If you are new to homeownership, there is most likely a long list of to-dos to check off before you move into your new space. Deep cleaning each room, making sure the appliances and the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems are up-to-date, and replacing the air filters and the smoke detector batteries are just a few of the many items you’ll need to tackle. But where does painting fit in? Should you paint your new home before or after you move in? There are pros and cons to each, and as expert house painters, the Color World Painting team is happy to provide you these tips in honor of National Homeownership Month.
Benefits of Painting Your New Home Before You Move In
One of the biggest benefits of painting your new home before you move in is the wide open space you have before all of your things are inside. Of course this will also decrease the manpower needed to move and then re-move all of your larger furnishings and belongings and simultaneously protect them and any other valuables from accidentally getting paint splattered on them.
And while you’re already scheduling all of the other repairmen to come in, what’s one more to call? You may find it easier to kill two birds with one stone and get all of your home improvement tasks taken care of at one time so you don’t have to juggle multiple appointments and meetings.
You’ll also avoid the unpleasant and often dangerous smell of wet paint. Having your entire home painted several days before you begin moving in will allow the paint smell to dissipate and eliminate the negative effects of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Finally, it can provide you a peace of mind moving into a freshly painted, crisp-looking space, especially if the previous homeowner had a certain paint color or technique on the walls that you didn’t like. It will be so nice to not look at outdated wallpaper that reminds you of Grandma’s and add your own special touch to make it feel like yours.
Benefits of Painting Your New Home After You Move In
If you are the indecisive type when it comes to paint colors, getting settled into your new home first may be a better choice so you have a better feel for the space and how you are wanting it to look. You can also get a better idea of the natural light in each room and how that affects the color of the walls. It is often better to choose a darker or lighter color depending on how well lit an area is.
Moving in first will also help you to visualize each space to see what color palette will match the best with all of your furniture and wall hangings. Depending on the placement of your furniture, you can decide if you would like an accent wall and choose a color to make the room pop.
As a new homeowner, you may also find yourself overwhelmed with the stress of everything you have to do, so leaving the painting last until other more imminent tasks are completed may be more peaceful for you. This will allow you to have a more dedicated focus for choosing the perfect color palette to make your house a home.
We hope these tips are helpful for you as you are planning out your moving process, and if you find yourself needing a professional painting company in the process, find a Color World location nearest you.