by Corey Morgan | Apr 28, 2023 | Exterior Painting, Paint Color Help
Finding the perfect paint colors for the exterior of your home is hard, but it’s even harder when you’re part of an HOA. HOAs, or Homeowners Associations, are great because they help protect the value of homes within the neighborhood and help create a cohesive feeling throughout the community. That being said, they can also be a pain to work with. Here are tips straight from your Colorado paint pros about how to submit your exterior paint colors to your HOA for approval along with a selection of popular HOA color schemes curated for you by our professional color consultants.
Before You Submit Colors to Your HOA
There are a few things you need to know before you’re ready to submit any colors to your HOA.
1. Check for Pre-Approved Colors
If you’re lucky enough to be part of an HOA with a list of pre-approved color schemes, then yay! Pre-approved colors can greatly improve your chances of approval and some HOAs don’t even require approval for pre-approved schemes! While pre-approved colors can limit your options, it will make the selection process much easier.
2. Ask About Their Specific Approval Process
Every HOA is different, so you’ll want to contact your specific HOA directly for details about their color approval process and requirements. Some HOAs require a submission fee and paint chips or color links, while others may require you to paint samples on your garage so they can be viewed before approving. It’s best to accommodate these steps as much as possible and work within your HOA’s guidelines. Othersies, you may wind up with any issues.
Note that you will most likely not be able to use colors that are too similar to your neighbors. Many HOAs value variation between each home. If you submit colors that are the same or similar to the neighbors on either side of your home or across the street, they will likely be denied and a waste of time.
3. Plan Accordingly
Most HOAs review color scheme submissions at a meeting together before they approve or deny your any paint colors. That means that the frequency of which your HOA meets could have a big impact on your project timeline. Here in Colorado, HOAs typically have 14-60 days for approval. Highlands Ranch, HRCA, is one of the fastest turn around times for color approvals with homeowners typically receiving approval within 1-2 weeks.
If your HOA requires more than a couple of weeks to approve colors then you’ll want to make sure you plan your paint project accordingly. It’s vital to make sure you have enough time to select colors, submit them, and get approval before any paint is purchased. Otherwise, this can create delays on your project and be costly to change.
HOA Friendly Color Schemes from Color Consultants
Exterior Color Scheme #1
Created using Sherwin Williams Color Snap Visualizer
Body – Acier 9170
Trim – Shoji White 7042
Accent – Carnelian 7580
In this color scheme we have a classic gray body with just a touch of warmth. We find this color scheme to be warm and inviting. Shoji White on the trim brings a nice contrast without feeling too sharp, and a deep red door helps everything feel grounded and harmonious.
Exterior Color Scheme #2
Body – Evergreen Fog 9130
Trim – Alabaster 7008
Accent – Dark Night 6237
Green saw a huge surge in popularity last year with Evergreen Fog being a favorite amongst homeowners. We’ve paired it here with Alabaster, which is a beautiful, bright white. Dark Night adds a dark, but subtle accent.
Exterior Color Scheme #3
Body – Slate Tile 7624
Trim – Pure White 7005
Accent – Peppercorn 7674
Blue is one of the most commonly requested colors for the exterior of homes. It’s also the most common favorite color in the world, so that makes perfect sense! Slate Tile is a stunning blue-gray that really gives you that punch of blue without looking cartoonish. We’ve paired it here with the crisp Pure White and have Peppercorn as a warm, grounding accent color.
Exterior Color Scheme #4
Body – Craftsman Brown 2835
Trim – Roycroft Bronze Green 2846
Accent – Roycroft Copper Red 2839
This scheme is perfect for those of you who have a craftsman style home and want a traditional color scheme that doesn’t feel dated. Craftsman Brown is a nice neutral and when paired with Roycroft Bronze Green it feels like a classic Colorado color combination. We’ve rounded it out with Roycroft Copper Red which would make for a fantastic front door color, but please DO NOT use it on shutters as this can result in a clown-like appearance.
Exterior Color Scheme #5
Body – Gray Matters 7066
Trim – Pure White 7005
Accent – Tricorn Black 6258
Gray never goes out of style and Grey Matters is a wonderful, middle of the road option that isn’t too warm or cool. To make sure this scheme didn’t end up feeling too warm, we paired it with classics like Pure White on the trim and Tricorn Black as the accent.
Fun fact–Tricorn Black is the absolute darkest black paint color available from widely available paint retailers!
Getting HOA Approval
What makes these schemes HOA friendly is that they are all neutrals, or based on earth tones, which is a huge trend for covenant controlled neighborhoods here in Colorado. If you need more inspiration we recommend driving around your own neighborhood to view other homes. This will help you get ideas for what you’d like to see on your own home. For more color tips and tricks be sure to follow us on Pinterest and Instagram where we post weekly!
