Can Exterior Painting Improve Property Value?

- May 2024

Man Doing Building Paint

In the world of renovations, a lot of emphasis is often placed on interior painting. While the look of your property’s interior is always a big factor, it’s important not to overlook the value of a brand-new freshly painted exterior.

Exterior painting is, without a doubt, one of the most sure fire ways to improve property value. Whether you’re planning to sell a home, a shopfront or an office space, the way it’s presented can make a major difference to the final bottom line. 

With all this in mind, this article is going to cover everything you need to know about exterior painting, including the countless ways it can help to improve the value of your residential or commercial property.

Professional vs DIY Exterior Painting

 

From unpredictable weather to heights and other hard to reach areas, exterior painting comes with a unique set of challenges. These challenges are also compounded by the safety risks associated with any property located on the second level or higher. 

With drop sheets, brushes, rollers and ladders, interior painting is something that can be done in the right circumstances. However, unless the project is small in scope, any exterior jobs are best left to the professionals. 

Because these surfaces are constantly exposed to the elements, they often require a level of restoration and groundwork before the coats of paint are applied. We’ll go on to cover the value of restoration a little later!

There are various reasons to work with professional commercial painters. Most notably, professional painting contractors have the necessary skills, experience, and equipment, as well as access to high-quality paints that will stand the test of time (this is very important for exterior surfaces). 

Using professionals is also a great approach if you’re short on time. With their help, the project can be sped up significantly. 

Signs Your Property Needs Exterior Painting

 

The first step is to recognise when and where exterior painting work is necessary. Here are some helpful tips and key signs to keep an eye out for:

Fading Paint: Exposure to sunlight can cause paint to fade over time. If the colours on your exterior appear significantly lighter or uneven, this is a clear sign that it’s time to repaint.

Peeling or Flaking Paint: This is one of the most obvious signs. If you see paint that is peeling, flaking, or bubbling, it indicates that the existing paint is no longer adhering properly to the surface. This can expose the underlying materials to weather damage.

Cracking or Chalking: Cracks in the paint can allow moisture to penetrate beneath the surface, leading to problems like wood rot or further damage to the substrate. Chalking occurs when the paint surface turns powdery, a sign of degradation from exposure to the sun and elements.

Wood Rot or Mold: Signs of wood rot or mould growth on painted surfaces indicate that moisture is accumulating, possibly due to failing paint. These issues need to be addressed promptly to prevent structural damage.

Caulking Problems: If the caulking around windows, doors, and other openings is cracking or missing, it can allow moisture and pests into the structure. Often, when you repaint, re-caulking these areas is also necessary.

Hardened or Brittle Paint: Over time, paint can become hard and brittle, losing its flexibility. This makes it less capable of expanding and contracting with the materials underneath, leading to cracks and other damage.

Time Since Last Painting: Even if none of the above signs are particularly evident, consider the length of time since the last paint job. Exterior paint typically needs refreshing every 5-10 years, depending on the climate, the quality of the last paint job, and the type of material painted.

Colour Updates or Sale Preparation: Sometimes the need for painting isn’t about deterioration but aesthetics. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal, whether you’re updating its look or preparing to sell.

Want to revamp your residential or commercial property? As leading painting contractors in Melbourne, we’re here to help!  Contact us now for an in-depth quote!

Reasons to Invest in Exterior Painting

 

Whether you’ve noticed any of the signs above, or you’ve been advised that painting will help to increase property value, there are various reasons to explore this approach. Let’s cover some of the most notable right now!

Creating a Great First Impression

 

First impressions are incredibly important. Remember, a potential buyer’s initial impression can make or break a sale right from the get-go. Much like the first 10-15 seconds of meeting a new person, a buyer’s level of interest is often formed within their first look and glance from the outside. 

The exterior of a property is arguably the most influential factor in forming a buyer’s first impression. Its current level of maintenance, the colour scheme, and the visible surfaces all play a role in shaping their outlook and feel. For example, a freshly painted white apartment block is likely to be much more attractive than one with a faded and full appearance. 

So, whether you’re planning to sell an individual home, a shopfront, or advertising a block of apartments, it’s always important to present the best possible version of the property. 

The Impact of a Fresh Coat

 

Nothing breathes new life into a property quite like a fresh coat of paint. An immediate and transformative effect is achieved, boosting the property’s curb appeal in a way that few other home improvements can. 

Curb appeal is a little bit like a book cover, being that it’s the first thing people see when they approach your property. A well-maintained and freshly painted exterior, therefore, sends a strong signal of care and attention to detail and helps to leave a lasting impression. In addition, it really helps to set your property apart from others on the same block or others advertised on the real estate platforms.

On the other side of the coin, a dull or worn down paint job can have the opposite effect–regardless of how great the interior may be. Here, you can put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and take an honest look at the state of the property. If you feel like the exteriors need an update, new colours or a more vibrant look, a fresh coat of paint can really do the trick.

Repairs and Restoration

 

Before a brush or roller ever touches the building’s exterior, professional painting services often begin with critical repairs and restoration works. This helps to make sure the surface is in optimal condition, which both enhances the final appearance and prolongs the lifespan of the paintwork. Restoration works can include everything from multi-trade repairs to re-plastering, timber window repairs or replacements, and even concrete works.

Some typical examples of this work may include maintenance painting, pre-paint repairs, minor building works or pressure cleaning. Of course, the extent of the service will depend on the current age and condition of the property. Regardless, we recommend that you don’t overlook this often critical part of the process. 

Restoring the building to its best possible state can certainly increase the overall property value. Why? A well-maintained exterior free of visible defects is more attractive to potential buyers and can command a higher price in the market. Combining these tasks into a single project also works to streamline the entire process, reducing hassle and potentially lowering costs.

Whether you need strata painters in Footscray or commercial painters in South Yarra, St Kilda, Richmond, Toorak, or surrounding areas across Melbourne, Resolute’s dedicated team has you covered. Get the full picture today with our digital colour paint samples!

A Chance to Reinvent

 

Repainting a residential or commercial property is often more than a simple touch-up. Sometimes, it’s the perfect time to reinvent its appearance and, by extension, its appeal in the marketplace. Whether you’re adopting a more contemporary look or restoring a heritage property to its original glory, changing the color scheme and exterior aesthetics can dramatically impact the building’s perception and value.

For instance, modern color schemes can give older buildings a fresh, up-to-date feel, aligning them more closely with current design trends and increasing their appeal to newer businesses or younger buyers. Conversely, for historical or heritage buildings, a thoughtful restoration to traditional colors and details can enhance their unique characteristics, making them stand out in a sea of modernity and appealing to those who value architectural history and charm.

In either scenario, the choice to reinvent a property’s exterior through painting can lead to substantial increases in property value. A visually appealing exterior not only attracts positive attention but also signals to potential investors or buyers that the property is well-cared-for, potentially reducing future maintenance concerns. It’s the best way to reel in the response you’re looking for. 

Work with Leading Painting Contractors in Melbourne

 

As you can see, exterior painting works are a great way to improve the look, feel, and value of your property. If you’re about to renovate or sell, our dedicated painting contractors are here to lend a helping hand.

From in-depth quotes to top-of-the-line equipment and digital colour samples, we provide a comprehensive service with a fine eye for detail. Reach out to us now for commercial painting, strata painting, or any other of one of our many services!

 

 

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