Exterior house painting: Restrictions

Painting the exterior of your home may be subject to restrictions that you are free from when painting the inside. There are several reasons why you need to carefully consider the colours you choose for the outside of your home. Bear in mind that not only will you have to look at the result day in and day out, but so will your neighbours and any visitors to the area. For this reason there are council restrictions in some areas, as well as simply being considerate of your neighbours and any heritage restrictions that may apply in your area.

Paint colour restrictions

Before setting your heart on certain colours to paint your home's exterior, check on any restrictions that might apply in your area.

• Start by checking with your local council about any restrictions that apply to house colours in your neighbourhood. Many areas don't have these, but some do because of heritage values or simply the type of aesthetic that the majority of people expect in that area. There are unlikely to be absolute colour restrictions and you will still have some choice to create individuality, but some colours or types of hues or shades may be inappropriate
• If you live in an area that attracts tourists, there is more likely to be restrictions on exterior colours, particularly if the area has historical value
• If you are renovating a home that has some heritage value, it is very likely that you will be restricted in the types of colours you can paint it in. Check with the government authority that has heritage listed your home before proceeding
• If you are renovating a heritage home, use a professional to analyse the original paint to ensure that you use the appropriate colours to restore it, or use historical colour charts to recreate an appropriate scheme
• If you live in an area of natural beauty, you may find that the council restricts exterior colours, particularly on roofs and especially in houses on skylines, to natural colours like brown or green, so that the view is not harmed.
• Consider your neighbours! If you have an artistic or adventurous streak and would like to paint your home in bolder colours, it may be worth chatting to the neighbours about your plans before you begin, to avoid heated conflicts. Compromises that suit both parties can usually be reached if you take the time and trouble to talk to your neighbours before wielding the paintbrush

Be sensitive to any restrictions that might apply to exterior colours on your home to avoid a fine or conflict with your neighbours.

Exterior paint colour restrictions for your home

While you are most likely free to paint the interior of your home whatever colours you choose, you may find that restrictions apply to exterior colours. If you live in a heritage area, somewhere that attracts tourists or a place of natural beauty, there may very well be restrictions on how you can paint your home. Regardless, it is wise to check with your council before proceeding to repaint your home a different colour.