by Taha E.H | Feb 23, 2022 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint, Uncategorized
Changing your home exterior color is a big decision. Here’s how to make it a little less stressful.
Quality exterior coatings can last up to 15 years. That’s great for your wallet, but it puts a lot of pressure on you to choose the right color. Because if you choose wrong, you either have to hate it for 15 years or pay to cover it up.
Today, we’re sharing six tips for choosing the right color for your home’s exterior with confidence.
Check with your neighborhood or homeowner’s association (HOA) first.
Depending on where you live, you might be limited to a few preselected items. This is usually done if the HOA is looking to achieve a uniform look in the neighborhood. Some cities also place limits on color options for historic homes. Save yourself from the heartache of falling in love with a color you can’t use and do your research first.
Consider your home’s origins—and its best features.
Certain colors may not match certain architectural styles. Be sure to consider the unique shape and history of your home when choosing a color for its exterior.
Do a few paint or coating samples.
Choosing an exterior color is very different from choosing an interior color. The lighting in your office will stay fairly consistent throughout the day. But outdoor lighting changes dramatically in a twenty-four-hour period. Make sure you see your color choices in full sun and throughout the day before you commit.
This is especially important if you’re choosing white. There are many, many shades of white, and it’s very important to choose the right one.
Match the other features of your home’s exterior, such as stone or brick.
Natural material features will impact your strategy and color choices for your home’s exterior. The undertones in brick and stone will clash with some colors and look beautiful with others. If you’re planning to paint over the brick entirely, you may need to consider a specialty paint.
Consider your neighbors.
If you paint your house bright pink, it might make you smile every time you pull into the driveway. But your neighbors have to look at it way more than you do. For them, it’s right out the window. This means two things:
- You and your wacky house color may become the talk of the neighborhood—and not in a good way. If all your neighbors hate it, it can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation.
- We’ve all heard urban legends of the house that won’t sell because the neighbors are too weird. Don’t be that neighbor.
It’s also worth noting that the wrong color can also diminish your home’s resale value. So go orange if you want. Just keep in mind that when it comes time to sell, there may be a price to pay.
If you simply must choose a crazy home exterior color…
…save it for your front door.
Brightly colored front doors are a popular choice these days. In fact, an attention-getting front door can increase your home’s curb appeal. Plus it’s a great way to have fun with a wild color without going overboard. A bright pink house might be overwhelming, but a brick house with a bubblegum door can be very charming!
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Choosing a color for your home’s exterior can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling the pressure, talk to the experts at Texas Home Improvement. We can help you choose a color you feel great about.
by Taha E.H | Sep 14, 2021 | Exterior Paint, Projects, Windows
Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want a refresh, improving the curb appeal of your home is an excellent investment.
The view from the curb sets the tone for your home as a whole. A beautiful, thoughtfully maintained exterior is inviting and makes folks want to see more. It’s also welcoming for guests and potential buyers.
HGTV’s series Curb Appeal provides great ideas for how to make the most of your home’s appearance. Each episode features real homeowners and a crew of experts who go to work, transforming outdated and boring homes with stunning makeovers.
You may not have the time or the budget for such grand designs, but you can make significant improvements with these curb appeal ideas.
Upgrade your front door with paint and hardware.
Your front door is vitally important to your home’s curb appeal. It is the entryway to your home and the exterior feature of your home that guests and buyers will interact with most closely. But the front door is surprisingly easy for homeowners to overlook, especially when it’s not used regularly.
You can have a lot of fun upgrading your door. Bright, whimsical colors are trendy for front doors these days and easily catch the eye of anyone driving by. New hardware adds shine and security, and a fresh doormat is welcoming and fun. Colorful flowers or potted plants are excellent, affordable enhancements.
Update the landscaping (or just mow the lawn).
Lawn care is especially important in the suburbs, where lawns are prominent and signal to your buyer how well you maintain your home. So it’s essential to pay attention to how your yard looks.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire yard to increase your curb appeal. A little strategic landscaping such as new shrubs, fresh flowers, and a water feature can make for an impressive-looking home. But don’t overlook the basic lawn care tips. Mow the lawn, pull the weeds, and neaten up with a trimmer or edger, and you’ve already made a difference.
Make your backyard truly special with a pergola.
Ok, this may not apply to curb appeal directly, but a backyard should have special appeal too. Adding a pergola creates interest, beauty, and function to an otherwise average backyard. It’s like adding another room to your house where you can gather with friends and family or just enjoy a peaceful moment and some fresh air.
