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Choosing Between Professional Painters and DIY for Your Home

Should You Hire Professional Painters or Do It Yourself?

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to enhance the appearance of any room in your house. Many of us have painted areas of the home before, and so many think that it’s a waste of time and money to hire a professional painter. Let’s discuss what to consider before deciding whether to hire a professional painters or do to the work yourself.

At first, it seems more expensive to hire a professional handyman. However, it’s important to consider what the trade-off are. By hiring a professional, you not only will get a higher quality paint job but it will also save you a lot of time.

It is time-consuming getting all the materials needed, removing any furniture, preparing, washing and painting the areas. You will need to buy the primer, paint, all brushes/rollers, trays, drop cloths, and tape, whereas a professional painter will arrive with the materials needed for the project.

Cost to hire a painter relies on a few factors:

Area of your home to paint.
Type of painting needed.
Painter’s experience.

Location of Project

Is the location of the painting inside or outside? Inside will have solid floors, reachable ceilings, uniformly bright light, and temperatures. Outside, however, the ground can be uneven, making it difficult to set ladders or reach overhangs. Dew, wind, rain, or other Austin weather elements could impact the painting process or the wet paint.

Do you want one room painted or the entire house? One or two stories? One coat of paint in one room or minor touch-ups can be considered reasonable to the DIYer. However, multiple rooms that include moving/covering furniture, prepping/sanding the walls and trims, drywall repairs, and reaching high areas would be best left for professional painters.

Type of Paint Job

What type of paint job are you wanting? This includes but is not limited to accent walls, specific designs or textures, applying the same color, or making dramatic color changes. Realistically evaluate your skill level when it comes to painting and whether or not you’re really up to the task. The more complex your paint job, the more likely you’ll want to opt for hiring a professional painter. It’s also good to note as these considerations can affect the cost and time it takes for either you or a professional to get the job done.

The layout of the space can also be a factor to consider. Unobstructed walls can be done quickly with a roller. In contrast, rooms with larger baseboards, detailed window casings, and cornice molding will require more time and effort. A lot of trimming, cabinets, and shelves will need more precision and brushwork, therefore taking more time.

YardDoc's handyman services include talented professional painters experienced in both interiors and exteriors

A Painter's Experience

When hiring professional painters, low prices don’t necessarily mean it will be lousy work. Companies that perform top-quality work can often quote low. Asking for a detailed proposal is a good way to know how the work will be done. A company that does a thorough and good job will be happy to include details such as prep work, if they are providing the paint; then the paint specs by brand name, color and product number, number of coats needed, any materials needed and a full description of the work to be done. To make the job go as smoothly as possible, it is good practice to do your part by clearing the area before the work is to start. Have access and entry areas free from clutter, knickknacks, and small items packed up, cars out of the garage or driveway, and have a parking spot that is close for the painter with all his supplies. Workers should be ok to help with large items if they need moving.