Enhance California Home Value With A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Painting your home is a great way to increase its value, whether you're planning to sell or want to improve your quality of life. A fresh coat of paint can boost your home's value by several thousand dollars, with exterior paint jobs offering a higher return on investment. A well-maintained, modern, and cohesive exterior can attract more interest and command a higher price in the real estate market. Paint colour choices are significant, with certain colours and combinations proving more appealing to buyers. For example, a black or charcoal grey front door can add $6,271 to a home's value, while tuxedo-style kitchen cabinets can increase value by up to $1,547. Interior paint can also provide a good return, with the right colour choices creating a more cohesive and appealing home. Painting is a cost-effective way to enhance your home's aesthetic appeal and make it more inviting to potential buyers.

Exterior paint colours to boost curb appeal

Exterior paint colours can significantly impact a home's curb appeal and value. A well-maintained, modern, and cohesive exterior can attract more interest and command a higher price in the real estate market. Here are some tips for choosing exterior paint colours to boost curb appeal:

• Consider the style of your house: The paint colour should complement the architecture and style of your home. For example, colonial homes often pair well with crisp white or light colours and black accents, while Tudor homes suit light creamy colours and dark warm accents.
• Play with contrasting colours: Contrasting colours can create a visually appealing exterior. For instance, pairing white siding with black trim and accents is a modern and popular combination for farmhouse exteriors.
• Add a splash of colour: A bright, saturated colour on your front door can make a plain home more visually interesting. Colours like key lime, pear green, or cobalt blue can create a focal point and draw attention.
• Opt for neutral colours: Neutral colours like white, grey, and beige are classic and timeless choices that often appeal to a broad range of tastes. These colours can make your home appear larger and more inviting.
• Avoid bright colours: While a splash of colour is good, avoid bright colours for the exterior as they can be polarizing and may not appeal to all buyers.
• Be mindful of regional preferences: Consider the regional preferences and trends to ensure your home doesn't stand out like a sore thumb. Local paint stores can provide insights into popular exterior colours in your area.
• Enhance with landscaping: Updating your landscape is an affordable way to add personality and boost curb appeal. Healthy trees, manicured lawns, and fresh paint can make a positive first impression.

Remember, exterior paint can increase a home's value by 2-5%, and homes with attractive curb appeal can sell for an average of 7% more. So, choosing the right exterior paint colours can significantly impact the perceived value and appeal of your home.

Interior paint colours to increase home value

When it comes to increasing your home's value, a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective way to enhance its aesthetic appeal and make a great first impression on potential buyers. Here are some interior paint colour ideas to boost your home's value:

Light Blue Bathrooms

Research from Zillow suggests that light blue bathrooms are a favourite among buyers and can increase your home's value. A soothing shade like Behr's Ethereal Mood MQ3-52 can create a relaxing atmosphere and potentially result in a higher offer price.

Dark Blue Bedrooms

Deep, moody shades of blue in primary bedrooms can foster a cozy atmosphere and increase the home's value. Behr's Sojourn Blue M500-5 is an example of a dark blue shade that can add a stylish touch to the bedroom.

Crisp White Kitchens

While all-white kitchens may be losing popularity, a crisp white paint colour in the kitchen can still be appealing to buyers. Behr's Polar Bear 75 is a bright white shade that can make the space feel fresh and modern, potentially adding more than $500 to your home's value.

Warm Shades of Gray

Warm gray colours, such as Sherwin-Williams' Mindful Gray SW 7016 or Agreeable Gray SW 7029, are versatile and elegant choices that can complement various furniture styles. These neutral shades create a welcoming atmosphere in high-traffic areas, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Earth Tones

According to Zillow, an earth-tone bathroom with a brighter shade, such as terra-cotta, can evoke a sense of sophistication and comfort. Sherwin-Williams' Bella Pink or Redend Point are great options to add a touch of warmth and elegance to your bathroom.

Avoid Bright Colours

While personal taste is important when choosing paint colours, it's worth noting that bright and bold colours can be polarising. Bright red and yellow kitchens, for example, have been associated with a decrease in the average price buyers are willing to offer. Instead, opt for more neutral and soft shades that appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Remember, when selecting paint colours to increase your home's value in California, focus on creating a fresh, welcoming, and versatile space that potential buyers can envision making their own.