Pergolas are especially popular here in Texas, so you can count on a prospective buyer or Real Estate Agent to see a pergola as a big draw or even a dealbreaker. A functional outdoor space is extra valuable in a warm climate like ours, so adding one to your home is an ideal investment for both curb appeal and daily living.
Refresh the exterior with TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®.
It may seem obvious, but your home’s finish is crucial to curb appeal. Shabby, peeling, or faded paint simply won’t do. A fresh coat of paint and siding are fine, but there are better options, such as exterior coating.
TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® lasts longer and resists moisture and fading better than traditional paint, giving you that “freshly painted” appearance for a long time. In addition, TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® uses military-grade technology to reflect heat away from your home and cut down on cooling costs. The result is a more attractive, more energy-efficient home, both of which are appealing to prospective buyers.
Change out your windows.
Just like your front door, your windows connect your home to the outside world. Old, outdated windows don’t make for a particularly inspiring look, and they often do a poor job insulating your home. New windows make your home look crisp, fresh, and inviting.
Windows are a long-term investment, so do your homework when choosing. Consider energy-efficient windows, which can reduce your heating and cooling bill for years to come and make your home more comfortable.
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Having a nice, clean exterior gives potential buyers the confidence they need to put in an offer on your home. With a bit of research and some planning, you can make a smart investment in your home’s curb appeal.
by Taha E.H | Mar 27, 2021 | Exterior Paint, Protecting Your Home
When choosing a house painting company, whether it’s minor interior work or a complete repainting of a home’s exterior, there are several questions to consider. There are hundreds of painting contractors in Texas, and finding the best one can be difficult. Here, we’ll outline a few factors to consider when choosing a reliable house painting company.
Punctuality
Whether you’ll need to let them into the house or move the family’s vehicles beforehand, having a painter arrive on time is crucial to a project’s success. For most Texans, punctuality is a crucial quality. If you plan to be on-site while work is ongoing, you should expect the job to be done in the allotted time.
The Techniques and Materials to Be Used
It’s important to have a painting company representative specify—on paper—the materials the contractor will use. Low-quality materials won’t last long, won’t hold up to Texas weather, and won’t conceal minor imperfections. Unlike some companies, Texas Home Improvement doesn’t use cheap products. Contact us today to find out about our Tex-Cote COOLWALL exterior protection system, which may lower your cooling costs by up to 22%.
A long-lasting paint job requires a significant amount of prep work. Ask the contractor how they’ll repair rough edges, mildew, flaking, holes, and other damage, before work begins. With their years of local experience, a Texas painting company should know which hues work well together. If you aren’t sure which colors to use, we can recommend paint brands and grades that suit your home’s exterior.
Warranties on Paint
Another important tip for choosing a house painter is to ask about their warranty coverage. A one-year warranty is appropriate, as most major issues (such as peeling) often arise within a year. Two- and three-year warranties are sometimes offered. However, if a contractor avoids the issue by not providing a copy of the warranty’s terms and conditions, that’s a big red flag. Before signing any documents, be sure to get a written copy of the company’s paint warranty.
Recommendations From Neighbors and Friends
The easiest way to find a reliable painting company is to ask others for recommendations. If you have friends, family members, or neighbors who have hired painters in the past, ask about their experiences and who they would hire again. Word of mouth is a valuable marketing tool, and the word spreads quickly when contractors do high-quality work.
Positive Reviews
It’s impossible to please everyone, so online reviews should be taken with some skepticism. However, it’s important to trust your intuition: If a user review feels honest, it probably is. House painting companies with good online reputations will typically be trustworthy in real life.
A Smooth Interview Process
While Texas house painters are typically busy this time of year, any contractor interested in working with a client should be able to set aside a few minutes to answer your questions and ask a few for themselves. When choosing a painting company, ask these questions:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in the business?
- Do you belong to any professional associations?
- Do your employees do all the work, or are subcontractors used?
- Is a guarantee or warranty available?
- Which products are used?
- Do you have references from past customers?
The importance of hiring a licensed painting company can’t be overstated.
Detailed Paint Estimates
As a crucial step, be sure to request an estimate from any potential painting contractor. Schedule a consultation with the team leader who will perform the work, with the considerations and questions from this guide in mind. With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed hiring decision. It’s worth noting, though, that an estimate is just that—and the actual cost may be lower or higher depending on various factors. For most customers, having a number in mind makes the selection process easier.
