Finding the Best Color for Your Home

Color Trends, curb appeal, Exterior painting, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

So you’ve decided it’s about time to freshen up the outside of your home! It’s a great time of year and the weather is pretty perfect with the level of humidity and temperature. Now that you have hired a pro to paint the exterior of your home, all that is left is deciding what color to paint it. Seems simple enough, right?

Choosing the main color and an accent color for trim or shutters is not as easy at it may seem. A lot of factors can go into making this choice. Here are some of our suggestions on how to find the best color for your home.

Brainstorm Colors

Make a list of colors that you love as well as colors that you would rather avoid. Look at the list. Is there a pattern emerging? Do you like earthy colors, vibrant colors, or maybe more soft colors? This can help you determine the color you end up with. Try to narrow your list to your top five colors and accent colors. Then take into consideration some of the following issues.

Examine the Environment Around Your Home

Now that you have a list of some of your favorite colors, look around the outside of your home. Do you want the color to be completely different from your closest neighbors? That may take a color or two off your list. Take into account other things in your environment such as where is your house situated. If your home is nestled in the woods with greenery all around, you may want to make your house blend with that environment. If your home is in a downtown area or historic district, you may want to choose traditional colors. However, If your house is in a historic district you may be limited to certain colors, to begin with.

Be Mindful of Your Goal

If your goal is to sell your home, then you may want to choose a color that will appeal to the widest number of people. Some realtors suggest neutral colors with a splash of color for the accents. If your goal is to just freshen the look of your home and you will be staying in the home, then choose something that you love and will be happy with for years to come.

Consult a Color Expert

Let’s face it, choosing a color can be hard. At Jerry Enos Painting we can assist in this decision by providing a color consultant who will help you look at all the factors. A specialist can help you narrow your choices and examine the color in all sorts of light including during sunrise and sunset. Let us help you in this decision by calling our team at 978-546-6843 or email for a free estimate.

 

Clean it Up with Power Washing

curb appeal, Exterior painting, Jerry Enos, power washing

Looking for a refresh this season? From the siding on your house, to brick patios or walkways, to even the gutters protecting your house from rain, power washing can give a brand new shine to even your dirtiest areas.

What is Power Washing?

Power washing combines water pressure with cleaning agents to remove entire layers of built-up dirt and particles, oil, gum, and other gunk that’s accumulated over time. The tools used to clean these items are usually professional grade and powerful. It is important that you have someone operating the high-pressure water who knows what they are doing so they don’t damage the siding of your house or other areas. The term power washing is often used interchangeably with pressure washing as they use similar techniques.

Why Homes Need Power Washing

Why a homeowner will need power washing is really determined by what is being washed and what they would like removed. For example, our climate in New England can encourage the growth of mold and mildew that can cling to the wood siding of your home, shed, or deck. A thorough power washing can remove the mold and washing with certain cleaners can discourage the new growth of molds or mildew.

If cleaning is your main objective, a power washing can clean up the leftover salt and debris from the winter on walkways, the exterior of a home, or decks. Many homeowners use power washing to rid their gutters of built up leaves, sticks, and trash that may have built up over the years.

If your home or deck needs repainting or refinishing, a power wash prior to applying the paint or finish can ensure that any peeling, bubbling paint is easily removed. Power washing will take it right off.

What Areas Can Be Power Washed?

Some homeowners see power washing as a once-a-year chore that can bring new life to the exterior of their home. The pros at Jerry Enos Painting know that there are many uses for power washing. In the past, we have power washed all sorts of things around businesses or residential homes including roofs, walkways, brick patios, fences, driveways, sheds, decks, and windows.

For businesses, we regularly work with: apartment complexes, condo blocks, homeowners associations (HOAs), hospitality chains, restaurants, office parks, fitness facilities, shopping centers, retail locations, marinas, stadiums, and parking garages. When you’re ready to brighten up your storefront, show that rental, refresh your shopping center, or tackle those high traffic areas of your property, call our team at 978-546-6843 or email us for a free estimate.

 

Does your Deck Need a Facelift?

Decks, Exterior painting, Jerry Enos, power washing

Is your deck trying to send you a message? Most homeowners enjoy their decks during the spring, summer, and fall months when they entertain around a fire pit or BBQ. It is during the winter months, however, that decks can begin to age and experience weather that can cause much-needed repairs. Take a look at your deck this month and see if it is sending you a message that it needs some repair, paint, or a facelift. Here are some signs that your deck needs some TLC.

Aging Finish

If your deck is made of wood, as so many decks in our region are, it may be trying to tell you that it needs a new coat of paint or finish. Has the finish on your deck started to deteriorate such as peeling, bubbling, oxidizing, or flaking? It may be time to call Jerry Enos Painting to clean it up and put on a fresh coat of finish.

