Color Chices impact value

Points to Consider

• When choosing house paint, you should first consider your geographical region. Colors that are commonplace in the Southwest will not suit the Northeast. Landscape, light and foliage are different in each area and contribute to the look of the home. Also consider the architecture of your home. A small bungalow needs different treatment than a large colonial house. Victorian houses tend to be more playful with color. These styles of houses all have inherent color palettes that work best with their type of architecture. Research the best colors for your type of home at the library, in books or magazines and online. You don't have to follow these guidelines exactly, but they are a good starting point when looking at paints for a home exterior.

Neutrals

• Neutral colors are always a safe choice when considering resale value. Tans, grays, off-whites and taupe can be tasteful and subdued. Add touches of color on doors and house trim to add more interest, but keep it understated. White trim on a neutral color with added touches like darker-toned shutters can give a house character and elegance. Paint manufacturers have formulated many neutral colors with subtle undertones. These can be effective at adding a feeling of color while still retaining the tasteful, neutral note.

Muted Color

• If neutral colors are too boring for your taste, indulge in color but go for more muted colors that fit in well with the surrounding environment. Blues can be risky, but not if you choose a grayish-blue that looks more like slate, a natural outdoor color. This shade of blue creates a serene, yet crisp effect, according to ThisOldHouse.

Read more: The Best House Colors for Resale | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8482131_house-colors-resale.html#ixzz1YzFEoDFO

A picture is worth....

The most recent newsletter assures owners that current siding repair and replacement is being done using recommendations provided by Western Architects.

Rather than arguing the point..here is a photo of recent work..do you see paint on the exposed cut?

The first coat of paint is on....the aesthetics leave a bit to be desired. The color does not blend well with the community or the landscape. Too bad the exisitng palete was discarded in favor of "Desert Storm" colors..They would really look good in Phoenix or Santa Fe!

The Mistakes of the past..do we ever learn?

I wander by the on going restoration and painting project..and observe the process as it unfolds. Occasionally I return to the engineering reports completed at huge expense to the Association..to see what the recommended process was..and unfortunately find that this project is pretty much a repeat of the mistakes of the past.

Rather than incorporate the best and most affordable improvements designed by our architects, we are simply returning the buildings to the original condition, with all the same design defects that have resulted in accelerated rates of deterioration.

I guess "learning" as an institution is a very slow process spanning generations..

The blocking of light fixtures is one small adaptation that would add just a few dollars ( $25) to each light fixture, but would prevent water intrusion. I caulk and seal my exterior fixtures, as well as receptacles, but the damage to the T1-11 from years of moisture sitting on the fixture attachment will require extensive siding replacement and has damaged the underlying structure as well.

Using flashing when attaching the deck railing to T1-11 ( as designed by Western Architects) would save the association money, and remove another point of failure..

Painting cut edges ( not just the pre-primed T1-11), leaving 3/8" space between flashing and siding,
just some of the many recommended changes that we should be incorporating in our current project..

Sadly, not happening..