UPDATE WITH PAINT

How to Get the Most For Your Money

Paint $-$$

A fresh coat of paint is by far the cheapest, most cost effective improvement you can make to a home. The Appraisal Institute of Canada suggests that homeowners can dramatically increase the appeal of their home and its value with paint. An expected return of $1.50 to $2.00 for every dollar spent on paint is not out of the question. Painting is a task that requires minimal tools and equipment and is easy enough for just about any homeowner. If you do not have the time or confidence in your abilities, professional painters can be found in most cities.

Ask around at your local paint store – they can usually recommend a qualified painter that suits your needs.

Some painters work quickly and efficiently for a lower price, but their product might be of a lower standard than a more expensive painter. Depending on your budget and timeframe, decide on which painter works best for your project and call a few to get quotes; most painters offer a free quote service with no strings attached.

When choosing a paint colour, don't be shy to ask the clerk at the paint store what colours are popular and what they might recommend. Surprisingly, dark colours have risen quickly in popularity recently and despite the common belief, they don't make a room feel as small as you might expect. Instead, the use of dark colours can help create a more intimate feeling which is ideal for a master bedroom and almost necessary for a theatre or entertainment room.

Colours that are found in nature tend to have more longevity; earthy browns, greens, sands, off-whites, and more neutral colours can look fantastic against crisp white trim.

Don't forget – colour can be punched into a room in other ways, either by choosing bright fabrics, furniture, or through art.

Another thing that makes a big impact on buyers is cleanliness. It's hard to find a bigger turn-off than houses that feel dingy, muddy, or abused. Fresh paint and crisp white trim goes a long way in making a house feel clean and welcoming.

Painting the interior of a house is very important but the exterior should not be neglected. If your house is lacking curb appeal, chances are a potential buyer will never even make it inside, which throws all efforts spent remodeling the interior to waste.

A positive first impression is claimed to gain an additional FIVE to TEN PERCENT to the value of a home!

If the exterior of your home has faded, is chipping, or is simply out of date, exterior paint is a vital improvement to consider investing in. One of the latest trends that has immerged is the use of very dark or black trim colours on the exterior. Even old stucco exteriors can be repainted and be beautified. With the correct can of paint or stain, you can change the look of just about anything; furniture, cabinets, mirror frames, flooring surfaces, stucco, and metal fire places etc. The potential for resurfacing as a method of updating your home is endless. Paint is by far the cheapest and most impactful renovation you can make.

Be sure to check out the full article on how to be money wise when renovating.

Most Valuable Home Updates has valuable tips and information on renovation as well as links to the other top home renovations.

You may also be interested in the following:

Incorporating Sustainable Design; Learn more about "Green" cost saving measures.

RENOVA; The Appraisal Institute of Canada's guide to the value of home improvement.