If you own a rental property, you know the numbers game: monthly income vs. maintenance costs, long-term value vs. short-term fixes. But what if one simple upgrade could check all the boxes, attracting better tenants, reducing vacancies, and increasing property value?
Enter the humble yet powerful weekend paint job.
At 4 Brothers Painting, we’ve worked with countless Edmonton landlords and property managers since 1995. What we’ve learned is simple: nothing transforms a rental unit faster, or more cost-effectively, than a professional coat of paint. It’s fast. It’s affordable. And when done right, it’s the easiest way to command higher rent while keeping tenants happy.
In this blog, we’ll break down why paint matters more than you think, how to maximize impact in just a weekend, and the top strategies for rental-ready finishes that stand the test of time.
First Impressions Matter: Renters Judge With Their Eyes
Let’s be honest, renters make decisions fast. Within seconds of walking through the door, they’re imagining themselves living in the space. If they’re greeted by dingy walls, scuffed baseboards, or outdated colors, it’s an instant turn-off.
But give them crisp, clean, neutral tones and suddenly your unit feels:
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Brighter
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More spacious
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Well-maintained
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More desirable
That visual freshness often translates into faster rentals, better quality tenants, and even increased monthly income.
Real estate rule of thumb: A fresh coat of paint can increase perceived property value by 5–10%, sometimes more when paired with a few small upgrades.
Why a Weekend Paint Job Is the Smartest Investment for Landlords
You don’t need a full renovation to make a major impact. In fact, repainting is one of the lowest-cost, highest-return improvements you can make to a rental unit.
Here’s why landlords love this upgrade:
1. Minimal Downtime
Unlike flooring, cabinetry, or plumbing upgrades, a professional paint job can be completed in 1–2 days, especially when you hire an experienced crew like 4 Brothers Painting.
2. Instant Transformation
Even if your layout is dated, fresh paint modernizes the space. Neutral, bright tones make older homes feel newer and more inviting.
3. Attracts Better Tenants
Well-maintained properties appeal to tenants who are more likely to take care of the space, and more likely to pay on time.
4. Higher Rent Potential
A refreshed space justifies market-rate pricing (or more), especially if surrounding properties haven’t kept up appearances.
5. Tax-Deductible Expense
In most cases, painting is considered a maintenance cost, making it a deductible expense come tax season.
Where to Focus for Maximum Impact
If you’re working with a limited window between tenants, or simply want the most bang for your buck, here’s where to concentrate your painting efforts:
1. Living Room & Entryway
These high-traffic areas make the strongest first impression. Neutral tones like warm greys, soft taupes, or off-whites work best here.
2. Kitchens
Brighten cabinets or walls with a clean coat of paint. Avoid trendy colors that may not appeal to all renters.
3. Bedrooms
Soothing, versatile colors like pale grey or soft beige give bedrooms a calm, welcoming vibe.
4. Trim & Doors
Don’t underestimate the power of sharp, clean baseboards and door frames. Repainting trim in a bright semi-gloss white adds contrast and polish.
5. Ceilings
Tenants rarely look up, until they do. Refreshing popcorn ceilings or patchy areas can lift the entire room visually.
Paint Choices That Work in Rental Units
Paint in rentals needs to do more than look good, it needs to perform. Here’s what we recommend for landlords:
1. Durable Finish (Eggshell or Satin)
Avoid flat finishes, they scuff easily and are hard to clean. Eggshell or satin offers a smooth look with better washability, perfect for walls and common areas.
2. Neutral Color Palette
Stick with timeless, tenant-friendly tones that appeal to everyone. Our top picks include:
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Living Area
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Recommended Colour: Soft Taupe
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Why It Works: Warm, neutral, and widely liked by most tenants.
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Bedroom
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Recommended Colour: Light Grey
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Why It Works: Modern, calming, and versatile for various decor styles.
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Kitchen
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Recommended Colour: Clean White
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Why It Works: Bright, fresh, and gives a timeless, classic look.
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Trim/Doors
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Recommended Colour: Glossy White
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Why It Works: Adds contrast, definition, and a polished finish.
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3. Low or Zero-VOC Paint
Not only is this safer for your tenants, but it also means faster turnover, no lingering odors or drying delays.
Professional vs. DIY: Why Going Pro Pays Off
It’s tempting to grab a roller and tackle the job yourself, especially if you own multiple properties. But here’s what many landlords quickly discover:
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DIY takes longer (usually 2x–3x more)
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Mistakes require time and money to fix
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The finish doesn’t look as clean or consistent
With 4 Brothers Painting, you get:
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Precision application with pro-grade tools
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Clean edges, no drips, no mess
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Fast turnaround so you can re-list or move in tenants right away
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One weekend transformation with zero hassle
We’ve been trusted by Edmonton landlords since 1995 for a reason: we get it done right and fast.
Bonus: Prepping for a Successful Turnover
If you’re scheduling a paint job between tenants, here’s a quick checklist to get the most out of your refresh:
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Remove all nails and hooks from walls
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Patch small holes or ask us to include that in the prep
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Turn off HVAC to avoid dust circulation
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Schedule painting immediately after cleaning but before staging or repairs
Our team at 4 Brothers can also coordinate with your property manager or cleaning crew for a seamless turnover.
Why Landlords Choose 4 Brothers Painting
We’re not just painters. We’re your reliable partner in keeping your property looking its best and performing even better.
Since 1995, we’ve helped Edmonton landlords:
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Reduce turnover times
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Attract higher-quality tenants
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Increase rental income
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Avoid costly painting mistakes
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Maintain consistency across multiple properties
Our crews are fast, professional, and fully insured. We show up when we say we will, respect your timelines, and leave every unit spotless.
Get the Rental Refresh You and Your Property Deserve
If your rental unit is sitting stale, or if you just want to increase value before the next lease cycle, a weekend paint job might be all you need.
Trust 4 Brothers Painting to bring fresh life, and fresh rent potential, to your property. Contact us today for a fast, free quote.
📧 info@4brotherspainting.com
📞 780-907–1976
Paint now. Profit later. It’s that simple.
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