Does your home need a facelift? You can get immediate results with a fresh coat of paint.

An exterior painter can help you get the perfect new look for your home.  While professionals may know tricks of the trade, it’s always good to educate yourself. Here are a few tips that will help you get the best paint job from your crew. 

Set up a meeting before hiring a contractor. "Take time to actually meet the contractor,” says Jim Scanlan, owner of Lookswell Painting in Chicago. “Have the contractor explain exactly what they want to do and then you explain exactly what you want," he says. "Be sure to check experience rating and any references."  If the painting company hires subcontractors, review their credentials as well.

Hire your painters in the early fall or late summer. "Depending on the weather in the Midwest, exterior painting can generally begin in early May and continue until possibly the first two weeks in November," says Gary Noel of Northern Painting and Decorating, Inc. of Skokie, Ill. Painting conditions are best in average temperatures, such as 70 degrees. Low temperatures can cause paint to freeze and crack during the painting process, while high temperatures cause poor surface adhesion.

Understand your options. A good contractor will advise you on the best types of paint to use for the surfaces of your home and the weather conditions in your area.

Understand the pricing process. Exterior paint costs $25 to $40 dollars per gallon, so keep in mind how many square feet your project requires and how much primer will be used. Noel says his company predominately uses Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore or Pittsburgh paints.  "We do not quote flat fees as they are never accurate," he says. "Each project varies in cost depending on the size of the home, condominium or office, and the amount of work to be done."