How much did professional painting cost you? How much have you achieved? Did they fix the roofs too? What made it worthwhile for you? The main drawback of hiring a professional painting contractor is the cost. Painting services can be expensive, especially for larger jobs or for high-quality paints. However, it is essential to weigh the investment with the time, effort and potential risks of undertaking a painting project on your own. When it comes to repainting your house, you may be tempted to pull out the roller and do it yourself.
But should you? While applying one or two coats of paint may seem simple, there are some important considerations when undertaking a project on your own. It really depends on the person's skill level, the tools they have, the details of the project and the amount of preparation needed, says Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams. So how do you determine exactly when to paint yourself and when is it best to hire a professional? Keep reading for expert-approved tips. A painting professional, on average, can handle 150 to 350 square feet per hour, in case you want to calculate costs before talking to your painter.
Always make sure to consider both layers of paint and to leave some time for preparation and cleaning. While labor accounts for the majority of professional painting costs, the remaining 15 to 20% are materials, including paint. You may also have to make other expenses if your home requires you to do tests to see if the paint contains lead or to do additional preparation and repair work. Another factor is whether you'll need to prepare or not. Often, if you paint a similar color on a pre-painted surface and use a 2-in-1 paint with a primer, good cleaning and light sanding will suffice.
However, if you're trying to paint on a darker wall or an unpainted surface, such as new drywall, it's a good idea to use a normal primer. Most professional painting quotes take basic prep work into account, but additional repairs that go beyond the usual light sanding and cleaning will increase costs. Spending time preparing not only surfaces, but also space can help keep preparation hours to a minimum, saving you money in the long run. While most professional painting crews are responsible for moving furniture for you, having spaces cleared in advance will also save you time and money.
It's often much cheaper to paint your space before you move or after you move, as there are also fewer surfaces to cover and protect. Another unexpected cost is if you expect to do a special painting or commission a mural or trompe l'oeil, which literally translates to “visual trick”, a technique in which paint is used to create a false perspective on a wall or ceiling. Painting your house can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. If you've ever wanted to give your home a new, fresh look, but need help getting started, a professional painter can help.
Finally, you can always do the job yourself. If you're willing to pay the initial setup costs to get the necessary equipment and have a decent amount of time, painting yourself can save a significant amount of money. That said, a DIY job will almost always take two to three times longer to finish and won't give you as high a result as a professional. Because painting costs represent 80% of labor, it can be tempting to hire the cheapest painter you can find. However, in general, a cheap painter does not reduce labor costs but rather in their materials, so ask them what brand of paint they are using and be sure to guarantee that they are going to do two coats of paint.
Always make sure that they guarantee their work and that they receive something in writing. However, know that you will be charged for that time and this will increase the cost. If you plan to have your paint equipment moved and protect your furniture, you should also ask about their policy in case anything gets damaged or paint drips onto them during the process. Some painters may not require any down payment and simply request full payment after the work is finished. If you're going to be taking up most of your free time, it may be worth it to entrust the business to a professional for the sake of your mental health. However, hiring a professional painter can be worth it if you value time, experience, and quality assurance.
When hiring a painter, asking a few questions can also help you understand what you're paying for and if it's going to be a good fit. Ultimately, deciding whether to pay someone to paint your house or if you'll do it yourself depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. While you'll most likely have to pay a hefty sum, it'll pay off in the long run when your home is attractive. It's always worth it in the long term to use the highest quality paint you can afford for the greatest durability and the best finish.
But is it worth hiring a professional painting contractor in Toronto to paint your house, or can you save money by doing it yourself? We'll examine the pros and cons of both options to help you decide what's best for you.
