The first thing prospective tenants see when they approach your rental is the outside paint job so pick the right exterior color to impress them.
A paint job is a quick way to upgrade your property’s value and curb appeal.
But be careful. Choosing exterior paint colors can be tricky, especially with the variety of styles tenants may favor.
In this guide, you will find what color of paint to use, how to pick a complementary color, and why you should be painting your property.
How to pick the right exterior color for your rental
When you update your exterior with a fresh paint job, be sure to think carefully about what colors you will be using.
In general you should stick to timeless finishes — in other words, neutral paint colors.
To appeal to the masses, stick to such colors as beige, grey, cream and tan. Also, make sure your exterior paint varies from the inside of your building.
At the least, be sure to vary the hues outdoors by a couple of shades to ensure your property is offering your tenants an enticing greeting.
Pay attention to how the colors in your building influence the mood of your space to ensure you are providing a welcoming presence. Warmer tones tend to offer people a feeling of security and warmth, whereas cooler tones are calming and inspiring to people.
When choosing multiple colors for your exterior, consider adopting a complementary color scheme. First, assess what tone you want, warmer or cooler, and stick within your tone when you look for a perfect complimentary finish.
Deciding when to paint your rental
As a landlord, deciding when to paint your property can be a big decision.
On one hand, it’s important to limit unnecessary expenses, while on the other hand, maintaining a fresh and clean living space is crucial to your business.
Evaluating your property’s current condition should be the first step before deciding to take on a paint makeover. Painting your property should be a priority for the following reasons:
1. To aid wear and tear: Painting your property should be a part of your regular maintenance. Owners should expect to upgrade their exteriors every few years to protect the health of the exterior buildings and maintain a fresh feel for you and your tenants. A little paint can go a long way in your investment property. Re-paint your property every 5-7 years to please tenants and maintain optimal property maintenance.
2. Competitive edge: If your rental property is facing significant competition, a fresh paint job can boost the aesthetic and feel of your property, attract new tenants and keep your investment thriving. Using a modern accent color to accent special features of your building such as windows or entryways can add a special touch.
Alternatives to painting
If you find that your property doesn’t need a fresh coat of paint, consider these easy alternatives to maintain curb appeal:
1. A power wash: Review the state of your current exterior paint job. Are there scuffs or dirt marks building up on the walls? Sometimes a simple power wash can take care of the buildup and leave your exterior refreshed and looking like new. If it’s been less than five years since your last exterior paint job, try this alternative before committing to a new coat of paint.
2. A partial paint job: If your current paint job is in good shape or you don’t want to invest in upgrading your entire exterior at one time, try a partial paint job. Paint such high-traffic areas as the main office, walkway areas, and other spaces outdoors between buildings where tenants reside. You can also stick to freshening up your property by adding a contrasting color to the trim. Remember, new paint doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing project.
Take these tips into consideration to help you make the decision on whether a paint job is right for you and your property.
Regardless of your reasoning, remember that upgrading the exterior paint of your residential property can benefit both potential and current tenants.
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