If you need any further assistance with selecting colors, you can easily schedule an appointment with one of our certified Color Designers HERE. And if you’d like more information, feel free to give us a call at (720) 637-4805.
by Corey Morgan | Apr 21, 2023 | Exterior Painting, Paint Prep
Denver’s Best Stucco Repair
When a client begins the process of painting their home there are often times we find another service may be needed prior to paint. As a Denver painting company we are primarily working on homes that are 20+ years old, so wear and tear is a factor on every project. One of the most common issues we run into when painting is damaged stucco. Stucco damage occurs over time and is very common, especially with the fluctuations in temperature that we experience here in Colorado. We work with a local stucco company that does incredible work to help our clients get the best finished product possible.
Can You Paint Stucco?
We get asked all the time whether or not you can paint stucco. Yes, you absolutely can paint stucco! Painting stucco is an easy and cost effective way to refresh faded or dingy stucco and create a fresh and uniform look. Much like paint, stucco is tinted with pigments to give it it’s color. When using any exterior product we all know nothing can last forever and stucco is no different. Over time you may experience a variety of failures with your stucco including fading or discoloration.
What Does Stucco Damage Look Like?
Identifying stucco damage is one of the first steps when it comes to painting or maintaining your stucco home. We recommend each homeowner do a thorough inspection and note any areas of concern. You can alternatively work with a stucco or paint professional to review the current condition of your stucco.
During this inspection be sure to note any damage to the stucco. Some things to look out for include fading, discoloration, cracking, or even missing pieces of stucco. It’s wise to look near gutters and downspouts, around windows and doors, and along the foundation and at corners. These are some of the areas where you’ll often experience failures in the stucco first.
When Should You Contact a Stucco Expert?
For many stucco issues like fading, discoloration, or hairline cracks your exterior painter will be able to take care of those items. These issues are often either fixed by the paint itself or a stucco repair compound is used to fill in smaller cracks. If you’re experiencing larger issues with your stucco, then be sure to talk to an expert as your home will require more extensive repairs.
Any larger stucco repairs should be taken care of ahead of painting so that they have time to set. Don’t worry about matching your existing stucco exactly with the repair as it will be covered with the fresh coat of paint.
Denver’s Best Stucco Repair
Being in the industry, we’ve been lucky enough to make some incredible connections within the home improvement field. Since we work with a lot of clients with stucco homes we’ve partnered with Sarge and Co. Professional Stucco Services. Perry Babel and his team bring decades of experience and knowledge to every project and can help with big or small stucco projects. Sarge and Co. is locally based and operated out of Morrison, Colorado and Perry services all of the Denver metro area.
Whether you are painting or not, you should always address stucco repairs as quickly as possible because they can lead to more extensive damage. If you’re considering painting your stucco then schedule a free consultation to get the ball rolling.
by Corey Morgan | Apr 7, 2023 | Interior Painting, Paint Color Help, Popular Colors
5 Bathroom Paint Colors for Dark, Moody Bathrooms
There’s just something fun about using dark paint colors to create a moody and dramatic space. They’re versatile in the sense that you can use a little to create a focal point or a lot to create an overall effect. Either way, dark, theatrical colors are a huge paint color trend for 2023. Bathrooms happen to be a great way to try out this trend without overcommitting. Keep reading to learn about our top 5 bathroom paint colors to try for dark, moody bathrooms in 2023.
Urbane Bronze
Urbane Bronze is an incredible combination of black, gray, and brown. It’s beautiful on both exteriors and interiors and it’s a great way to ease into the dark paint color trend we’re seeing this year. It’s a very grounded color and pairs well with neutrals like tan or greige colors so it’s great for creating a sophisticated and tranquil space. For the largest impact, consider using Urbane Bronze on your bathroom walls, trim, and ceilings to create a cozy feeling that you’ll love spending time in.
Hale Navy HC-154
If you’re not quite ready to dive into the super dark paint colors, but you want to give this trend a try, check out Hale Navy. It’s a classic color from Benjamin Moore that has a huge fanbase. It’s a bit more modern than some traditional navy blues because it features a slightly gray undertone. The gray undertone really helps to ground the paint color. Hale Navy is beautiful on cabinets or walls and pairs really well with white trim for that crisp, clean contrast.
Greenblack 6994
For our bravest souls that love trying a new paint color trend we have Greenblack. This color is not subtle and is sure to bring that wow factor to your bathroom. The base is a cool black with a slightly green undertone and it works exceptionally well on walls and cabinetry. If it feels a little intense, consider doing just your cabinets or an accent wall to draw the eye and create a statement. When going with a black paint color, try to look for one that has some kind of undertone rather than a classic black because those undertones add a lot of personality and help the color feel much more dynamic within your space.
