Finding the perfect exterior paint colors for your house can be a game-changer. However, reaching that point can be a winding journey of seemingly infinite options and never-ending paint swatches.
Below, we’ll run through some tips on choosing exterior paint colors for your house. By taking the lead in this process, you can narrow your search and find that perfect hue that truly reflects your style and personality.
Review Local Regulations
Before you even start looking at exterior painting colors, it’s crucial to double-check if there are any rules or regulations in your area. This step is not just a formality, but a key part of your preparation process.
Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Painting Rules
This can come in the form of Homeowner’s Association (HOA) rules, which sometimes call for specific color palettes to ensure the neighborhood’s cohesive look. There may be some wiggle room while playing between those suggestions, but you’ll likely have to get them approved.
Either way, it’s always best to check before purchasing the paint, completing the job, and then being faced with the potential task of correcting it.
Historical Area Requirements
If you live in or around a historical building, there could be some exterior painting requirements to check. There are usually preservation boards for these historic districts, and it’s best to check for certain rules in order to mesh with the rest of the neighborhood.
Climate Compatibility
Most people don’t think about this, but certain colors are best suited for certain climates. There are practical benefits attached to that as well.
Lighter Colors = Warmer Climates
For example, lighter colors tend to reflect heat better and keep the home cooler. Also, bright colors like soft yellow tend to mesh better in tropical climates and fit into the overall template of the community.
Darker Colors = Colder Climates
In colder climates, choosing flexible paints that can handle all four seasons is best. On top of that, earth tones and sometimes darker shades tend to look better in these locations, and these darker paints can absorb more heat.
Consider Architectural Style
This may sound like an intimidating step, but we promise it’s not. You don’t have to necessarily trace back the architectural style of your house and paint it a certain way.
This step is more about identifying how the trim, shutters, roof, garage, and other aspects impact the aesthetic of your house. From here, you can start mixing and matching accent colors that will work with those features.
Which Color House Sells Best?
This shouldn’t be the sole influence of your decision when choosing exterior paint colors for your house. However, it makes sense to take a look at which color houses have traditionally sold well. This is true whether you plan on moving in the next few years or not. It’s always nice for your house to have marketability and the potential to see a boost in value.
As mentioned earlier, the location and climate of your house can influence which exterior colors are popular and, therefore, have higher resale value.
The Biggest Resale Boost: White & Beige
On the whole, houses with exterior paint resembling neutral earth tones tend to have the highest resale value. According to Zillow Digs, white and beige exteriors noticed the greatest boost in home value compared to other colors. Gray and blue were next in line.
Why these colors? First, they appeal to a wide audience, as the majority of people find these neutral colors acceptable while potentially increasing curb appeal. On top of that, they are easier to maintain than specialized colors that might be extremely light or dark.
Consider Maintenance & Upkeep
As mentioned in the previous section, maintenance, longevity, and upkeep are worth considering when choosing exterior paint colors for your house.
For example, dark colors can be more difficult to maintain, as they sometimes absorb heat from the sun and begin to fade. You can usually notice fading spots on darker paint much sooner than if the color was neutral or somewhat lighter.
This is another reason it makes sense to choose your exterior color based on climate. If you live in a sunny, hot climate, dark paint would fade relatively fast. Darker paint colors make more sense if you live in a colder climate that could benefit from heat absorption.
No matter what color you go with, investing in weather-resistant sealants and high-quality paint can help protect the paint from water damage.
Need Help? Contact Image Painting Today!
As you can tell from the sections above, there is no shortage of things to consider when choosing exterior paint for your house. As our team at Image Painting says, a quality paint job is 70% preparation and 30% painting.
Let us help you with both. We provide color matching and color consultation expert advice to go along with our professional exterior paint services. Here’s what else you can expect from our reliable painting team:
- Affordable Quotes – No Surprises
- Locally Owned and Operated – Work Directly with Local Owners
- 3-year Guarantee – Written Warranty Included
- Professional Color Consultation
- High-Quality Paint Brands – Potential For Custom Formulations
- Secondary Services – Carpentry, Drywall, Plaster, Wallpaper, Power Wash
- Licensed & Insured Painters in VA, MD, DC
Since 2003, we have been providing Falls Church, VA, and the Washington DC area with top-notch exterior house painting. That’s why we hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating on Google.
Contact Image Painting today at (703) 256-2271 or fill out our online form.