Effective Communication
When discussing a project with a house painting company, clear and thorough communication will simplify the estimation process. Honesty is essential; tell the painter whether you simply want to re-paint the house before putting it up for sale or if you plan to stay and want a long-lasting result. These details are important, and once you’ve outlined them, the contractor will find it easier to meet your requirements.
Customer Service
When letting someone into your home, it’s important to be sure that they’re friendly and professional. Most clients have questions during the process, which an experienced painter has likely answered hundreds of times. However, contractors with good customer etiquette will respond as if they’re hearing each question for the first time. A good house painter should not only meet your requirements but exceed them.
A Few Mistakes to Avoid
While choosing a house painting contractor based on the above qualities is easy, there are a few things to avoid.
- Paying upfront. While it is normal for most contractors to request a deposit, avoid any that require full payment before work begins.
- Choosing a contractor based solely on pricing. Though it may be tempting to give the job to the lowest bidder, it’s better to focus on the value a reliable painter provides.
Repainting a home is a major task and choosing a painting company is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Texas contractors have the experience, training, and equipment to provide fast, consistent results.
In Closing
If you are looking for a reliable house painting company, contact Texas Home Improvement for a complimentary no-obligation estimate. With our COOLWALL coating system, you’ll protect the home’s exterior while enjoying lower cooling costs. Though we value our repeat customers, it’s our goal to help you avoid the hassle and expense of re-painting. Call us today to find out about our long-term exterior protection packages.
by Taha E.H | Jun 27, 2020 | Exterior Paint, Exterior Coating
After years of sunlight, rain, wind, and more, the exterior paint will start to fade. It can start to chip as well or become stained. At this point, a new coat of paint can help freshen up the look of the home, boosting the curb appeal significantly. If you need to paint the outside of your home, you have a lot to think about before getting started. Should you hire a painter? What paint to choose, and even what colors to pick out?
Exterior Paint – DIY or Hire a Painter?
The age-old question for most homeowners is going to be whether they should do it on their own or if hiring a professional is the best option. Of course, there are pros and cons for both. But, most homeowners will decide they should have one of the local exterior painting companies handle the job.
DIY painting isn’t as easy as it looks and may not lead to professional results. A early question to ask, ‘Do you have prior experience painting?’. You may not be able to get all of the corners as nicely as expected. And, you should consider the expense for general supplies like rollers or brushes. Plus, there’s the issue of safety. You may need a ladder to paint the higher parts of your home.
A professional already has the tools and experience to do an amazing job. While it might seem like the more expensive option. There’s no worry about having to run out and buy more paint, having to purchase rollers or brushes, or having to buy a ladder tall enough to reach the upper parts of your home. Professionals are also insured and trained in safely using ladders, so there isn’t as much of a risk for injuries. However, an important question to ask, ‘Is your company insured?’. If an accident were to happen, is their an insurance company to cover damage or injury? If not, you might get a visit from an attorney.
What to Look for in a Painter
Homeowners should look for experience. Reading reviews and checking out prior paint jobs done by the professional can give you a better idea of what to expect. It’s important to check licenses and insurance before hiring any painter to reduce your own liability. All of this can help ensure you find a quality painter that can not only do the job but will do the job well.
Interior Versus Exterior Paint
When it comes to the paint, homeowners have plenty of options to choose from before they even start thinking about the color. Interior paints should be avoided, though they may be less expensive. They are mainly designed for aesthetics, so they won’t hold up to the sun and rain as the exterior paint will. The right exterior paint will look great for years and can help protect the house itself from the elements. The extra spent to purchase high-quality exterior paint will end up being worth it in the long run.
What to Look for in Exterior Paint
All exterior paint isn’t created equally. Some paints have extra ingredients that are designed to protect the home better and ensure it will look good for as long as possible. Homeowners in Texas, for instance, may want to look for an exterior paint that’s heat-reflective. This not only protects the home from the damage and fading caused by the sun’s rays but can keep the interior cooler as well. The paint will shield the home from the sun, reflecting the rays, so they don’t cause the inside of the home to heat up during the summer. An example is COOLWALL heat reflective paint.
Choosing the Right Colors
After a homeowner has decided who will handle the painting and the type of paint, it’s time to choose the colors. Typically, the trim will be in a different color from the rest of the home to ensure it stands out. The doors may be done the same color as the trim or in a third color. Homeowners have the option to choose any colors they prefer, but if they aren’t sure what will look good on their home, professionals can often help them narrow down the options. Once the right colors are picked out, the painting can begin.
