Curb Appeal (and selecting the right painter)
Whether your property is for rent, for
sale, or just for you, curb appeal can make all the difference in the world. With
so many rental homes and homes for sale on the OBX, the market is more
competitive than ever. The curb appeal of your home can either make or break
you in terms of how many rentals you book or how soon your home will sell. If
you are skeptical, just ask any rental company or real estate agent.
The most cost effective improvement
a homeowner can make to improve curb appeal is paint. A good paint job can cause prospective renters
or buyers to overlook other deficiencies, whereas a bad paint job can lead them
to over-scrutinize the property. This can lead to lost rental income and lost
sales.
So, how do you select a painting
contractor? Here on the OBX there is a never ending supply of people who call
themselves painting contractors and promise the same job at a lower price.
A good place to start is with trade
associations and references. Is your painter a member of the Chamber of
Commerce? How about the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)?
Membership in these organizations indicates that a contractor is serious about
his business, his community, and industry standards. It’s one simple way to
start the vetting process.
While every company promises to
deliver value, statistics show that this market is sorely lacking in
professionalism. If you are still unsure after talking to all bidders, contact
the PDCA or the local paint stores. Do your homework, develop relationships
with reputable companies, and you’ll sleep better knowing that your property
has the curb appeal that makes it stand out from the others.
Beach Painting
PDCA
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce
