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painting contractor. house painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Mixing Brick and Exterior Color

painting contractor. house paintingA brick home offers a unique presentation. To the passerby, it can look stately. To the homeowner, it can feel like a combination of old-world charm and comfort. There was a time when the choice of brick exteriors extended only to what shade of red or chartreuse you liked. Today however, a brick home still offers the owner a variety of options to make their house look unique and stand out from the rest. This can involve either changing the color of the brick itself or the trim in complementing or contrasting pigments.

The easiest way to make a change is to paint the brick itself. This opens up a variety of choices for the homeowner. Some may prefer a muted or neutral color of paint while others may make more bold choices such as painting the brick white. The exterior of a brick home painted in white offers an entirely new and updated look. It can feel modern and chic. At the same time it opens up further options. The home’s trim can be a color that contrasts, thereby accenting and highlighting the white brick or it can remain a neutral, muted tone, such as a gray or brownish tint on the framing and door.

If you do choose to paint the brick white, take the time to look at the breadth of shades in that color. There are many toned-down whites that are not as stark, such as creams and even light beige. Some homeowners have even used a whitewash or translucent color that offers a more aged look. There are those who swear this route offers easier upkeep and a more classic appearance.

Whatever color you choose, take the extra step of painting a small portion of the house in that color prior to ‘taking the plunge’. This will help to ensure you can live with your decision before you come home to a totally new look you did not expect. Still another color that is a common choice for painting brick homes is a shade of gray. This can be equally as stunning, particularly when paired with white or charcoal trim.

Other colors that harmonize are yellow and cream, and green or black and gray. It’s up to you. And remember, if you want to keep your brick home its original color, painting the trim in a beautiful accent color can make it stand out just as much.

Whatever you choose, first choose University Painters. We are experienced in painting all types of exterior and interior surfaces and will treat your home like it’s our own!

exterior painting, home painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Choosing an Appropriate Color for the Exterior of Your Home

Home Painter , Painting ,Carpentry,Have you ever driven up and down the streets of your city or town and noticed the occasional ‘sore-thumb’ sticking out? By that I mean a home painted bright pink, lavender, yellow or green in the midst of a perfect blend of homes that are stately without being too loud? There always seem to be mavericks out there that use the exterior of their homes to make a statement for them. If this is not your intent then perhaps you will appreciate the following advice on how best to choose an appropriate color for the exterior of your home.

Decide well in advance of the best painting season that this is the year you intend to have your home painted. (Many people will insist they can undertake the project themselves, and often do, but it should be acknowledged that house painting is a sophisticated and tedious project that requires time, patience and skill.)

Do your research. Investigate information on the pros and cons of various paints, when and under what conditions it is best to apply, and any other details that will be necessary to see this job through.

Look at your home’s exterior. Is it a combination of materials such as stone or brick and siding? Do the colors all blend together seamlessly and without contrast? Would you prefer greater contrast? Look at homes similar to your own that project contrast and a blended, more muted presentation.

Still another option is to go ‘monochromatic’ with contrasting trim. Some of the most common colors fall in the white or cream palette but can also be as bold as blue or charcoal with a creamy trim all around.

Many choose to go with a shade of all-white exterior. This gives a clean and eye-catching look. This can be especially attractive with contrasting shutters or trim in nearly any color.

While mulling over your decision for a choice of an exterior presentation, consider how a change in landscaping might also enhance the final outcome.

Who knew that so much thought and reflection went into choosing a color for your home’s exterior? Frankly, the professionals at University Painters, Inc. have been addressing these types of questions for years for our customers. We are experts in the field of home painting and would be happy to share our expertise with you! Please feel free to contact us with questions or an estimate.

home renovation, painting jobs, interior,exterior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

5 Signs That Your Entire Home Needs A Renovation

Renovating your home can be stressful for you and your wallet. If the overall quality of your home is deteriorating, then it’s time to plan your next remodeling project. Here are some ways to tell when it’s time to have your home renovated.

Your Roof Is Leaking

It’s not fun to hear water dripping late at night or to wake up to brown water stains on your ceiling. Leaks in your roof can mean the roof is old and has rotted away. It could also mean that the roofer you hired didn’t do a good job. Either way, your roof needs to be replaced.

Do you still have popcorn ceilings from decades past? Then your ceilings are due for an update as well. Popcorn ceilings are more susceptible to leaks and water stains than other types of ceilings.

The Paint On Your Walls Is Chipping

Another clue that your home needs renovating is when the interior paint starts to chip. Many factors affect your walls such as dirt and the chemicals you use. Apply a fresh layer of paint to your walls on the inside and exterior of your home. Touch up your cabinets, drawers, and other areas in your kitchen and bathrooms.

Outdated Paint Colors

Outdated colors are one of the most noticeable signs that your home needs a renovation. You don’t want your home to look like it came out of a bad 80’s movie. Consider using timeless colors such as black, white, and gray. More homeowners are now choosing timeless palettes that add a very modern or minimalist look but still looks trendy.

The Plumbing Literally Stinks

When your bathroom smells like an old bathroom, then you know you have plumbing problems. It’s time to replace those old and rusty fixtures with modern fixtures that conserve water and express your sense of style. You should also replace the toilet’s wax seal and fix any other leaks that exist.

Your Entire Home Feels Outdated

If you’re seeing a lot of vintage finishes inside and outside your home, then it’s time to start a remodeling project to update it. Older homes may have brass or gold door handles or gold finishes everywhere. The bathrooms may have gold fixtures and faucets.

You can do this project yourself without the help of a contractor. You can replace your fixtures inexpensively thanks to home improvement stores and online websites. New fans and light fixtures can be easily found too. It’ll probably cost you less than $400 to make some of these improvements.

If you feel it’s time for a remodeling project, contact University Painters today. We can update the interior and exterior of your home to your liking.

home painting jobs, interior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

5 Things To Do Before Moving In: Your New Checklist

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Now it’s time to prepare for your big move. The process of planning, packing, and organizing can be downright boring and stressful. Here’s a checklist of things you should do before moving day.

Pack Your Boxes Smartly

Give yourself a daily box limit to prevent the non-stop packing and moving. This will make your move a lot easier to manage. Avoid packing everything in an entire day or weekend even if you feel like it. You need to save up the energy to unpack at your new home.

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