Angie's List

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― This time of year so many people are busy sprucing up their homes, and one of the most popular projects is painting. A fresh coat of exterior paint can go a long way to improve the appearance of you home. In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan tells you what you need to make sure you get the most out of your effort.

That's right, in a recent Angie's List poll, 35 percent of those that responded said they were planning on doing an aesthetic home improvement, like painting, this year.

A new paint job doesn't just make your house look nicer. It can help protect it too.

When is the last time the outside of your house was painted? It might be time for a new coat.

"A typically painting job might last anywhere from five to 10 years, but signs that you might need a new paint job is if your paint is peeling, or if you're seeing that it's wearing thin in certain areas, especially look at the side of the house that gets the most sun and weather," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.

If paint is peeling, it's easier for water to seep into the wood. Ignoring it can lead to more expensive jobs down the road.

But remember, there's some work involved before you even pick up any brushes.

"The difference between a great paint job and a poor paint job is really about the prep work, it's not about the painting itself. So when you're thinking about painting your house, be sure you're prepping the home well. Take away any peeling paint and getting it really ready for the job before you start painting," said Hicks.


How do i know when it's time to paint?

· A good paint job should last 5-10 years.

· The most obvious sign that you're home's exterior needs a fresh coat of paint is peeling.

· Check the side of your house that gets the most weather exposure - this will be the side where the paint begins to show signs of wear first.

· Peeling paint allows water to seep into the wood and can cause the wood to rot.

· Ignoring this can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Before you paint:

· Prep your home: Insufficient or incorrect surface preparation is the most common reason for exterior paint to fail. A properly prepared surface gets the best results from your paint project. Before starting an exterior paint job, eliminate any existing paint problems. Paint that's peeling, cracking, or blistering often signals larger problems and needs to be corrected. Assess your house and make any necessary repairs prior to priming and painting. Trim shrubs and bushes that grow against your home so the painter has enough room to paint your home - make sure all parts of the home that need painting are easily accessible. Buy drop clothes to protect your landscape/driveway.

· Consider the type of paint you want and how much you'll need: It is wise to paint your home in shades that will compliment neighboring houses. Working with color schemes that harmonize with the community will give you the best results.


Tips for hiring a professional exterior painter:

· Ask how long the contractor has been in business.

· Are employees experienced painters? Ask what training and qualifications they have.

· Does the contractor have insurance? Painters typically work with ladders - insurance will help protect the company and you.

· Ask what type of prep work the painting contractor has to do (sand, power wash, etc.)

· Can the painting contractor make recommendations on what materials will work best for your project? A professional keeps up-to-date on the latest products/techniques/trends - makes color suggestions.

· How much do they charge? Be sure not to hire on price alone.

· The outsides of most older homes have probably been painted with lead based paint (which was banned in 1978) At one time or another. It is recommended that professionals inform you of their lead paint removal process. This is especially important if you are scraping or sanding the old paint, as the dust it creates is especially dangerous.

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