When changing your homes exterior paint you have the power to make the home look RADICALLY DIFFERENT. You can take 40 years off the look of your home. This can be a huge in terms of resale value, not to mention personal enjoyment. Be sure to follow these steps and you will be in the clear!1. Take pictures of your house as is, AND several homes that are have comparable exterior features (ie brick facade, porch, two stories). Choose homes with paint colors you absolutely love. Homes that are in nicer neighborhoods then yours. Houses that are, frankly, better then yours or at least look better.
2. Now print your pictures and choose your absolute favorite.
3. Go back to that house and either A) knock on their door, explain you love their paint color and ask for the name of it and/or if you can get an exact match it with your color deck (what is a color deck? it is that thick stack of attached paint chips you can receive complimentary, or at least borrow, from your local paint store) or B) If your too shy and a bit more mischievous, visit said dwelling when the occupants appear not to be home and quickly match it. Don't forget to match the trim color(s) too.
4. (Don't even think of skipping this step) Have the paint store give you a gallon or less of each color - and test paint large sections on your home, let it dry, and paint another coat. Take a day or two to make sure you LOVE IT. Lighting, and your home's unique setting effects the color. If need be, make slight changes in the paint color and sample it again. *You need to own the decision on this, but it can build your confidence to get the approval of a friend with GREAT DESIGN TASTE.
5. Paint your home with confidence - it is going to be fabulous!