If your home is starting to look older because of peeling or fading paint outside, it may be time to start thinking about having it painted. The exterior painting companies offer the expert help needed to restore the look of your home and can get the job done quickly. Use the information here to start thinking about what you want for the home, then contact a pro to get started.
by Taha E.H | Jun 4, 2020 | Exterior Coating, Exterior Paint
Paint on the exterior of a home starts to lose its color after some time. The sun’s rays, debris during storms, and other elements take a toll on how vivid the paint color is. When the paint starts to lose its brightness, a fresh coat may be the best option to restore the look of the home and help protect the siding. Today, paint can do even more, and may also help keep the home cooler during the hottest months of the year. Before applying that new coat of paint, the first step is to choose the right painting company.
Do Research on Local Companies
There are many options for painting companies today. So, it’s essential to do some research. Some companies, unfortunately, may not live up to your standards. Other companies will do an amazing job, paying attention to even the smallest details, making sure you are satisfied before they finish the job. Doing research, reading reviews, and checking the past history of companies can help homeowners find that type of company, the type that’s going to care about how well the job is done.
Look for a Painting Company that Offers Top Options
The Texas sun is brutal during the summer months and causes the power bills to skyrocket. One way to help prevent huge power bills can be accomplished by choosing the right paint for a home. New technology like that used to create TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems can help reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the home much cooler throughout the summer.
This paint uses the same technology as the military uses in the paint for their vehicles to keep the heat signature down so the vehicles can’t be spotted by thermal imaging cameras. Homeowners who look for a company that offers paint options like this may be able to get a lot more out of the new paint for their home, helping them save time and money.
Get a Quote and Understand What it Says
Once the homeowner has a few companies they’re interested in working with, the next step is to get quotes. This is crucial and should never be skipped over. A quote gives the homeowner a chance to see what is involved in the job and how much it will cost. You should review the quote carefully, checking to ensure everything you need to have done is included in the quote.
It is important during this point of research to remember that the lowest quote is not necessarily the best. They may use a lower quality paint, which will just need to be repainted in the near future. Instead, compare quotes from companies that offer high-quality paint like the Tex-Cote CoolWall paint to find the right company to work with.
Look at Guarantees and Potential Scheduling
Before hiring any company, check to see what kind of guarantees they offer for the work. Companies that aren’t going to do a great job will likely not offer a guarantee. They know they’ll need to come back and fix the paint. If they do offer one, it will be for a very short amount of time. Instead, make sure the company is going to offer a decent multi-year guarantee for the work and will be willing to come back and fix any issues if noticed.
On top of this, learn a little more about their current schedule and when the painting could be completed. This is especially important for those who may need to take off work to have the painting done or who may be planning to travel in the near future.
Get a Detailed Contract for the Work
Once a company is chosen, make sure to get a detailed contract. Homeowners should check that everything they want to have done is in the contract so that they don’t have to wonder if it will be done. And if something is overlooked by the paint company, what is the standard procedure for follow up. With a detailed contract in hand, the next step is to hire the company and schedule a time for the painting to be done.
If you’re planning on having your home painted, make sure you find the right painting job. A little bit of work and research now can save you money and heartache in the future. When you use the right company, the job will be done right. Your new painted home should look stunning. And, the process should be pleasant. The question to ask yourself is, ‘would I choose this company again if I started over?’. Longevity and good reviews are a good predictor of what you should expect from the painting company you choose.
Contact Texas Home Improvement for Your Painting Needs
If you live in Austin or the Dallas Fort Worth area and would like more information on exterior coating, replacement windows, roofing, or patio covers and pergolas, give us a call or contact us below.
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by Taha E.H | Dec 3, 2019 | Exterior Paint, Energy Saving
Are you considering repainting your home? Ever considered heat reflective paint? Go beyond having the perfect color … save money on your energy bill, too! Texas Home Improvement utilizes TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems. This is the same heat reflective technology used by the military to reduce the “heat signature” (the solar heat absorbed by planes and vehicles). A cooler house means less air conditioner use, which lowers carbon dioxide emissions.
Compared to traditional paint, here are the benefits of using heat reflective paint:
- Longer lasting, so save time and money on maintenance
- More reflective, so you save on energy bills
- Fade resistant, so you enjoy the “freshly painted” appearance
- More moisture resistant, so you avoid possible moisture issues
- Get a lifetime warranty on Coolwall exterior coating
If you live in Austin or the Dallas Fort Worth area and would like more information on exterior coating, give us a call or contact us below.
Call Now: 817-488-9966 in Dallas / Ft. Worth or 512-766-9696 in Austin.
