Common mistakes when choosing exterior paint

With warm weather comes more time outside. Consequently, the more time we spend outside, the more we notice the outside of our home and perhaps the need for a fresh coat of paint. Assuming no structural work is needed, color/paint is the most cost-effective way to change the appearance of your home. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing exterior paint colors.
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1. Assuming bright/bold colors will be more expensive. Unless the color scheme is for a “painted lady” with numerous colors, this is rarely the case.
   
   
2. Accenting unattractive elements. Instead of drawing attention to the gutters, downspouts, garage door, unevenly placed windows, etc., it is better to blend them in with your primary color.
   
   
3. Ignoring neighboring houses. Your color scheme should not clash with the neighbor’s house as it creates a lose-lose situation with an unhappy neighbor and your house will become “that house” people talk about. Choose a color scheme that blends with the neighborhood or stands out in a subtle, unobtrusive manner. Also be mindful if your house is in a homeowners association; chances are there is an architectural control committee which will need to grant approval before you start painting.
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4. Forgetting the landscaping. When choosing color, consider how your landscape changes throughout the year. Trees that change color, flowering shrubs, gardens that bloom should all be considered as a part of your overall palette. Heavily wooded lots will make colors look darker due to shade and can camouflage homes so attention to detail is important. Greens are not a good choice in this situation.