Tips and advice for painting your house exterior

If, like the owners of the House with the Blue Shutters, your home exterior is rendered and painted, this guide is for you. We share how to maintain external paintwork to keep it in top condition and provide advice on choosing the best colours for external walls and woodwork.

The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

Well-maintained exterior paintwork does more than just boost your property's kerb appeal.

A fresh coat of paint protects from the elements, helps to prevent damp and mould, and can reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs.

In this essential guide, we share what's involved in maintaining exterior paintwork, tips for choosing the best paint and colours, and what you can expect to pay for professional painting services near you.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

How to keep your exterior paintwork in top condition

Regularly maintaining your exterior paintwork - whether on render or woodwork - will help to keep it looking great for longer.

Most exterior paintwork needs repainting every 5-10 years. Dedicating a little time to regular maintenance can often help reduce the cost of repainting your home's exterior when the time comes.

Inspect paintwork frequently for signs of peeling, cracking, or damp
Gently remove any signs of dirt and algae with a mild soap and water
Repair small cracks or chips as and when they appear - don't allow them to worsen
Trim plants and shrubs near painted surfaces to prevent moisture damage

White rendered property and blue shutters

Paint colour advice for exterior paintwork

The right paint colour can transform your home's appearance. But should you stick with the existing palette or change things up?

Your home's architecture, the surrounding landscape, and your personal taste will all influence your choice of house paint colour. As a guide:

Blue is versatile and serene
Green is inviting, calm, and energising
Peach is playful, warm, and charming
Yellow is cheery and bold
Grey is crisp and sophisticated

Front door colours

But it's not just the render or brickwork you need to consider with your choice of house colour. Your front door colour makes an important statement too:

A pop of colour on your home's entrance will not only impact how you feel but the first impression it creates on others
Prefer to play it safe? Go for grey - a sophisticated neutral that appeals to the masses

Our guide to front door paint colours is a must-read for plenty more helpful ideas and advice.

Tip: Make bold design decisions, like the House with the Blue Shutters, and create a statement with contrasting colour on architectural features.

Victorian property, the House with the Blue Shutters, features contrasting blue shutters against a crisp white render

How much to budget for exterior house painting?

The cost to paint a housein the UK typically ranges from £3,000 - £6,000. Of course, the price range accounts for the size of your home and the scope of the work.

More often than not, you will also need to budget for the cost of scaffolding hire for an exterior paintwork project.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

Find painters and decorators near you

Professional painters and decorators will freshen up your exterior paintwork using the right paint and techniques to ensure a long-lasting, top-quality finish.

Enter your postcode to see the trades we've checked and approved in your area, or download the Checkatrade app to search, chat, and book with ease today.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

FAQs

Can you change your home's exterior paint colour?

For most non-listed buildings, changing the exterior paint colour falls under Permitted Development Rights. This means planning permission is not required.

However, if your home has a restrictive covenant that limits alterations to the exterior, or you live in a listed building or conservation area, contact the relevant authority before starting any work.