The task of painting the interior or exterior of your home requires an investment. If you decide to go the DIY route you will invest your time, energy, and money into the project. If you choose to hire a residential painter your main investment will be financial. You may be asking, ‘Is it a better investment to hire a residential painter or do it myself?’ It is important to remember that you need to look at more than just what it will cost to do the paint job yourself versus hiring a professional. A high quality residential painter brings several things to the table that may justify the difference in cost.
- Knowledge
A good paint job requires more than simply putting paint on the wall. There is a proper way to prepare the area for paint so you end up with professional results. In addition, the type of paint that is best for your project depends on several factors. You need to decide between the type of paint-water based vs. oil based-and the sheen that is appropriate for your space. A high quality residential painter will have the necessary knowledge to properly prepare the area and can advise you on the best paint choices for your space. It is possible for you to learn how to do these tasks on your own but it will require a significant investment of time.
- Tools
A residential painter will have all the tools necessary to complete your paint job. For interior jobs the tools include brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and possibly painter’s tape. An exterior paint job will require additional tools such as a power washer, paint sprayer, ladders and scaffolding. These are a few of the ‘tools of the trade’ and you can expect your painter to come prepared with all the tools necessary to get the job done. When you decide to paint on your own, this is the area in which you will spend the majority of your money.
- Skill
Ultimately, you want to have a professional looking paint job that includes clean lines and even coverage. Getting these types of results requires a level of skill that has to be learned and honed. Even with tools such as painter’s tape it can be difficult to get all the lines just right if you do not have a lot of experience. You can end up with a splotchy paint job if you do not prepare the surface and apply the paint correctly. A high quality residential painter will have the skill to provide you with a professional paint job that meets all of your expectations. You can develop these skills but there is a learning curve that requires time and practice to overcome.
As you consider whether to invest in a residential painter, think about all of the things they bring to the table. The knowledge, tools, and skill they possess can make all the difference when it comes to the quality of a paint job. If you are hesitant because you do not know what a residential painter will cost then get a quote. Most reputable companies will give you a free quote so you have the opportunity to weigh all of your options. That information coupled with a clear understanding of what it takes to get a great finished product will help you make the choice that works best for you.
