Not sure how often your house exterior should be repainted? You’re not alone. We get this question all the time from Christchurch homeowners – especially when they’ve just bought, are planning to sell, or the paint’s starting to look a bit tired.
Here’s a good rule of thumb:
Most painted exteriors in Christchurch need a refresh roughly every 10 years.
That applies to timber and plaster cladding, which are common around here. Sun, rain, and temperature changes slowly wear the surface down, and even the best paint jobs eventually need redoing to keep your home protected.
What about natural timber?
If your house features stained or oiled timber rather than painted cladding, it’ll need a bit more love – ideally a recoat every 2 to 3 years. Oils and stains don’t last as long as paint, and if you leave it too long, the timber can start to deteriorate.
We often say: maintenance is cheaper than repair. The longer you wait, the more prep work is needed later – and that adds to the cost.
What are the signs it’s time to repaint?
Keep an eye out for:
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Fading or patchy colour
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Peeling, flaking, or bubbling paint
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Hairline cracks in plaster
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Timber that’s starting to grey, dry out, or split
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Stains or mould that won’t wash off
If you’re seeing any of those, it might be time to plan ahead – even if the house doesn’t look too bad yet.
Need an honest opinion?
We’re happy to pop by and let you know whether it’s time to repaint or if you can wait a bit longer. We’ll check the condition of your current paint job and give you a clear quote for what’s involved.
Start with our Free Estimate page – it only takes a few minutes to get the ball rolling.
We’re a small, woman-run team based in Christchurch, and we’ll always give you straight answers. No pressure, no fluff – just practical advice to keep your home in top shape.