Summer is rapidly approaching and for a homeowner, that means grooming your house to make it clean-cut and presentable for the beautiful weather coming.  If you want to really spruce your house up, you may consider painting it.  And if you really want to do some renovation, you may also want to paint your deck.  This is sure to give your house a brand-new look (and even increase the value) as get you ready for summer.  If you want do you it yourself (and save money) you need to know a few things before beginning.

The first thing you need to determine is which colors you want.  This will depend entirely on your own personal style, landscape and environment in which you live.  First, you need to determine if you are going to do an overhaul of the look or your house or just a touch up job or repaint of the same or similar colors.  While choosing colors, also be aware of what colors you choose for trim.  They should compliment and accentuate the chosen main color.  A trim color can drastically improve or worsen any paint job, no matter how well it’s done.  It helps to have it match your landscape and/or specific items in your yard, but it’s important to also make your colors versatile.  You never know when you may feel like changing up your yard and it’s ornaments, and you don’t want to have to have your options limited due to your paint job.

If you plan on painting your deck, first determine if you will be painting it or staining it.  Paints give more color options to choose from to give you more control over the outcome colors and overall appearance.  A wood stain, though, gives the classic wooden shine to any deck and will compliment almost all colors.  For paints, make sure you choose an oil or latex-based paint.  Latex paints have more of a flat look while oil-based paints have sheen and give a high-gloss result.  With stain, the wood soaks up the oils protecting it from damaging weather and harmful UV rays as well as restoring its natural oils. Bear in mind that all outdoor paints do have at least some protection from nature.  It has a glossy finish that clearly shows why people love it.  Again no matter what your choice is though, choose a color and finish that highlight the chosen colors of the house.

Since this is an outside job, it will take quite a bit of preparation.  The first thing needed for any paint job, inside or out, is the area being painted to be cleaned entirely.  This is a much bigger and harder task for outdoors.  The best way to clean your house is with a pressure washer.  The best way to clean your deck is simply with a hose.  Make sure your house is as clean you want it before painting though, because dirt, dust, rust and all otherwise will come though when painting and will also ruin your paint.

Whether you choose to redo the paint job of your house, deck or both, be sure to do it your way with the colors and overall appearance.  Keep in mind that prep is key to ensuring a presentable result.  Remember also that this is done only once in awhile, so do what you want and do it well, because this will be the design of your house for years to come.