The paint adorning your walls might not seem like the most notable feature of your home. However, it’s often one of the first things potential buyers see when they walk in, so it plays a huge role in first impressions. If the paint adorning your walls has seen better days, revamping it with a fresh coat can go a long way in improving that first impression.
But does painting the interior of your house add value? Generally speaking, yes, it does, but there are a few things you need to consider.
The Undeniable Appeal of Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in just about any home. While it might seem like a minor change, new paint can dramatically enhance overall aesthetic appeal, adding a clean, updated, and well-maintained look.
If you’re selling your home, the choice to paint can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive the property. First impressions matter, and the condition of the walls in a home is often one of the first things a potential buyer notices.
For example, let’s say you’re the buyer. You walk into a home and immediately spot old, peeling paint on the walls, accompanied by dings, dents, and other not-so-lovely blemishes. Unless you’re buying a fixer-upper, that’s probably not what you want to see when you walk into a home you want to buy. That first impression sets the stage for the rest of the showing, and when all is said and done, you might decide to walk away.
The same is typically true of people considering buying your home. If their first impression of your home centers around walls with not-so-great-looking paint, they might decide to walk away, too. It might seem minor, but refreshing a home with new paint immediately after buying isn’t something most buyers want to do. So, refreshing your home with a coat of paint before listing it can go a long way.
The Value of Fresh Paint in Your Home
If you plan to sell your home, first impressions matter, but you probably don’t want to pour money into the home if you won’t get anything out of it. So, how much does interior paint increase home value? The answer? It depends.
With the right colors, a quality paint job, and high-quality paint, a fresh coat of paint can increase your home’s value. Most homeowners receive a return on their painting investment of over 100%, which is excellent considering the return on investment (ROI) for many other home improvement projects.
Factors to Consider
New paint is a big deal, but it’s not the slap-it-on and call-it-good sort of thing. Instead, it’s important to consider a handful of factors that contribute to that initial impression when potential buyers walk in the door.
Paint Quality
If you plan to repaint, choose a high-quality paint. The paint should be easily cleanable and durable, ensuring it will withstand the test of time. This is especially important in high-traffic areas prone to smudges, dirt, and lots of human contact.
Color
The color you choose is another major factor. Neutral-toned homes often sell the best since they offer a blank palette that can match nearly any decor. Whites, greiges, grays, beiges, creams, and similar neutral hues in homes often sell the best.
In contrast, bold, bright colors are tougher to work with in the design category, so homes with these hues may take longer to sell. For example, a vibrant teal-painted living room can be hard to work with, especially if the buyer has a bold aesthetic that clashes with the color. Having neutral-toned walls, ceilings, and trim helps avoid this conundrum and speed up the selling process.
Potential buyers often find neutral hues more appealing in a new home, so while you might absolutely love vibrant wall colors that make a statement, it’s usually best to go the neutral route (if you’re selling).
Where to Paint
If you plan to revamp your home’s interior with a fresh coat of paint, it’s important to focus on the right areas (especially if you’re on a budget). Prioritize the areas where people spend the most time: the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
The kitchen is a big one, especially since it’s often a hub of activity in many homes. If the paint in your kitchen has seen better days, refresh it with a fresh coat. Don’t neglect the cabinets, trim, or window boxes in favor of the walls, though—make sure you get it all.
Next, turn your focus to the other common areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Refresh those areas with a fresh coat, especially if the paint is old, dirty, and peeling.
You don’t need to worry about painting areas that often go unnoticed, like maintenance and utility rooms. People typically spend little time in these spaces and often expect them to be unfinished, so painting these areas usually doesn’t make a huge difference. Of course, you can paint them if you want to, but if you’re on a budget, there’s no need to worry about them.
As you make your way throughout the space, go with a cohesive look. Avoid painting dramatically different colors throughout the home. Instead, stick with similarly toned hues for the entire space to achieve a refreshed, cohesive finish.
Job Quality
The quality of your paint job also makes a difference. A sub-par paint job (often dubbed the “landlord special”) with poorly cut-in ceilings, patchy areas, and paint where it shouldn’t be (on the outlets, door hardware, etc.) doesn’t make the greatest impression. So, take your time and make it look nice.
If painting isn’t your strong suit, consider hiring a professional painter. They’ll ensure the job looks seamless and professional, eliminating the possibility of that not-so-great impression of a less-than-stellar paint job.
So, Is It Worth Repainting Your Home Before Selling?
Repainting your home’s interior is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to increase its value and marketability. It’s a small financial investment that offers big rewards. Plus, it’s not an incredibly time-consuming project, so you won’t have to worry about spending weeks or months finishing it.
So, if you plan to sell your home soon, a fresh coat of paint can be an excellent investment. And, if you’re not overly keen on painting it yourself, our experienced team at Image Painting can help. We’ll take care of the project promptly and efficiently, breathing new life into your home with a fresh coat of paint that not only revitalizes its appearance but boosts its value.
Contact us today to start with an estimate!