With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to assess the exterior of your home. As I’ve been out in the neighborhoods that Chromabrush Painting by J&M serves, I’ve noticed something that stands out: at least one-third of the homes in every neighborhood are in desperate need of a new coat of paint. Whether it’s peeling paint, faded and chalky surfaces, or inconsistencies in color and finish, the signs are all there.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to walk around your home and inspect the exterior—starting with the window sills, especially if they’re wood or painted. Are you seeing cracks? Can you spot exposed wood? These are leading indicators that it’s time to consider painting. Don’t ignore them!

I often like to compare the exterior paint of your home to the largest organ of the human body: your skin. Just as your skin protects your internal organs, the paint on your home protects its structure. When your home’s exterior paint begins to fail—cracking, peeling, and fading—it no longer provides that crucial barrier. Moisture and the elements begin to seep in, causing damage to the underlying materials. This can lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided with a simple fresh coat of paint.

Think about it: when the paint fails, the damage that results can accumulate quickly, and suddenly you're facing much bigger expenses than just a painting job.

On the other hand, there’s another third of homes I’ve seen that don’t necessarily need painting immediately, but the paint is showing signs of wear—faded, dull, and lackluster. While the paint is still intact and doing its job of keeping moisture out, it’s no longer making your home shine. If your home falls into this category, now might be the perfect time to paint. The cost of painting will be considerably lower compared to homes in worse condition, and the preparation required is minimal. In many cases, all that’s needed is a single, generous coat of high-quality paint from trusted brands like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. This can easily extend the life of your home’s exterior for another 7 to 10 years.

Finally, there’s the third of homes that are in great shape—either recently painted in the last five years or so, or well-maintained homes where the exterior is still holding up well. These homes have been taken care of, and the paint is still providing its protective function. For these homes, there’s no immediate need for a new coat of paint, but regular maintenance checks are always a good idea to ensure the exterior stays in top condition.