Impress and add value with paint

Adding a new coat of paint can improve the value of a property. That is the view of property expert and television presenter Phil Spencer. For more than 15 years, he and Kirstie Allsopp have been finding and buying houses in the full glare of national television, as presenters first of Location, Location and later Relocation, Relocation in the UK. He even brought an Australian version of Relocation, Relocation to these shores.

“If you are selling, you have to get buyers through the front door, which means you need to have the outside as spick and span as possible – cost $200-$2000, but could add $10,000” he said.

“If nothing else, your house should at least look better than your neighbours. Clean those dirty windows, clear the driveway, unblock the gutters.”

The skillful use of colour can create illusions – pale hues reflect light and make small rooms seem larger, while dark colours can make large unwelcoming spaces feel cosier. A light colour on the ceiling – white is probably the best option – makes it seem higher, hallways or passages seem wider.

Cool colours such as blue, turquoise and blue greens are most effective in warm rooms that receive a great deal of sun. Warmer colours include the full range of reds shading into pink, orange and yellow. These colours also tend to be mentally stimulating and energising, making them best for rooms such as studies where creative work takes place.

When it comes to contracting a painter, Master Painters Association Queensland recommends people write out a list of what they want and hand it to each contractor to ensure everybody has the same starting point.

It is important to ensure each quote has a full scope of work as well as exclusions, what pre-painting, cleaning will be done and how, and the number of coats being applied along with the type of paint. The maximum amount of deposit for the work is set by law and a contract is important as it offers clear instructions and protects all parties in the event of a dispute.