Exterior painting is a great way to renew the look of your home. There are two main conditions that determine whether your paint job keep it's appearance or if you'll be back on the ladder in a year or two.

The first thing is the quality of the product being applied to the surface. Titanium is the main ingredient and the most important, because it provides the hiding coverage. It is also the most expensive element and determines the cost. With paint, you get what you pay for. A cheap product means low coverage and three times the work and time.

The second point is about preparations made before applying paint. From the roof down, check the eves and gutter for leaking. There will be telltale signs of wood rot and chipping paint under the eves. Repair of the eves and trim, wood lap siding or board and bat siding along with thorough scraping and priming old chipping paint is always first.

If using a paint contractor, be clear about what repairs need to be included in the price and that the painter is aware of the extent of the damage and priming necessary. Some damage may not be seen from the ground and will be noticed during the work on a ladder.