Tips and advice for painting your house exterior

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Well-maintained exterior paintwork does more than improve your property’s kerb appeal. It also helps protect your home from the weather, reduces the risk of damp or damage, and can delay the need for more extensive repairs. In this guide, we cover what’s involved in maintaining exterior paintwork, how to choose suitable paints and colours, and what you can expect to budget for professional exterior painting services in your local area.

How to keep your exterior paintwork in top condition

Regular maintenance is the simplest way to keep your home's exterior paintwork looking smart and performing well.

Whether your property has painted render, timber, or masonry, carrying out small checks and touch-ups throughout the year can help extend the life of the paint and avoid larger repair jobs later on.

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

Why not contact a tradesperson today to help you get started?

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.

How much to budget for exterior house painting?

The cost to paint a house in 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.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s 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.

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.

How to prepare for exterior house painting?

• Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, algae, and flaking paint

• Any cracks in the render or woodwork must be filled and sanded

• A coat of primer should be applied for better adhesion and longevity

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