5 Things to Know Before Painting Your Home Exterior

Painting the outside of your home can improve its appearance, increase kerb appeal and help protect the property from the weather. Summer is an ideal time to plan the job, as dry weather can reduce the risk of delays.

Before you get started, it’s worth thinking about the best time of year, suitable colours, preparation work, timescales and what to ask a painter before the job begins.

1. Why Summer Is the Best Time to Paint Your Home Exterior

Summer brings drier weather, longer days and warmer temperatures, making it one of the best times of year for exterior painting work.

On average, it costs around £1,500 to £3,100 to have a terraced house exterior painted, rising to £2,600 to £5,700 for a semi-detached home and around £3,400 to £7,700 for a detached house.

Exterior painting is not usually advised as a DIY job. Poor preparation or incorrect application can lead to peeling paint, damp problems from missed cracks and safety risks when working at height.

Paint usually needs dry surfaces and suitable temperatures, so summer can help reduce delays and give your home a fresh look before autumn and winter arrive.

2. What Colours Work Well for UK Homes

Choosing the right exterior paint colour is an important part of the planning process. You’ll need to consider your property style, neighbouring homes and existing materials such as brick, render or pebbledash.

Earthy tones often work well for traditional homes. These include sage, muted green, sand, cream and mocha. For modern homes, colours such as serene blue, charcoal grey and teal can create a smart, updated look.

You may also want to use darker shades for doors and trims, such as indigo black, navy blue or evergreen, alongside a lighter main exterior colour. The right colour choices can lift kerb appeal and make your home look cleaner, brighter and better maintained.

3. How to Prepare Your Exterior Before Painting

Preparation is one of the most important parts of an exterior painting job. This may include cleaning surfaces, removing loose paint, filling cracks, treating mould or algae and applying primer where needed.

Preparation work should usually be left to a tradesperson and is often included as part of the overall exterior painting project. It can also involve sanding, masking areas to protect them during painting and carrying out any necessary repair work.

Poor preparation can lead to peeling, patchy colour or paint that does not last as long as it should. Getting the job done properly from the start can help create a neater and longer-lasting result.

4. How Long Does Exterior Painting Take?

The timescale for exterior painting can vary depending on the size of the property, the condition of the exterior, how much preparation is needed and the number of coats required.

Darker paint shades may need more coats, while repairs such as filling cracks or replacing render can add to the overall timescale. Drying time, weather delays and access requirements can also affect how long the job takes.

Exterior painting can take between two and five days for a smooth exterior in good condition, or around four to eight days for a textured exterior or a property that needs more preparation.

5. What to Ask Your Painter Before They Start

Before hiring a painter, it’s worth asking a few practical questions so you know what is included and what to expect from the job.

• What preparation is included? Ask what preparation work is covered in the quote and whether repairs, cleaning or priming are included.
• What paint will be used? Ask what type of paint is best suited to your home’s exterior and how it will affect the final finish.
• How many coats are needed? The number of coats may depend on the property material, paint colour and condition of the exterior.
• How long should the job take? Exterior painting often takes between two and eight days, depending on the size and condition of the property.
• Is access equipment required? Ask whether scaffolding or other access equipment will be needed and how this affects the cost.

Asking the right questions can help you compare quotes more confidently and choose the right tradesperson for the job.

Hiring a Local Tradesperson

Exterior painting is a good summer project because dry weather can help reduce delays. It can also freshen up your property and improve its appearance before colder, wetter weather arrives.

Local tradespeople can help with preparation, painting and choosing the right finish for your property.

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