Updated October 2026
The short version
Many Naperville and Plainfield homes fall under HOA or historic guidelines, so exterior color changes often go to a committee or neighborhood board first. Read your association's architectural guidelines, submit color names, numbers and samples before booking, and expect to wait for a board decision. Repainting in the existing colors is usually simpler.
Why HOAs review colors
Associations review exterior colors to keep a neighborhood's look consistent and protect property values. In practice, the review usually covers body, trim, door and sometimes garage door colors, and some associations publish an approved palette that makes the decision easier.
Start with the guidelines
Before you fall for a color, find your association's architectural guidelines or covenants. They usually say which changes need approval, whether a pre-approved palette exists and how to apply. If you cannot find them, the property manager or board secretary can send a copy.
What to submit
- The color names and numbers, with the paint brand, for every surface: body, trim, doors, shutters and garage door.
- Large samples or photos of samples painted on your own house in daylight.
- A photo of the whole front of the house, and of neighboring homes if the guidelines ask for it.
- The product and sheen for each surface.
- Any other exterior changes planned at the same time, such as new shutters or a door.
A painter can help assemble this. We can paint the samples, photograph them on the house and give you a list of names, numbers and products for the application.
Timing without losing your paint date
Board reviews often wait for the next scheduled meeting, so apply as early as you can, ideally before booking a start date. If your preferred painting dates are close, ask whether the association can review by email, or book the job with the understanding that the start date follows approval.
Interior work can fill the gap: rooms, trim or cabinets can be done while the HOA reviews the exterior application.
Common reasons for a second look
- A body color much darker or brighter than the rest of the street.
- A garage door color that does not match the trim or body scheme.
- Missing color numbers or a sample that only exists as a small chip.
- Changes to materials, such as painting brick, bundled into a paint request.
- An application that arrives after work has already started.
Most of these are avoided with a complete application, large samples painted on the house and a little patience on the start date.
Repainting in the same colors
Keeping the existing colors is usually the simplest path, and some associations do not require an application for a repaint in kind. Check your guidelines rather than assuming, and keep the old color names on file for next time.
Historic District homes
Homes in the Naperville Historic District answer to the city rather than, or as well as, an HOA. Owners there need a Certificate of Appropriateness before most exterior alterations, so check with the City of Naperville before choosing new colors.
Written by Gloria Fenwick, Painting Guides Editor at Call Tip Top. Figures in this guide come from the published sources listed below and are checked when those sources update.
Sources used in this guide: