Why it pays off: Painting a room costs much less than other home improvements and produces dramatic results with little effort. It’s also a simple home improvement. The interior of a typical American home will cost between $3,600 and $6,000 if you decide to hire a professional to complete the work (about 2,400 square feet). A paint job on the outside will cost $5,000 or more.
Unable to choose a colour? Pale yellow homes typically sell more quickly and for a higher price, according to Gerri Willis, former host of Open House on CNN and author of Home Rich. Yellow is upbeat and motivating, according to Barbara Richardson, the director of colour marketing for Glidden and a well-known colour trend forecaster.