The magic of a fresh coat: Elevate your property’s external appeal

Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. It is one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to transform a tired-looking building, increase its street appeal and add value. It can breathe new life into a property and leave a lasting impression on guests.

Guests are more likely to have a positive experience if they arrive at a well-maintained and visually appealing establishment. On the other hand, neglected exteriors quickly sour attitudes.

When is it time for an external upgrade?

Jo Isaac, CPR Facade Upgrade Specialists pointed out several red flags that indicate a building needs a repaint. “These signs include fading colours, the accumulation of dirt and dust that won’t budge with pressure cleaning, and visible disrepair such as peeling paint, mould, mildew, cracks, and fissures.”

She said: “If any of these issues are present it’s a clear indication that an external upgrade is overdue.”

The frequency of repainting can vary based on several factors, including the building’s use, environmental conditions, weather exposure, and levels of foot traffic. As a general guideline, Ms Isaac recommends “repainting a building’s facade every eight to 12 years”.

Right paint, right colour?

The success of a paint refurbishment hinges on the choice of paint and colour. Ms Isaac advises property owners to consider whether they want their building “to blend in or stand out”.

She said: “Neutral colours are often a safe choice for longevity, they outlive fads and trends and blend well with future branding changes.

“Beyond aesthetics, environmental exposure, colour preservation, and compatibility with the locale are also important considerations.”

In recent trends, Ms Isaac has “seen a shift toward darker and moodier colours for commercial properties, while residential properties lean toward soft, classic, and neutral shades”.

Selecting high-quality, durable paint that is suitable for the job is equally vital and consultation with an industry paint specialist is recommended, to assist with the correct paint choice. Quality paint not only ensures a job is done correctly the first time but also saves money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent repainting.

Work with experienced professionals!

Regardless of the size and location of a property, an external upgrade will directly affect tenants, residents, and owners. To minimise disruption, and ensure safety for guests, staff, and people on the street below, it’s essential to work alongside highly trained external painting professionals, who bring experience in the accommodation sector.

To ensure the project is completed to a high standard, within budget and on schedule, it’s crucial to employ trained professionals for the job.

An external paint upgrade is a significant investment in your property.

But it’s well worth it, according to Ms Isaac because it greatly reduces future expenses.

Maintenance for longevity

Paint manufacturers stipulate that a building’s facade must be regularly washed and maintained to meet paint warranty standards and protect your investment.

To keep your newly painted property pristine, the importance of basic cleaning cannot be stressed enough.

All exterior painted surfaces benefit greatly from an annual clean, and extra attention should be given to areas not regularly exposed to rain.

Staying on top of painting requirements ensures warranties are honoured and allows for the early detection and resolution of faults or issues before they become serious. Ultimately it proves to be more cost-effective than complete renovation and repainting.

Common problems?

Timely maintenance is crucial to prevent moisture-related issues such as blistering, mould, and rot.

Expansion, contraction, and cracking of timber due to hot and cold conditions, must be monitored. If neglected paintwork will be ruined.

When traces of rust appear on steelwork, immediately consult a qualified professional to treat and remove it.

Protect your property’s value

To extend the life of your property’s exterior, the implementation of a long-term preventive maintenance plan is financially savvy. It’s beneficial in the long term.

Ms Isaac emphasised, “Neglecting the maintenance of a building’s facade can result in reduced asset value, especially if it’s situated alongside newer and fresher buildings”.

To conclude

In the competitive world of accommodation, where aesthetics plays a significant role, a rundown or neglected appearance can deter guests, tenants, and prospective investors. A fresh coat of paint is therefore a powerful tool to enhance the appearance of your property.

The selection of quality paint, clever use of colour, a collaboration with experienced professionals and the implementation of a regular maintenance schedule are all essential components of a successful external refurbishment project.