it is much easier to keep your home in great shape than to try to catch up all at once.

When the weather gets cooler it’s a great time to spruce up your walls with a fresh coat of paint.  Painting your whole house, or even just one room, not only makes your home feel clean and bright,  it also gives you the opportunity to declutter, reorganize, and refresh your space.  This allows you to enjoy your home even more, plus it makes it that much easier to sell when the time comes.

Before you start, be sure to clean the walls and also do your homework to figure out the best kind of paint for the job.  There are many great resources on the internet with tips for prepping and painting. Keep in mind that cheapest isn’t always best.  For example, one coat paint may cost a little more per gallon, but you need less so you’ll save money, plus you’ll finish in half the time.  However, how washable the paint is can be a much more important consideration.  The ability to wipe off fingerprints and scuffmarks is definitely worth a few dollars now, rather than having to repaint in a short amount of time.  

Using the same color paint in multiple rooms can reduce the number of gallons you need.  If you choose to do that, it’s a good idea to use a fairly neutral color to give you more flexibility in how you decorate each room.  With neutral walls you can easily change the feel of the room simply by swapping out wall hangings and window treatments, which is especially useful when you sell your home.  If you are considering selling your home anytime soon, it’s a good idea to consult with your Realtor about the colors you’ve chosen.  Neutrals are not always a must when selling your home, and not all neutrals are created equal.  The right colors or neutrals can really make your home shine.

Investing in the right supplies is worth it as well.  Pretaped drop cloths are not inexpensive, but they make prep and cleanup a breeze.  Good brushes and rollers will make the job go more quickly, and disposable paint tray liners let you easily change from one color to another.  Do take a shopping list to the store so you don’t end up with unnecessary items undoing all of your savings.

Another great benefit to painting is that you have to clean and declutter before you paint.  When you put the room back together, take the time to edit furniture and accessories.  Donate, recycle or pitch items you no longer need.  Even if you just take one room at a time, eventually your home will be cleaner and less cluttered (and everyone has at least a little clutter), with a sparkling paint job that welcomes people into your home.  You deserve to enjoy  your home while you’re living in it, plus it makes it will be even more desirable to potential buyers when it comes time to sell.

Copyright © 2010 Shawn Buryska

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