Signs of Rot

Take a closer look at your deck. Does the wood feel soft? Does it look damp or discolored? Are the supports solid? If you feel like your wood is beginning to rot, or has become the meal of some unwelcome pests, you may need to repair the wood and then have it re-stained or re-painted to seal and protect the wood from further damage.

Signs of Repair Needed

While you are examining your deck, check each board to be sure it is not warped or cracked. Check the railings and stairs to be sure they are secure as well. Wiggly or loose railings or boards are a sign that some repairs are needed.

Jerry Enos Painting offers services that can restore your deck back to the glory of the days when you first built it. Natural wood decks have a beauty all their own, and we pride ourselves on bringing out that beauty by reversing the ravages of time. First, we use a floor machine designed specifically for hardwood to strip the deck of dead fibers to reveal the fresh, unsullied wood underneath. Then we seal it with a high quality, hard wearing clear or tinted penetrative coating that highlights the qualities of the wood itself and protects it from moisture and the elements. You’ll be amazed at how fresh and new your wood deck will look after refinishing and how easy it is to care for from here on. Contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

 

Reasons Why You Should Paint Your Home’s Exterior

Exterior painting, Jerry Enos

The weather has warmed and the heavy rains of April and May have diminished. Now is the perfect time to think about painting the exterior of your home. Most New England homes experience quite a bit of wear-and-tear as the climate in our region can be tough on the exterior of homes and businesses. Here are a few reasons why painting your home’s exterior should be on your “To-Do” list this year.

Protection to the Outside of Your Home

As we mentioned, our region experiences a wide range of temperatures, humidity, and natural events like hurricanes and snowstorms. These events and shifts in weather can be rather tough on the exterior of our homes. One of the aspects of climate that homeowners should be concerned about is moisture getting into the structure and, in particular, into the siding of the home. Moisture can lead to leaks, rot, and mold. Keeping a fresh coat of paint on your home can protect it from the weather, particularly moisture from rain and snow.

Determining if Repair is Needed

Many times, painters discover exterior repairs that are needed due to the ravages of nature, pests, or the passage of time. These repairs can go unnoticed until a thorough examination is completed during a painting prep. Most homeowners can recognize peeling paint, stains, and bubbles, but rotting wood is sometimes trickier to identify until scraping at it during the prep for painting. Painting prep can be the inspection your home needs. It also means that repairs to siding, windows, and shingles will get done regularly.

Increasing Curb Appeal

Whether you are thinking about selling your home or just want to give your house a facelift, paint can be a great place to start. Home buyers usually decide within mere minutes whether a specific property is what they are hoping for. A fresh coat of paint on the exterior may be just enough to impress buyers into taking a look around the inside as well. Homes with peeling paint, stains, or repairs that are needed send a bad message, whether your house is on the market or not.

Increase the Value of your Home

Your home is probably your most valuable asset. According to Consumer Reports study on the Best Ways to Improve the Value of your Home, paint is one of the most cost-effective methods to boost the value of your home. The cost of a professional paint job is typically overshadowed by the prospective increase in the market value of your home. By maintaining the exterior of your house, you are looking at a potential return of up to 7%.

Jerry Enos Painting knows how to inspect, prep, and complete a professional look for your home. Take a look at our portfolio page to see some of the more recent homes that we have painted. Contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website.

Creating a Spa Retreat in your Master Bathroom

bathroom painting, Color Trends, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Trends

Do you love to unwind, but don’t have a good space to do so? For some of us, a good place to relax is a comfy chair where we can read or snooze. Others like a retreat from the family, where they can pamper themselves with a bubble bath or steamy shower. If you are the latter, then this blog is for you! Here are a few suggestions on how to create a spa retreat in your master bathroom.

Declutter

The first step in creating a space that is peaceful and serene to the senses is to declutter. Clear the space of items such as laundry baskets that are overflowing. Find a new location so your spa time is not fraught with worries about the amount of laundry that is yet to be done. In addition, organize all your bathroom items into categories such as washcloths, makeup, hair accessories. Then find coordinating baskets or bins to keep them organized. Store away all cleaning supplies in a closet or container so they are out of sight.

Choose a Color

The walls of your bathroom are a canvas where you can set the mood in your bathroom. Light blues, creams, and greens can set a beachy theme while crisp whites can set a more modern tone. If you are looking for a warm romantic mood, try a grey or silver with accents of reds or purples. Anything goes in your bathroom retreat! The most important thing to remember is to choose a color that helps you relax and unwind. Don’t forget to coordinate your shower curtain and towels with the color you choose for the walls.

Update Your Bathroom Fixtures

If you have a budget, now might be a good time to update the fixtures or even the shower head, sink or mirror. Splurge and install a waterfall shower or a handheld shower nozzle. Have fun with it as this is your space to get away from it all.

