The money and time spent painting your home will quickly pay off in the enjoyment you'll receive and the increased value of your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint indoors can change the look of any room, while touching up exterior items, like shutters and trim, greatly increases the overall curb appeal. When it comes to updating your home, painting is the most economical way to increase value and personal satisfaction.

Painting your home doesn't have to be a major undertaking. Just follow these simple steps:

Shake Things Up

Even though paint colors are professionally mixed when you buy them, they will need to be fully stirred before painting. If the paint is not completely mixed, you can end up with uneven tones on your newly painted walls. Mixing paint with a stir stick, however, can be a tiresome task. Here's a fast and easy way of mixing your paint, not maxing out your pain: let your electric or portable drill do all of the work!

Cut a plastic clothes hanger into a long "J" shape and insert it into the end of your drill. This handy tool provides a time-saving and energy-conserving means of mixing the paint to perfection.

Tap Away the Drips

Most people get the excess paint from a brush by scraping it against the edge of the can. This can cause drips and waste valuable paint. Try tapping or slapping the brush instead. This will keep more paint at the end of the brush, where you want it, and the excess will fall into the can instead of dripping down the sides. You'll also be able to cover more area between dips, which is an important tip if you're traveling up and down the ladder.

Code Red or Code Blue?

Be aware of any building codes or restrictions in your residential area before you take on the time and expense of painting your home. There are restrictions in many residential areas, such as housing units and condominiums. Your bright yellow stucco home and turquoise shutters may look lovely, but may not meet your neighborhood code. Another consideration is the color, height and size of fences and other outdoor structures. Check first, before spending the time and money.

Get the Lead Out

It's imperative that you remove any old lead paint that may exist in your home. Lead paint can cause illness in children, including learning disabilities. Check your home for peeling paint that may be lead based. Window sills and wood trims are common culprits. If you find any old, peeling paint, scrape it off and repaint. Your home will not only look better, it will also be a safer place for your kids.

Prime Time

Making sure that you're properly prepared for a painting job can help you to save money in the long run. A good primer coat will result in less time and paint needed for the finishing coat or coats.

There are many jobs that you can do yourself, if you're willing to put the time and energy into it. For example, bevel your existing fence posts rather than spending the money on brand new ones. With a radial saw and some basic knowledge of geometry, you'll have no trouble cutting the perfect angles for your new picket fence.

Building equity in your home is easiest with paint. Trendy or timeless colors inside the home, and fresh accents outdoors, will increase the value of your property and earn you well-deserved bragging rights.