If you’re contemplating the idea of painting your home before selling, you may be wondering if it’s worth it? Will it add any value to your property? The answer can be determined by a few factors like the quality of the paint job and the colours you choose. Here’s what you need to know to increase the likelihood of adding value to your home by painting it.
The exterior
Street appeal plays a big part in a person’s first impression of the home and it can be the deciding factor for many. To ensure your home is attracting buyers and not deterring them, the outside of your home must be neatly presented and the finishes such as paint needs to be up to standard. A poor-quality paint job doesn’t look good and buyers will notice it. If they have to spend a considerable amount of time or money fixing it, this can be off-putting. The same applies if you choose to paint your home in bright, vibrant colours that don’t marry together. It’s better to stick with muted colour palettes as most prefer this and for those who don’t, it’s easier to add colour than remove it. As a general rule, painting over existing original brick doesn’t usually add value and you should limit the number of colours you chose for the exterior to a maximum of three. You should have a primary colour and highlight features such as trims, window frames, doors etc with an alternate colour.
The Interior
The appearance of the inside of your home is just as important as the outside. Old paint that is flaking or outdated wallpaper can make the house look unkempt and dark saturated colours can make rooms look smaller and closed in. Taking the time to improve these areas using quality paint and equipment or hiring a professional to revamp the space can add valuable dollars to your home. In some instances, a fresh coat of paint can completely renew a house and make it look clean and modern. Choosing light colours can create the illusion of space and it’s easier to tie in the buyer’s furniture and furnishings regardless of what colour they are. Even if you don’t love neutral colours, it is a safe option that will appeal to more buyers. If you want to add colour, do so using light colours and in moderation or you can add colour with your furnishings.
How to get a great quality finish
Hiring a professional to paint your home will not only save you time but it ensures that finish is going to be to a superior standard, and you won’t have to worry about it looking poorly. Painting may seem like a simple task, but it can be quite labour intensive, especially if your walls aren’t in great condition, to begin with.
Preparing the walls is key
If your walls have imperfections, you’ll need to fix these with putty or plaster before attempting to apply any paint. You will need to wait for these to dry and then sand to give you a flawless finish. Depending on what type of paint is on your walls and the quality of it, you may need to sand the old paint first. Clean up any residual dust and before applying primer. It’s important not to skip this step as it gives your paint job a professional finish and can reduce the number of coats needed to get the desired result. Make sure you remove furniture from the room or cover with drop sheets. Ensure the floor is covered too.
Prioritise areas if you must
If you don’t want to paint the entire house or can’t afford to, focus on areas that need attention and rooms such as the bathrooms, kitchen, and hallways. Most people want a kitchen and bathrooms that look good and inviting. Paint is an inexpensive and effective way to transform a room.
Which is better? Matte or gloss?
Generally, it is better to paint the walls using matte paint and if you are going to use gloss, it works well on finer details such as the trims and doors. Stick with matte paints for outside. Make sure you buy sample pots to test the paints on your surface before buying all of your paint. They can sometimes appear darker or lighter depending on the amount of light the area receives.
How much value will painting add to my house?
If the painting has been completed by a professional painter and you have used light and inviting colours you can potentially add up to 5% on the price of your home. The more appealing your property looks, the more interest it will generate, and you are likely to receive an offer you are happy with. Always paint your home before taking photos and putting it on the market.
Need inspiration? If you need some advice about current colour trends, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your real estate agent or a qualified painter. They can advise you about which colours are popular and which ones will work best with the design of your home. Our expert team here at MDC Specialists have more than 19 years painting and decorating experience and we pride ourselves on finishes that are second to none. If you have any questions about repainting your home, get in touch today, we’d love to hear from you.
