1. Use Professionals
Painting your home is not the time to indulge your DIY impulse, unless you're truly handy or have prior experience with exterior painting. An amateur paint job will be obvious to even the least perceptive observer. Hire skilled professionals and get the job done right.

2. Get a Job Quote
Typically, professional house painters charge by the hour or by the job. Don't play guessing games: get a price quote for the entire job. Otherwise, you're likely to end up paying more than you'd bargained for.

3. Plan for the Future
While cutting costs will save you money in the short term, a budget paint job won't last long. If you plan to live in your current home for at least five more years, or if you plan on selling soon and want your house to look its best, opt for two coats of top-quality paint.

4. Choose the Right Colors
The color of your house is the most noticeable thing about it, so it's worth choosing carefully. Select trim and accent colors to highlight your home's best features. But before setting your heart on a particular color palette, make sure you won't be breaking any local restrictions concerning house colors.

5. Check the Details
If you're paying for top-quality paint, be sure that's what actually goes onto your house. Unscrupulous house painters have been known to pour cheap paint into brand-name containers and pocket the difference in cost. Even honest workmen occasionally make mistakes in good faith, so don't wait until the job is finished to check up.

Once your house is sporting a brand new paint job, you'll feel a surge of pride every time you pull into the driveway. Plus, your guests, neighbors and prospective buyers will have a fantastic first impression of your home.