Paint the front door to make a good first impression

Painting your front door is an easy way to elevate your home's curb appeal and make a great first impression. A fresh coat of paint can give your entrance a vibrant and welcoming feel, and it can be a quick and rewarding DIY project.

When it comes to choosing a colour, consider a classic shade such as black, which can increase a home's value by up to $6,000, according to a Zillow study. Neutral colours like white, grey, and beige are also a safe bet as they tend to appeal to a broad range of tastes. You can also opt for a bold colour to make a statement, but avoid bright colours as they may be polarizing and may not appeal to a wide range of buyers. Sage green is a popular and valuable choice, especially for homes with a lot of foliage. Keep in mind that certain colours and colour combinations can increase your home's value, with homes with attractive curb appeal selling for an average of 7% more.

Before painting, it's important to prepare the surface by sanding it down, especially if your door has peeling paint or deep scratches. Start with a medium 120-grit sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grade. This will help create a smooth surface for the new paint. If your door has cracks, repair them by filling the cracks with small amounts of caulk and then sanding the spots until they're smooth. Once you're done sanding, use a tack cloth to remove any dust and debris, and then apply a primer. The primer will help cover old colours and provide a uniform base for your new paint. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying your paint.

When you're ready to paint, use a paintbrush for the edges and corners, and then switch to a roller for the larger surfaces. Invest in good-quality brushes and rollers for a noticeable difference in the final outcome. Be patient and give each coat of paint enough time to dry properly before closing the door or applying a new coat. Consider the weather conditions as well—paint on a dry day, and avoid extreme temperatures. Choose a high-quality exterior paint that can withstand moisture and fluctuating temperatures. A satin finish is a good option as it allows for more washability and protection, while a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish will give you a bold, shiny look but may require more maintenance.

Paint the bathroom to increase home value by $5,000

Painting your bathroom can be a quick and inexpensive way to increase your home's value in California. It is one of the most profitable projects to undertake, and can recoup 60-67% of the renovation costs upon resale, with certain updates yielding even higher returns.

A bathroom renovation can increase a home's value by as much as 73.7% of what is spent on the renovation. A new bathroom addition can also be a great idea, with an average added value of 72.7%.

When it comes to paint, the right colour can increase your home's value by up to $5,000. Light blue is a popular choice for bathrooms, and can result in a big return on investment. Survey participants noted they would be willing to pay 1.6% more for a home with a light blue bathroom. For a $290,000 home, that's a boost of nearly $5,000.

Other colours that are timeless and calming include blues, greys, greens, and whites. These colours can make a space feel fresh and clean, and allow potential buyers to picture themselves in the home.

Beyond the paint, there are other small updates you can make to your bathroom to increase your home's value. You can replace towel racks, install new faucets, upgrade fixtures, and add new lighting.

Paint the kitchen to increase home value by $1,547

Painting your kitchen cabinets can be a great way to increase your home's value in California. A 2018 report by Zillow, a leading online real estate marketplace, found that painting kitchen cabinets can increase a home's resale value by up to $1,547. This simple improvement can have a significant impact on the overall value of your home.

When it comes to colour choice, it's important to consider a few key factors. Firstly, bright colours like white tend to have a more positive impact on resale value than dark or colourful tones. Neutral colours are often a safe choice as they appeal to a wide range of buyers and can make your home appear larger and more inviting. Colours like sage green and sea green can also be a good choice, as they create a fresh and airy ambiance, while still being versatile and blending well with other colours.

On the other hand, it's best to avoid colours that are too bright or polarizing, as these may not have a positive impact on resale value. Yellow, for example, has been shown to sell for less than expected, although it can also help a house sell for $1,000 more than its market value. It's a versatile colour that pairs well with neutrals, brights, and complementary shades. So, while yellow may not be the first choice, it can still have a positive impact when done right.

In addition to colour choice, it's important to consider other aspects of your kitchen. Upgrading appliances, adding storage space, and changing curtains or blinds can all contribute to a more valuable kitchen space. Renovating your kitchen can drastically change your home's ambiance, so it's important to plan carefully and consider the small details like fixtures and fittings to create a clean and chic space.

While painting your kitchen cabinets can increase your home's value, it's just one of many improvements you can make. Upgrading your bathroom, landscaping, and even adding a pool can all boost your home's curb appeal and overall value. So, if you're looking to increase your home's value in California, consider starting with a fresh coat of paint in the kitchen and then explore other improvements to create a well-rounded, valuable space.

Frequently asked questions