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Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Spring to Paint Your House.

  • Jim Combs
  • Nov 6, 2024
  • 5 min read

As a professional painter with over 15 years of experience, I've heard it time and time again: "I'll wait until spring to paint my house." I get it—spring seems like the ideal time. The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and it feels like the season for fresh starts. But here's the thing—waiting until spring to paint your house might not be the best idea, especially if you want to save money, time, and stress. In fact, fall or even early winter might be the best time of year to paint your house.


Let me share why.


A man walking up to paint a house in the early winter.

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The Common Misconceptions About Spring Painting


Why Everyone Thinks Spring is the Best Time


There's a long-standing belief that spring is the best time of year to paint a house. Maybe it's because of the mild weather or because it feels like the time to tackle home improvement projects. But that belief leads to one big problem: demand.


Come springtime, everyone and their neighbor are calling professional painters, which means if you haven't booked early, you're likely to be out of luck or forced to hire someone who might not be the best fit. As a painter who gets booked solid during the spring months, I can tell you, homeowners who wait often face longer delays and sometimes higher prices because of that increased demand.


The Reality of Modern Paints and Technology


Here's something most homeowners don’t know: advancements in paint technology mean you no longer have to wait for perfect weather. Today’s high-quality exterior paints are designed to withstand cooler temperatures. Some paints are even formulated to cure properly in weather as low as 35°F, which opens up the fall and early winter months as the best time of year to paint your house.


I’ve painted houses in October and November with fantastic results, and with the right prep and paint, your home can look just as fresh and vibrant as it would if painted in the spring.



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The Benefits of Painting in the Off-Season


More Flexible Scheduling and Availability


The busiest time of year for most painters is the spring and summer months. By choosing to paint in the fall, you’ll often have more flexibility in scheduling. When I’m painting in the off-season, I’m able to spend more time focusing on each project, ensuring that every detail is perfect. In contrast, spring can sometimes feel like a race against time with jobs stacked up one after another.


If you’re a homeowner who values quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, the off-season might be your best bet. You’ll not only secure a great painter (since we’re less booked up), but you’ll also get the kind of attention that’s hard to come by during the busy season.


Better Pricing in the Off-Season


Here’s a little-known secret: many painting companies offer discounts during the off-season. Since demand is lower in fall and early winter, painters often reduce their prices to keep their crews busy. This means you could get the same top-notch service at a better price just by scheduling a little earlier or later in the year, making fall the best time of year to paint a house for those looking for value.


I've personally offered discounts to clients in the off-season, and many were surprised to learn that they could get the same high-quality work at a more competitive rate. Who doesn’t like saving money on home improvement?



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Ideal Weather Conditions for Painting


Fall Weather: Cool, Dry, and Perfect for Painting


Contrary to popular belief, the weather in the fall can actually be the best time of year to paint a house. Cooler temperatures in the 50s and 60s (and sometimes 40s) are great for paint to dry and cure properly. When the air is less humid, it reduces the chance of the paint blistering or peeling, something that can be a real issue with summer's high heat and humidity.


In fact, I find fall painting projects often have better long-term durability because the conditions allow the paint to settle and cure slowly, which creates a stronger bond with the surface.


The Risks of Springtime Painting


Now, let’s talk about spring. While the temperature may start to warm up, spring weather can be unpredictable—rain, sudden cold snaps, and wind are all common in those early months. These factors can delay your project or even cause problems with the paint adhering properly. High pollen levels in the spring can also stick to wet paint, leaving your fresh coat with a less-than-smooth finish.


I’ve had clients call me to fix projects that were done hastily in the early spring, where a surprise rainstorm ruined their new exterior paint job. It’s not worth the hassle if you don’t have to wait until then.



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Protecting Your Home’s Exterior—Why You Shouldn’t Wait


Preventing Weather Damage


One of the biggest reasons you shouldn’t wait to paint your home is protection. Your exterior paint isn’t just for looks—it’s a barrier between your home and the elements. If your paint is peeling, cracking, or fading, your home is more vulnerable to moisture, mold, and rot.


By painting in the fall, you’re giving your home a fresh layer of protection before winter arrives. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on unprotected wood or siding. Waiting until after the harshest weather has passed means that damage could already be done, which will cost you more in repairs and prep work when spring rolls around. This is why fall or early winter might be the best time of year to paint your house if you're serious about protecting your home.


Boosting Curb Appeal Year-Round


Painting your house in the fall ensures that it looks its best throughout the entire year. Why let your home sit through a long winter looking worn out and tired, only to have to wait until spring to address it? A fresh coat of paint will brighten up your home’s appearance, and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood when others are still dealing with winter’s wear and tear.



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Quality Craftsmanship Without the Rush


More Time, Better Results


When you paint in the spring, many painting companies are fully booked, and that means they’re often working on tight deadlines. While any professional painter will strive to do their best, the reality is that when schedules are packed, corners sometimes get cut. This isn’t something I’m proud to admit, but it happens in every industry.


In the off-season, I’m able to take my time on each project, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. I’m not rushing to finish one job to get to the next, which allows me to provide the kind of high-quality craftsmanship I’ve built my reputation on.



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Why Fall and Winter Could Be the Perfect Time for Your Project


Start the New Year with a Fresh Look


One thing I always tell homeowners is to think about how satisfying it is to enter the new year with a fresh-looking home. When you paint in the fall, your home is ready for the holidays and looks great heading into the new year. There's no need to put off the project and stare at the same peeling or fading paint through the winter months. This is yet another reason why fall could be the best time of year to paint your house.


Setting Your Home Up for Spring Success


By painting now, you’re setting yourself up for success come spring. You won’t have to worry about rushing to book a painter, and your home will be in top shape as the warmer weather arrives. Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy spring and summer activities without a painting project hanging over your head.



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Conclusion


If you’ve been thinking about painting your house, don’t fall into the trap of waiting until spring. With more flexible scheduling, potential cost savings, and ideal weather conditions, painting in the fall or early winter might just be the best time of year to paint your house. Not to mention, you’ll be protecting your home from the elements and ensuring it looks beautiful year-round.


Ready to get started? Reach out to schedule a consultation and get ahead of the spring rush.

 
 
 

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