If you’re thinking about giving the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint, take advice from two highly rated Los Angeles-area painters. A little research and planning can ensure you get the best paint job at the best price possible.

Dan Dugan, owner of highly rated Wet Paint Company in Laguna Niguel, Calif., says before he shows up at a customer’s house, he tells them to have a color in mind.

“I run into this constantly,” he says. “They have no idea what color they want.”

Getting paint samples from a home improvement store is a start, but Dugan also recommends looking at other houses you like in the neighborhood. For his customers, he’ll come to their house and do a consultation with them if they need additional help finding the right shade.

“Determine what color family you like,” he says.

Once you decide on a paint color, Michael Bellotti, of highly rated Michael Bellotti Painting in Los Angeles, says picking a durable base is the next step. A quality base will help make sure you get the most out of your paint job.

“The labor costs three times more than the paint, so you want to get paint that lasts,” he says.

When it comes time to call in a professional, Dugan says do your research and ask for referrals. Ask for bids, and consider tossing out the highest and the lowest.

“I always say go for the middle guy,” he says.