Dark Purple 2073-10
Some clients are really looking for a moody vibe that still feels romantic and inviting. Dark Purple from Benjamin Moore checks all of the boxes with a rich plum tone that brings a hint of mystery and glamour to any space. We love this for a bathroom because it’s not a color you see all of the time, so it will definitely stand out. This bathroom paint color pairs really well with white, black, or even tan countertops. So grab a sample and see if you feel like it works within your space.
Mount Etna 7625
Blue is the most commonly requested color our designers receive, so we had to include a couple blue options. Mount Etna from Sherwin Williams is sure to stun with it’s slate gray base and subtle green undertones. It’s a very interesting and universally appealing color. Try this as an allover color or create a statement piece by painting your bathroom cabinets in this dramatic and moody paint color.
Painter for a Day
Bathrooms are a great way to test this paint color trend out because they’re small and often closed off from other spaces. So they are great for a unique color scheme without creating a lack of harmony with the rest of the house. However, it can be difficult to find a professional interior painter to help tackle a project this small. Most companies prioritize larger projects where they can make more money.
Here at Kind Home Painting Co. we’re committed to helping as many homeowners as possible to create the home and space they’ve been dreaming of. Since we understand how difficult it can be to find a painter for smaller paint projects we created our Painter for a Day program. This program offers straightforward, flat-rate pricing and a one-year warranty on all small painting projects. You can also add on a professional color consultation with a color designer to help you land on the perfect deep paint color that provides the impact you’re looking for. Use this link to request a complimentary estimate and get your project started today!
by Corey Morgan | Mar 28, 2023 | Interior Painting
How Much Does Interior Painting Cost In Colorado?
It’s that time of year in Colorado when everyone starts planning their home improvement projects for the year.
If one of those projects is painting the interior of your home, one of the biggest questions you may have is, how much does interior painting cost in Colorado? And it’s a great question to ask!
In this blog we will discuss and breakdown the different factors that can affect how much it costs to paint your interior in Colorado and dig into some average job sizes based on our painting services.
How Much Does Interior Painting Cost Per Square Foot?
Most everyone starts in the same place— how many square feet is my home and how much per square foot will it cost to paint? The size of your home absolutely plays a large role in how much it will cost to paint your interior.
If you have a bigger home it will obviously cost more to paint, and if your home is smaller it will cost less to paint. The items that are getting painted is also an important factor to consider. If you’re painting the walls only, that will be less expensive than painting the walls, ceilings, trim and doors.
Another factor to consider is the overall scope of work—what specific areas and how much surface area of the walls, ceilings, trim and doors of the space you are looking to paint? These are the main drivers in the overall cost.
What we’ve found is this can vary from client to client based on their wants and needs. It can also vary home to home based on the design and layout of the specific home. Modern homes with an open floor plan have fewer walls by the nature of their design, while older homes (with each room and area being closed off) can have more wall surface area by the nature of their design.
Knowing the square footage of a home can help to give an idea of the cost range for interior painting; however, there are many more factors to consider to determine an accurate cost for each home.
What Goes Into Figuring Material & Labor Costs?
When we look at estimating the price to paint an interior, there are many variables and factors that go into working up that price. The two main factors are materials and labor.
- How many gallons of primer and paint are required?
- How many days will it take to complete the work?
The amount of paint required is fairly simple to determine. You take the square footage of the surface area of walls, ceilings, trim & doors you intend to paint and divide it by the specified square foot coverage of the paint product you are using.
For example, if the paint you use specifies that a gallon can cover 250-350 Square feet of surface area and you have 6000 square feet of walls and ceilings to paint, you would divide 6000/250 to get (24) gallons of paint. We always recommend utilizing the lower end of paint coverage specification to ensure full coverage, especially when changing colors.
How many days it will take really depends on how complicated the actual painting is. If there are several areas with 2nd story or 3rd story walls, that can take more time to paint than a ranch style home with single story walls throughout.
Whether the home is in great shape or if it has extensive repair work that needs to be completed prior to painting can influence the final cost as well. Repairs create the need for more materials and more labor.
What Other Factors Can Increase the Cost of My Interior Paint Project?
Now that we have a working understanding of some main factors let’s dig into some smaller details.
There are many items to paint in a home, some of them can be more labor intensive than others and require specialty materials for lasting durability.
If you want to paint wood that is currently stained, like kitchen cabinets, stair railings or doors and trim, the cost of your project will increase significantly. To properly paint these items and achieve a long lasting aesthetically pleasing finish, you must follow specific processes and utilize specific material.
Let’s talk about cabinet painting!
- First, painters will disassemble cabinets and thoroughly protect the work area, next they will rinse down cabinets with lacquer thinner and wipe them dry.
- The next step would be to sand everything and then fully prime them with specialty primer.
- After the primer coat has dried it’s time for a quick buff with sandpaper and then on to the first coat of paint. Once that has dried, a second top coat is applied.
