Posted at: 06/10/2012 6:18 PM

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Angie's List Report: Painting The Exterior Of Your Home

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- As time goes on, your house takes a beating from weather and moisture, meaning it's probably time to consider painting the exterior of your home.

"Painting is a popular project among Angie's List members. During our annual project poll this year, 50% of the respondents said they are going to tackle aesthetic projects like painting, " said Angie Hicks, Angie's List founder.

Most homeowners try to tackle painting on their own. But remember, some of the most common mistakes are made by improperly prepping the home before it's painted.

"We would come out and we would chemically clean the home and rinse it. Following that, we would do any scraping, sanding, and caulking that would need to occur. Spot priming as well. We do not rush the process, " said Andy Wagoner, a painting contractor.

If you are looking to freshen up your home with a new coat of paint, one tip is to hire a high quality painter.

"You don't want to go cheap and have a project that starts to peel after a couple of years. Instead, consider painting the trim on your house, as well as the front door and the entry way. It's going to give your house a fresh look while being able to put off the big project for a little bit, " said Hicks.

How do you know when it's a good time to paint your home?

One of the first signs your home needs a new coat of paint is if it's peeling. Check the side of the home that is the most exposed to the weather. this area will show the first signs of wearing. And remember a good coat of paint should last 5-10 years.

And before you start rolling the paint on, there are a few things to consider while purchasing the paint.

First and foremost, be sure to pick the right paint for the job. in other words, don't choose an inside paint if you are painting the exterior of your home. Second, pick the right color. Take the surrounding landscape and the colors of your home that cannot be changed into consideration. And don't forget to properly prepare the surface you are painting before you get started.

Just like any other job when you decide to hire a professional, be sure to do some scouting on the company before you hire them. Also, be sure to get at least three estimates.