Brush Up on Home Equity - By: Sadie Bedgegood, Posted on: 2007-08-11

Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to give instant appeal and lasting value to your home? Just pick up a can of paint and get rolling!

The money and time spent painting your home will quickly pay off in the enjoyment you'll receive and the increased value of your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint indoors can change the look of any room, while touching up exterior items, like shutters and trim, greatly increases the overall curb appeal. When it comes to updating your home, painting is the most economical way to increase value and personal satisfaction.

The following tips will help you to get the job done faster, and smarter:

Mix More and Use Less

Even though paint colors are professionally mixed when you buy them, they will need to be fully stirred before painting. If the paint is not completely mixed, you can end up with uneven tones on your newly painted walls. Mixing paint with a stir stick, however, can be a tiresome task. Here's a fast and easy way of mixing your paint, not maxing out your pain: let your electric or portable drill do all of the work!

Take a plastic clothes hanger, cut it into a long "J" shape, and insert it into the end of the drill. It's a handy tool that blends the paint completely and is quick and easy to use.

Avoid Drips

When painting with a brush, most people try to get rid of excess paint by scraping it against the rim of the can. Paint is wasted as it drips down the side of the can. Instead, try tapping or slapping the brush. More paint will remain at the end of the brush where it's needed, and the excess will fall back into the can. You'll be able to cover more area between dips, which is particularly important if you're making trips up and down the ladder.

Code Red or Code Blue?

Painting your porch and fence bright red might seem like a good idea, but can be an exercise is wasted time and money. Check into any existing building and decorating codes and restrictions before you start the job. For example, residents in your neighborhood or housing complex may be restricted to using neutral tones for any outdoor decorating. The size, height and color of outdoor structures such as fences may also be under code.

Lead by Lead-Free Example

It's imperative that you remove any old lead paint that may exist in your home. Lead paint can cause illness in children, including learning disabilities. Check your home for peeling paint that may be lead based. Window sills and wood trims are common culprits. If you find any old, peeling paint, scrape it off and repaint. Your home will not only look better, it will also be a safer place for your kids.

Prime Yourself

Careful preparation is the first step to getting the job done quickly and properly. Using a good quality primer can also save money, as you need to use less paint in the pricey top coat.

There are other ways to save money by performing primary tasks yourself. For example, try beveling your fence posts to create a new look, rather than purchasing a whole new fence. With a radial saw and some basic geometry knowledge, you can cut perfect angles for your new picket fence.

Painting your home really is an easy way to create more equity, and greater profit when you're ready to sell. Follow these steps and you'll get maximum payoff for minimum investment.

Article Source: http://www.southerncaliforniarealestateagent.com/submit-real-estate-articles

Contributor Sadie Bedgegood is a regular columnist for several well-known web zines, on home improvement and home furnishing issues.
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