Add Calming Elements

Scented candles, essential oils, scented soap, and lotions can go a long way to adding to the relaxing mood of your spa retreat bathroom.

Looking for more ideas or need help painting your bathroom? Contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

Spring and Summer Colors that Can Help Lift Your Mood

Color Trends, Decorating, decorative paint techniques, Exterior painting, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

The good weather is finally here! The signs are everywhere: warmer temperatures, budding trees, longer days, and the sense that the winter “blahs” are almost over. For many of us, spring means getting outside and tackling those projects that we have been putting off all winter long.

Paint projects and room renovations can really lift anyone’s mood. Here are a few suggestions that can help change your mood from the dreary days of winter to the freshness of spring.  

Take on a Project

When things start to awaken outside, it is time to get going on the projects that you have been putting off! One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to do this is with paint! One of the best ways to start spring off on the right foot is to have a project that you enjoy doing and look forward to planning, designing, and working on daily. There is nothing like a job well done to lift the spirits.

Ask a Friend

Sure, renovating a room can be fun, but it can be even more fun with a friend to help you each step of the way from brainstorming what you want to do with a room right through the execution. Nothing lifts a mood like the company of a good friend, especially when you are checking something off your “To-Do” list.

Mood-Boosting Colors

Now that you have found a friend to work with and decided to tackle that project you have been thinking about for ages, it is time to choose a mood-boosting color! Obviously, choosing a color is a personal thing and will depend on the room, furnishings, adjacent rooms, and accent pieces. But consider what mood these colors can set…

  • Soft yellows can bring the sun indoors.
  • Blues and greens are calming and can be reminiscent of the joy of nature.
  • Reds can add a dash of spice to accent a neutral color in any room.

Are you ready to lift your spirits with some well-chosen color? Contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

 

Spring and Summer Color Trends

Color Trends, Decorating, decorative paint techniques, Design, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

If you are considering remodeling or just refreshing your home’s interior this spring or summer, you may be wondering what’s new out there in the world of paint colors, design, and home staging. As a Benjamin Moore Certified Dealer, we follow the trends and love when the new colors are released annually. Read on to find out more about the Color Trends as you consider your paint projects this spring season.

The color you choose for an interior room is extremely important in creating an atmosphere whether it is sophistication, a sense of calm, a cozy feel, or warm and inviting. Colors put forth a personality and can set the entire mood for a room and even a home. What mood do you want to set when you are redecorating or remodeling one of your interior rooms? Here are some things to consider…

  • Are there adjoining rooms that will need to coordinate with the color you choose?
  • Is there a color palette in the room’s furnishings that you will want to take into account, or will you be purchasing new furnishings?
  • What type and color flooring do you have and will you need to replace that as well?
  • What colors are you drawn to immediately when looking at the Color Trends 2019 Palette featured below?

Once you have taken stock of your furnishings and decided on the mood you would like to portray, take a closer look at the Color Trends 2019 Palette.

Notice that the colors are softer, muted, and earthy this year. Is this what you are looking for in a color? If so, then you will want to start testing these colors on your walls. If not, there many other colors that coordinate with the mood you are trying to create. Be sure to try samples on several walls as the color will appear different depending upon the amount and angle of the light in the room.

In addition, try different sheens once you have narrowed down your choices. Remember that a higher gloss sheen will look completely different on a wall than a flat or matte finish.

Are you ready to try out some new color trends? Let Jerry Enos Painting help get you going and make your house beautiful this spring! Contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

How to Tackle Ceiling Issues In The Home

ceiling paint, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Take a moment to look up. How is your ceiling doing? Are there dust particles, spider webs or, worse yet, water stains? Do you see peeling paint or sagging sections? Ceilings are often a forgotten surface in a home. However, much like your roof, ceilings have an extremely important job in protecting you from the elements, unsightly insulation, plumbing pipes, and electrical utilities. Let’s take a closer look at ceiling issues, what causes them, and how Jerry Enos Painters can make your ceiling look fresh and new.

Signs of Ceiling Issues

Most of us do not give our ceilings a second thought until there is a problem such as a leak, a stain, cracking, bowing or, for me, the world’s biggest spider.

Ceiling issues usually present themselves in a few ways…

  • Stains
  • Cracks
  • Peeling
  • Bowing

Causes of Ceiling Issues

Usually, if there is a ceiling issue (like the signs mentioned above,) there is an underlying problem that may have been missed. Many times the problem can be traced to one of several possibilities. One of the most common problems that homeowners first notice on the ceiling is leaking from the roof, attic, plumbing pipes, clogged gutters, or even ice dams in the winter. Here are some of the other culprits that show up as stains, cracks, bowing, or blemishes on the ceiling.

