Are you looking to repaint the exterior of your home, but aren’t sure which color to choose?

The average cost to paint the exterior of a two-story home is $4000. Because this is an expensive undertaking, you definitely want to make sure you choose the right color the first time around.

But how do you make sure you choose a color you don’t hate in a week?

Check out this guide to discovering how to choose exterior paint colors for your house.

Figure Out Why You’re Painting Your Home

First things first, you need to figure out why you’re painting your home.

Are you painting it because you’re looking to sell your home in the near future and want to boost the resale value? If so, it’s best to go with a neutral color, as this will appeal to the largest number of buyers.

Or, maybe you’re just looking for a change and want to liven up the exterior of your home? If so, the sky’s the limit when it comes to colors!

Look at Surrounding Elements

When it comes to choosing an exterior paint color for your home, you also want to make sure the color you choose complements other elements on the exterior of your home.

Specifically, you should look at elements that can’t easily be changed, such as stonework, roof tiles, driveways, and pathways. When looking at these elements, look for undertones that can help inform you of good exterior paint colors.

For example, if these elements contain warm undertones (ie, brown, khaki, or rust) then we suggest going with other warm shades of red, yellow, or orange. If these elements contain cool undertones (ie, gray, blue, or black), then you can go with other cool colors such as shades of blue, green, or purple.

Consider Lighting

In addition to considering other exterior elements, it’s also important to consider the exterior lighting.

This isn’t something you have to worry about with interior colors, but with exterior colors, sunlight will cause your exterior color to look cooler/bluer than it really is. Therefore, it’s best to go two to three shades warmer on your exterior paint in order to get a balanced color that won’t come out too cool/blue.

Consider Your Neighbors

It’s also very important to consider your neighbors when choosing an exterior paint color.

While the house next door can give you inspiration, it’s typically not a good idea to copy your neighbor’s exact color scheme. Ideally, you want to find a color that sets your home apart but doesn’t clash with nearby buildings.

Now You Know How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors for Your House

Now that you know how to choose exterior paint colors for your house, it’s time to choose the right color for your home. Before you know it, your home will have a whole new look.

Be sure to check out this guide to learn the top ways to design and decorate a patio.