Bay Area residential painting is something all homeowners will eventually need. When that time comes, choosing the right painter will be helpful.

Failure to choose will likely result in various problems ranging from issues connected with payment to a shoddy paint job. While it is not possible to eliminate all these problems, there are things that people can do to minimize the likelihood that such issues come up. Investigating whatever paint company someone is considering is the first place to start. Doing one’s due diligence, therefore, is very important. Before hiring a Bay Area residential painting company, a homeowner will first need to determine that a paint job is necessary.

Signs that your home needs a fresh coat of paint

When is it time for a new paint job? We probe into different factors that may prompt you to give your house a new makeover:

1) When it’s time for a change

Some homeowners will want to have their homes painted simply because they want a change. As homeowners, they are well within their rights to do so. There are instances where, after a certain period, a homeowner wants to change things up. When they do, a new paint job might do the trick. People living in historic neighborhoods may need to confirm if restrictions are placed on the colors they can use.

2) When the current paint job begins to look bad

Over time, a home’s current paint job will begin to deteriorate. When it does, it will be time to get the house repainted. In some neighborhoods, there may be pressure put on by the home owner’s association to keep things in good order. Homeowners may receive fines. Whether the homeowner association is putting pressure on a homeowner or the homeowner decides that a new paint job is needed when a house needs to be painted, it’s a good idea to get started as quickly as possible.

Here are some physical signs that call for new repairs and a fresh coat of paint:

• Fading paint – Your home’s paint job tends to fade due to frequent sun exposure. Unless your home is well-shaded or is in a position where sunlight doesn’t hit it all day long, the fading will occur quickly, and you’ll need to apply a fresh coat of paint. Darker colors tend to fade faster than lighter ones, so choosing a lighter color may be more advisable if you find you’re repainting your home more than you like.
• Peeling or cracking paint – One of the obvious signs indicating your need to repaint your home is the paint’s peeling, cracking, flaking, or chipping. These surface problems mean that the weather elements have taken a toll on your home’s exterior paint job. Because the paint is coming off the surface, that surface is no longer protected, making it more vulnerable to mold, mildew, or rotting.

3) When the homeowner desires it

A house doesn’t have to be in disrepair to get it painted. Sometimes, a homeowner will want to get their house painted simply because they desire to. If and when they do, they can and should. A homeowner may want to consider if they can do the work themselves or if it is better to hire someone to do the work for them.

4) When the homeowner is selling the house

Let’s face it: looks matter, especially when selling something. You want to stage your house in its best light to potential buyers. A new coat of paint on your home’s interior and exterior walls can do great wonders as it can make your home look much newer than it really is. Especially if the paint job is done professionally, it can boost your home’s curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value.

Having your home painted also shows potential buyers that it is in good shape and you’ve maintained it over the years, making it reliable and valuable for many years to come.

How often should you paint your exterior?

There are many things to consider when deciding how often to paint your home’s exterior surfaces. On average, a home’s exterior should be repainted between 5 and 10 years, depending on the surface type.

Check out the guide below to determine if your home’s exterior surfaces need attention.

Wood siding

Wood siding is the most common material for homes that needs to be repainted or re-stained most frequently. Usually, wood siding should be repainted between three to seven years, but it depends on the quality of the current paint job. Stay aware so you can see signs that the paint has worn off, as wood is quite susceptible to rot.

Brick

Unpainted brick should be kept clean and fresh by being professionally power-washed every couple of years.

As for painted brick, it should need a fresh coat of paint every 3 to 5 years. Clean brick surfaces for loose and peeling paint, dirt, soot, grease, soil, or other foreign substances before painting. The paint will block the brick’s porous surface, but if the brick isn’t properly dried before being painted, the moisture will seep in through the mortar. And because the brick surface is blocked by paint, the moisture cannot escape, leading to the brick’s breakdown. Since brick can be challenging to maintain, it’s advisable to hire a professional and have them look at the issue and see what possible repair or maintenance options can be done.

Aluminum siding

As an exterior surface, aluminum siding is durable, can last a very long time, and will last even longer with regular maintenance. You should paint your aluminum siding every 5 to 10 years to keep it looking clean and new.

Time to DIY or hire a pro?

Maybe painting won’t be a big deal for you, and you think you can do the job yourself. But before heading to the paint store, think of what a professional paint job can benefit you.

• Time – Professional painters can get the job much faster. A DIY home exterior painting project that may take 4 to 6 days can typically be done in half the time by a painting contractor.
• Money — Painting your home as a DIY project will save you money initially. But you’re likely to make mistakes if you don’t have the necessary tools and sufficient experience. In turn, you’ll spend more by buying more paints to correct them. On the other hand, professional painters use quality paints and tools and utilize their years of experience in your project to ensure that they get the job right the first time. The result is a solid, flawless, and durable finish that will last many years, saving you money.
• Quality – Painting contractors are masters of their craft. They have the skills and workforce to do things right the first time. They know the proper way to paint different types of surfaces so that the paint won’t drip or look sloppy. They also make sure that the surfaces are well-cleaned and prepared before painting them because they know that prep work is the key to a great-looking and durable paint finish.
• Warranty – The pros stand by their work with a warranty. It gives you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong with the workmanship, the painters will come and fix it for free or for a small fee.

Bay Area residential painting: in summary

A person may need to hire a Bay Area residential painting company when their current paint job looks bad, when it’s time for a change, and when a homeowner desires it. A homeowner is well within their rights to decide if it’s the right time to paint their home. When they want a change, they have every right to make one, including painting their house a different color.