 | Randy Hayes
is the manager of Habitat's HomeMart located at Towne West in the old Office Depot location. Having been in the retail furniture business for 20 years, and having started both Home Accents and Cost Plus Furniture Warehouse, Randy jumped at the opportunity to further his career in the furniture industry while giving back to those in need. Habitat's HomeMart is a non-profit retail store with all profits going to building homes for Wichita Habitat Homes. Randy, an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, has two sons who he enjoys watching progress in their football careers in the Maize school district. You can reach Randy at (316) 943-6996 or email rrhayes@habhomemart.com |
Furniture
2005-08-01 09:54:00
Expensive paint saves $$$?
: Is it true that more expensive, exterior house paint is actually less expensive in the long run?
ANSWER: When most people think of investments, usually stocks, bonds or real estate come to mind. But, did you know that one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner is to choose a top quality exterior paint for your home? Even though the cost of paint continues to rise due to the rising cost of petrochemicals, painting your home with a top quality acrylic latex exterior coating can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in home maintenance costs. Top quality latex paints made with 100% acrylic binder will last twice as long as ordinary house paint, in some cases as much as 10 years or more. The average lifespan of ordinary exterior paint is generally only 3 - 4 years. A good quality acrylic latex paint will cost about $8 - $10 more per gallon. And since it takes only about 20 gallons to apply two coats of paint on an average sized home, the added cost of a top-quality product is just $160 to $200. More importantly, the majority of the cost of repainting (typically around 90%) goes to cover labor costs. Paint generally accounts for only about 10% of the overall cost. As a result, it's important to paint with a coating that lasts as long as possible. You can defer costly labor expenses and invest the money elsewhere. Exterior painting includes more than the house. A quality paint job on your home's exterior is a great first step in sprucing up your property, but don't stop there if you want a complete home makeover. The condition of your fencing, deck, railings and other outdoor surfaces can have a big effect on the appearance of your home. Fortunately, painting these is typically a lot easier and far less expensive than painting the whole exterior of the house. To determine the parts of your property that may need painting, it's necessary to make a brutally honest appraisal. Do a complete walk-around inspection of your home's exterior. A second set of eyes helps, so have your spouse or a friend walk with you. As you do your inspection, keep in mind that with modern paints and coatings, almost every surface can be painted to provide protection and a refreshed appearance, not just wood, but also stucco, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, ferrous metals, and many more. Some other potential candidates for painting may include gutters and downspouts. You may also want to examine window frames and muntins, steps, entry doors and metal light fixtures. Note where repairs are needed, and have these done before painting is begun. Your inspection may also include latticework, wood or metal outdoor furniture, swing sets, picnic tables, lamp posts, mailboxes and almost anything else on your property that doesn't need pruning or cutting. Doing several similar projects at the same time usually makes the work go more quickly and may be more cost-effective, since larger cans of primer and paint cost comparatively less. And using the same paint or stain on multiple projects helps impart a more harmonious appearance to your home.One more point that I can't help but mention: Check the Weather Forecast! A paint job can be ruined if it is applied in conditions that are too hot, cold or windy. For an ideal finish, check the manufacturer's label for specific temperature guidelines. And, to help identify the top quality paint that's best for your home, ask for advice at your local paint or hardware store, or at a decorating center.
