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Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5
Style/Inspiration
Consider the style of your home and what traditionally has been used on that style. Look for homes whose color combinations inspire you – take photographs or save pictures from magazines.
Consider the other homes in your neighborhood; choose colors that will be compatible. Write down the colors you like best.
Assess Fixed Assets
‘Fixed Assets’ are the portions of your home that cannot or will not be painted:
- Roof
- Stone, Brick or Stucco not to be painted
- Awnings
- Downspouts
- Perennial Plants
- Porches/Steps/Foundation – if not to be painted
Your paint color choices should be compatible with the colors of these ‘fixed assets’. For help in knowing what color schemes choices you have, visit our Digital Color Wheel.
Select Color
Choose the main house color first (if that will be painted). It’s a good idea to purchase a few quarts of colors that are close to the one you want, buy a disposable foam brush and actually apply the color to a small portion of your home. Once that color choice is finalized, then choose trim color and accent color. Home centers and paint stores have elaborate Color Centers that can help you visualize how all this will look on your home. If you prefer, you can also use the new color guides card that show popular colors for the body of your home, plus stylish trim and accent colors.
Hiring a Contractor or Doing it Yourself?
Many homeowners choose to have the exterior of their homes painted by a professional contractor – not wishing to climb ladders or spend the time to properly prepare, prime and topcoat. Even if homeowners choose to use a contractor, doing homework on the proper way to paint your cladding or trim before hiring a contractor will help you judge his or her competence and knowledge.
See Hiring a Contractor for more details.
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