  • Excessive Moisture – If the humidity in your home is too high, then you may find that your ceiling shows signs of this with watermarks, mold stains, or even mildew growing in areas.
  • Structural Issues – If you find that you have bowing to the ceiling or cracks that go the length of your ceiling and possibly even down a wall, then you make have structural issues. It could just be your home settling or it could be a beam or joist issue that you should look into with a contractor or home inspector.
  • Age – If you notice chipping or hairline cracks, then your home may just be showing its age. Depending upon the location, these issues can be covered up with putty and a new coat of paint. Be sure to have your home checked, though, if you notice excessive cracking or peeling.

Does your ceiling need a fresh coat of paint? Jerry Enos Painting can help your home look young and new again even after leaking. Once repairs have been made contact Jerry Enos Painting at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

 

Is your Home Looking Tired or Dated?

Color Trends, Decorating, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Trends

A trend is something that is hip or popular at a certain point in time. Trends impact our society from fashion, to decorating, and even crazy hairstyles. Trends come and go, and can leave a lasting impression on your closets and on the decor of your home. Remember the shiny, flowery wallpaper of the 1980s? Or wood wall paneling of the ‘70s? Do you have walls and decor still in your home that are no longer trendy? Do some components of your home make it look tired or dated?

Everyone, at some point in their lives, should relish in the current styles and fun new colors of the present. Some styles will go “out” as quickly as they came in to fashion and some do come back around to being “in.” Here are some signs that your home may need an update, a fresh coat of paint, or a new look altogether.

Chips, Bubbling, or Cracking –

These are signs that your paint is failing due to age, moisture, or incorrect application. Take care of these blemishes with some touch ups or maybe do a complete paint project this winter with a new and fun color!

Water Stains –

If you have stains on your walls or ceiling from ice dams or leaks, you are not alone. After these issues are repaired, a fresh coat of paint can give your home a lift!

Dated Colors –

Are the colors on your walls hunter green, mauve, or olive? These colors may indicate a time period that is long since passed. Choose something that shows off your furnishings, mood, or personality.

Dated Wallpaper –

What does the wallpaper in your home say about you? If it looks like you are stuck in another decade, it may be time to consider a refresh of your walls.

Fixtures that Need Updating –

Do you have brass or gold fixtures? This may be another sign that you need some updating.

Unusual Flooring –

Believe it or not, there was a time when carpeting was considered trendy in bathrooms! Do you have an unusual flooring choice in your home? This may be a sign that you need to update.

If you are seeing signs that your home needs a refresh, touch-ups or an update, contact Jerry Enos Painting at  978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.

Make Painting Resolutions for the New Year

Jerry Enos

It is New Year’s Resolution time! Rather than make the same old promises to lose those last five pounds, or skip your favorite dessert, we thought it would be fun to create a uniquely Jerry Enos Painting list dedicated to painting and decorating this year. Here are just a few of the resolutions that you might want to make if you enjoy the clean, fresh look of paint and love occasionally changing up the design of your rooms.

Ignore the ‘Experts’ and Pinterest Pins

Instead of spending hours on Pinterest and design idea websites, be original. While there is nothing wrong with gaining inspiration from online sources, just be sure that you are being true to yourself and find what you love. Don’t choose a color palette or room design merely because it is “in” right now. Decide what you like, what your room has to offer, and go from there.

Choose Colors that Make you Happy

There are no steadfast rules about colors when it comes to your home. You do not need to choose neutrals, whites, or soft tones. Choose a color palette that matches your personality and the mood you want to set in each room. If you love blue, then go with it!

Don’t Skimp

When you decide to paint the interior of your home, be sure to choose high quality paint that will roll on smoothly and last for a while. Quality paint can mean the difference between a paint project looking professional and looking like a toddler did the work. The end product should look even and well rolled instead of lines, globs of paint, or fading patches. The same rule goes for your paint brushes and rollers. Choose well made and trusted brands that will give your paint project the best look possible.

Prep, Prep, Prep

If you decide to paint in the new year, be sure not to skip the most important step – preparation. Wash down the walls, repair holes and uneven patches, remove light covers, cover the floors, and remove as much furniture as possible before beginning your project.

Eliminate Clutter

Most homeowners admit that clutter can get the best of them, be it an excess of books, papers, keepsakes, or everyday items. Designers suggest that to make a room look more peaceful, the clutter should be eliminated. Tidy up the shelves, side tables, and mudroom so that when you enter your home it does not look or feel chaotic. Make the center point the design and color of the room rather than the pile of shoes next to the front door.

If you have a paint project on your list for the 2019 calendar, year contact Jerry Enos Painting at at 978-546-6843, or visit our website to speak to our color consultants.