5 Common Exterior Painting Mistakes Homeowners Make

Most homeowners don't wake up one morning thinking, I'd really like to make my next home improvement project more complicated.

But exterior painting can become complicated quickly when a few common mistakes get in the way.

After years of working on residential properties, Tony at IM Construction sees some of the same issues repeatedly—from waiting too long to paint to choosing a contractor based solely on price.

Here are five common exterior painting mistakes homeowners should avoid.

1. Waiting Too Long to Paint

This may be the most common one.

Homeowners see that their house needs paint, but they keep putting it off.

At first, it may simply be a cosmetic issue. The color has faded. The finish doesn't look as good as it used to.

But deteriorating paint can be accompanied by other problems.

Tony regularly sees homes with:

• Failing paint

• Damaged siding

• Dry rot

• Damaged trim

• Damaged corner boards

• Water-related problems

By the time the homeowner calls for an estimate, the project may involve considerably more preparation and repair than it would have earlier.

The takeaway:

Don't wait for the exterior to look like it has officially given up.

Regularly inspect your home's exterior and address problems when you notice them.

2. Assuming It's "Just Paint"

A homeowner may call a painting contractor expecting a straightforward paint job.

But what happens when the contractor discovers water intrusion?

That's exactly what happened during one of Tony's recent residential projects.

The homeowner originally called IM Construction because the house needed exterior painting. During the evaluation, the team discovered areas where water was entering the house.

The recommendation included:

• Caulking

• Dry rot repairs

• Proper flashing

Why?

Because painting the exterior wouldn't solve the source of the water problem.

The takeaway:

A painting estimate should evaluate the condition of the surfaces—not just the color that's going on them.

3. Choosing Paint Based Only on Color

Color gets most of the attention when homeowners think about painting.

And understandably so. It's the part of the project everyone can see.

But color isn't the only consideration.

The paint product and finish also matter.

In Tony's experience, one homeowner had selected a color and finish that the team did not recommend for the exterior. Tony explained why and recommended a similar exterior-appropriate color with a lower-sheen finish.

The homeowner eventually asked the team to repaint the house using the finish Tony had recommended.

Sometimes professional advice isn't about changing what you want.

It's about making sure what you want works for the project.

The takeaway:

When choosing exterior paint, ask:

"Why are you recommending this product and finish for my house?"

The answer should take the surface and project conditions into consideration.

4. Underestimating the Work—and the Risk

Painting a room can be one thing.

Painting the exterior of an entire house can be another.

Tony sometimes sees homeowners attempt exterior painting themselves or ask a family member to help.

The biggest concern isn't always the quality of the paint job.

It's safety.

Working at heights and on ladders can introduce significant risks, particularly when homeowners underestimate how much time and physical work the project requires.

There's also the preparation: scraping, cleaning, caulking, repairing damaged areas and properly preparing surfaces before paint is applied.

The takeaway:

Before deciding to DIY an exterior painting project, consider the entire project—not just the painting.

5. Choosing a Contractor Based Only on Price

Getting multiple estimates is reasonable.

But Tony has seen homeowners contact so many painters that they end up overwhelmed by different prices, opinions and recommendations.

A painting estimate isn't necessarily an apples-to-apples comparison.

One contractor may recommend repairs or preparation that another doesn't include. One may identify water intrusion or damaged materials that another estimate doesn't address.

And contractor availability matters, too.

Homeowners sometimes expect a contractor to be available on their preferred schedule without considering the contractor's existing workload.

Questions to Ask Instead of Just "How Much?"

Before choosing a residential painting contractor, ask:

• What preparation is included?

• Did you find any damaged areas?

• Did you see signs of water intrusion?

• Is there dry rot?

• Does the flashing need attention?

• What paint product are you recommending?

• What finish do you recommend?

• Why?

• What repairs are included?

• When can the project realistically be scheduled?

Those questions can tell you considerably more about the scope of a project than the final number at the bottom of an estimate.

What Homeowners Should Know Before Calling a Painter

Tony says he wishes homeowners knew more about IM Construction's reputation and understood how much the team takes pride in its work.

That starts with communication.

During an estimate, the goal isn't simply to give a homeowner a price. It's to explain what the home needs, what the project involves and what recommendations will help achieve the desired result.

Sometimes the right answer is:

"Yes, we can paint that."

And sometimes it's:

"We should fix this first."

Knowing the difference is part of professional experience.

Thinking about painting your home? Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one.

The right preparation, materials, recommendations, and contractor can make a big difference in the finished project—and in what you spend to get there.

Ready to find out what your home actually needs? Talk with the IM Construction team. Request a residential estimate →

__________________________________________________________________________________Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Painting Mistakes

What are the most common exterior painting mistakes homeowners make?

Common mistakes include waiting too long to address failing paint, overlooking underlying damage, choosing products based only on appearance, underestimating the safety and preparation involved, and selecting a contractor based solely on price.

How do I know when my house needs to be painted?

Look for fading, peeling, cracking or failing paint, as well as deteriorating siding, trim or other exterior surfaces. Don't wait for obvious deterioration before having the condition of your home's exterior evaluated.

Why shouldn't I wait too long to paint my house?

When failing paint and exterior deterioration are left unaddressed, homeowners may eventually encounter damaged siding, trim, dry rot or other problems that require additional repairs and preparation.

What should I ask a painting contractor before hiring them?

Ask about surface preparation, repairs, paint products, finish, water intrusion, dry rot, flashing, project timing and exactly what is included in the estimate.

Should I get multiple painting estimates?

Getting multiple estimates can provide useful information, but make sure you're comparing the scope of work and preparation—not just the final price.

Why can painting estimates vary so much?

Estimates can differ based on the condition of the home, amount of preparation, repairs required, materials, labor and the scope of work included. Two estimates with different scopes aren't necessarily directly comparable.

Is exterior house painting a DIY project?

Exterior painting can involve ladders, working at heights, extensive preparation and repairs in addition to applying paint. Homeowners should consider the full scope and safety requirements before deciding.

Why does preparation matter when painting a house?

Cleaning, scraping, caulking, repairing damaged areas and properly preparing surfaces can all be important steps in achieving a quality finished result.

Should I choose a painting contractor based on the lowest price?

Price is one factor to consider, but homeowners should also compare the scope of work, preparation, materials, repairs, communication, experience and project expectations.

What if a contractor recommends repairs I wasn't expecting?

Ask the contractor to explain what they found, why the repair is recommended and what could happen if it isn't addressed. Understanding the reason behind the recommendation allows you to make an informed decision about your home.

Don't Just Compare Numbers

When you're hiring someone to work on your home, the lowest number isn't necessarily the only number worth considering. Look at the scope, preparation, recommendations, communication and experience behind the estimate.

A good painting project starts well before the first gallon of paint is opened.