With all of that labor and the cost of the specialty products used to paint cabinets, the price increase adds up. If you decide to paint your cabinets along with the interior of your home it can add anywhere from $3,000-$8,000+ to your project depending on how many cabinets you have in your home.
Will It Cost More To Use Higher Quality Materials?
Another element to consider is the quality of paint being used on the project. Some companies use lower quality paint and others use higher quality paint. There can be a difference of up to $50 per gallon between different paints. When you use 20-40 gallons to paint the interior of a home that cost adds up quickly!
We always recommend using high quality paint and materials so you get a better return on your investment. Higher quality paint looks better and lasts longer, it resists damage due to moisture and wear and tear better, it is easier to clean and maintain AND touch-ups are easier to perform and look better.
What’s The Average Interior Cost to Paint In Colorado?
Here at Kind Home Painting Company in Denver, Colorado we painted over 250 home interiors in 2022. The pricing ranged from $2,500-$40,000 for interior painting and the average project price was $7,699.
As you can see there is a large range of pricing associated with painting the interior of a home. To get an accurate idea of how much it may cost to paint your specific home, we always recommend getting an estimate from a qualified painting company.
If you’d like to learn more about our specific painting processes you can visit our Youtube page or if you’d like to schedule a Denver interior painting estimate to learn what it will cost for your project you can do so HERE.
by Corey Morgan | Mar 14, 2023 | Exterior Painting
Why Spring is the Best Time to Paint Your Exterior
Exterior Painting in Spring
Spring marks the start of the exterior painting season for Denver painters. That means it might be time to check out your exterior paint and see what kind of projects you’ll need to prioritize this year. Your exterior paint is important because it’s the first layer of defense when it comes to maintaining your home. Exterior paint protects your siding and has a huge impact on the overall appearance of your home. There are a lot of great times to paint your exterior in Colorado but spring is one of the best times to paint your home.
Mild Temperatures
As weather shifts into spring mode, Denver weather becomes much more mild, which makes it ideal for exterior painting. You don’t want it to be too cold or too hot when you paint an exterior, which is why spring has some of the best weather you can ask for. Spring projects may take a little longer due to shorter days, a single day project in the summer may take two to three days to complete, but this is easily accommodated.
Of course early spring can be a little tricky with weather because you never know if it will be snowing, sunny, or both! The way that we prepare for this as a company is we don’t fill our March calendar to full capacity. By not scheduling to capacity our paint teams and project managers are less likely to become overwhelmed with backed up wor. This allows them to reschedule more fluidly and accommodate our spring clients.
More One-on-One Attention
Fewer projects means your Project Manager will have even more time for you and your project. As the season picks up most paint companies will become quite busy and team members will be operating at a higher capacity. Our systems are set up to ensure that clients are always well taken care of. Spring painting does have some obvious extra benefits though.
As we’ve already mentioned, projects do take a little bit longer this time of year, which means you’ll have a bit more time with your project manager. This also gives you more time to inspect the work and make sure you’re fully satisfied with everything. Kind Home Painting Co. has a unique 100% satisfaction guarantee which means you don’t pay a penny until your project is complete and you are happy with the work!
Best Exterior Paint Pricing
This might be the most appealing benefit of painting your exterior in the spring because you are much more likely to get the best deals of the season. Summer and fall are notoriously very busy for most painters but the spring can be a slower start to the year, especially when it comes to exterior work. We’re always eager to get our best teams back to work after a long winter, so we’re happy to repay you for your assistance by offering the best discounts of the year.
Keep in mind that spring spots are super limited and once they’re filled most painters won’t continue to offer those steep spring painting discounts. We always advise that you get your estimates as early as possible. January, February and March are some of the best times to capitalize on spring pricing, so it’s recommended to start reaching out to companies as soon as possible. We honor our undiscounted pricing all season and we’re always willing to work with you at any point if the spring isn’t the best time for your paint project. However, over the years we’ve found that most of our clients are thrilled to have the extra discount!
Easier HOA Color Approval
Choosing colors is one of the biggest challenges to painting the exterior of your home, but obtaining HOA approval can be even harder. By starting the exterior painting process early in the year you really give yourself more time to select colors you’ll love and make sure you have time to get them approved by your HOA. Homeowners Associations generally deal with far fewer submissions for color approval in the spring, unlike during the summer when they get a higher rate of submissions. This means you’re much more likely to hear back from your HOA sooner. This can be especially beneficial for clients who are part of HOAs that only meet every sixty days.
Paint Your Exterior in the Spring
The summer and fall are always options for painting your exterior, but spring painting does bring with it quite a few benefits. Additional savings, more time for HOA approval, milder weather, and a more personalized customer service experience can make all the difference. If your exterior looks like it could use some TLC we recommend starting the paint process with a free estimate to get a better idea of your project scope and pricing. Ask about our spring specials for this year’s best pricing!
