Make a good first impression
When it comes to adding value to your property, there’s one easy update you can make that will completely alter the whole image of your home.
As we spend most of our time inside our homes, it might be tempting to focus on interior elements in our efforts to add value, but the power of this simple exterior makeover should not be underestimated.
All you needs is some sandpaper, a paintbrush, and a tin of paint – it’s one of the quickest yet most powerful updates you can make and you can do it in just one weekend.
‘Though the precise uplift varies, experienced estate agents suggest that something as simple as a new front door colour can add anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000 to the perceived value,’ reveals Gareth Davies, design director at Classic Interiors. ‘In addition to this, it can help your home to stand out visually in listings.’
Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys, agrees. ‘According to recent property market data, simply repainting your front door in an appealing, on-trend colour can add up to 2 per cent to your home’s value – potentially thousands of pounds, depending on the property,’ she adds.
Kenny Macfarlane, managing director at Handrail Creations, says the colour and design of your front door makes an important impact. ‘A front door is like a handshake – a first impression as someone enters your home,’ he points out.
Choose the right colour
Selecting the right colour for your front door can be overwhelming, given the vast array of choices available.
‘There is no single colour that’s best, and what works for one home might not work for another,’ says property and construction expert, Thomas Goodman of myjobquote. ‘That said, the classic door colours of black, white, blue and red have long been popular choices that resonate with buyers. So it’s hard to go wrong if you stick with one of these.’
Thomas says that when choosing a colour, it’s best to start by considering the age, style and location of your home. ‘For instance, a light or mid blue is perfect for a coastal cottage, while heritage colours including sage and olive greens, or classic colours like black and red tend to work well with period properties,’ he explains.
Take into consideration the colour of existing brickwork, too, plus the colours of any nearby flowering shrubs and trees, and the neighbouring house exteriors and front doors, ensuring your door colour doesn’t match – or clash – with other nearby homes.
‘If you have a modern house with matt black or grey windows, it might be wise to match your door to the frame colour to create a cohesive look.’
You should also consider sunlight and road conditions. ‘If the front of your house gets a lot of sun, you could capitalise on this with a warm and welcoming yellow,’ says Thomas. ‘If your home is on a busy road, you may wish to avoid white and other pale colours that show up dirt and go for a dark green or grey instead.’
Classic hues such as deep navy, charcoal grey, and glossy black remain perennial favourites for their elegant, timeless look. However, Victoria says she thinks we’re all a little less afraid these days to be braver with colour choices and this confidence impacts front door decisions, too.
‘I’m increasingly seeing homeowners opt for bold, welcoming shades like sage green, heritage red, or even a cheerful yellow to convey personality and warmth,’ she reveals.
Find ideas online and in person
Head online to find inspiration – search for ‘front door ideas’ on Instagram and start saving your favourite colours. It also helps to walk around your neighbourhood and see what choices other people have made for similar properties. Take photos on your phone of doors you like when you are out and about, too.
Use swatches
As when you’re decorating an interior room, when you have a shortlist, order paint sample pots and paint large A4 size swatches you can fix to the door temporarily with masking tape. This allows you compare the colours side by side and see how they look in-situ close up, from a distance and at different times of day.
Take into account various finishes – exterior eggshell will give an almost-matt subtle-sheen effect, whereas gloss finish is best for smart high-shine. Quantity-wise, 1l should be plenty for two or three coats on a door.
Get painting
Once you’ve chosen the right colour for your door and bought paint in your desired finish, it’s time to get painting. Bear in mind that your door will be out of action during this process, so you’ll need to make plans to be at home all day, with the door open while paint dries. Choose a dry day that’s not too breezy so your door won’t blow in the wind or get covered in debris which could adhere to wet paint.
You will need:
- Masking tape
- Brushes – both medium and small (for details)
- Exterior ‘top coat’ paint
- Exterior primer paint
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Damp cloth
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Dust mask
- Dust sheets
- Filler (if required)
Method:
1. Use a screwdriver to remove any door furniture that can be taken off. Cover anything that can’t be removed with masking tape. Clean or polish door furniture so it looks extra sleek when it goes back on. Protect floors with dust sheets.
2. Start by sanding down the door with fine sandpaper by hand – just enough to key the surface. Wear a dust mask and avoid inhaling paint dust, especially if it’s an older property, as some old paints contain lead which can be harmful.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Fill any unwanted holes or imperfections with filler, if required.
4. Give your door a coat of exterior primer and let it dry thoroughly.
5. Paint your door with your chosen topcoat, working with the grain. Then paint the door in sections, starting with panel mouldings, then inner panels, the centre ‘stile’ and any horizontal panels. Finally, paint the outer panels last, then the edges of the door. Allow to dry thoroughly.
6. Repeat the above step and give your door a second coat for a deep, flawless finish. 7) Replace door furniture and admire your handiwork.
Extend the colour
According to property expert Jack Malnick, managing director of Sell House Fast, painted houses are having a moment, thanks in part to the ‘Balamory effect’ – a surge in demand for brightly-painted properties as viewers embrace the popular children’s TV show’s vibrant aesthetic in real life.
‘On top of making your home look pretty and distinctive, painting your home in a vibrant colour could seriously increase its value,’ he reveals. ‘Homes on vividly painted streets are worth 20 per cent more than plain-looking homes in the same area. A recent study by Home Owners Alliance showed a range between 2 per cent and 65 per cent extra value was added with a home painted in a distinctive colour.’
Jack recommends that you get the exterior of your home painted in a vibrant colour by professionals, which costs an average of £30 per sq m of wall. Depending on the size of your home, it could cost anywhere from £1,800 to £4,500. Jack argues that this is a worthwhile investment. ‘The average UK house price is £269,000, which would rise to £322,000 with a lick of paint, so the paint could make you over £50,000,’ he points out.
