Anyone can pick up a paint brush and splash a bit of paint, but not everyone can achieve a professional-looking finish for their home. It takes time, effort, and precision to produce a high-quality paint job.
However, not everyone can afford the price tag that comes with professional painting services. This is where the age-old debate of hiring a professional painter vs doing it yourself (DIY) comes into play. If you’re trying to decide which route to take for your next painting project, consider the pros and cons of both options:
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Pro
Pro – A Professional Painter Will Give You a More Consistent Finish
Professionals have years of experience and training in interior and exterior painting, which means they know how to achieve a uniform look on every surface. This is especially important if you’re looking to achieve a specific style or color scheme. A first-timer, in contrast, may end up with uneven surfaces that will cause the paint to chip or peel overtime.
Pro – They Understand Local Color Trends
If you want to paint your home’s exterior in the latest trend but don’t know where to start, a professional painter will provide a color scheme consultation. They keep up with the latest color trends and can even help you find the perfect shade if you’re unsure of what you want. They’ll also know which colors will work best with your home’s specific style, helping to boost curb appeal and boost property value.
Pro – They Understand the Value of Prep Work
It’s easy to assume that all a wall requires before being painted is a quick wipe-down. But in reality, there’s quite a bit of prep work that goes into getting a clean and even paint finish. This includes filling in any holes or cracks with caulk, sanding down any rough patches, and priming the surface. A pro will take care of all this for you so that you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.
Con – They can be Expensive
As with any professional home improvement service, there is always the potential for high costs. While some painters may offer discounts or coupons, many will charge at full price. This is because you’re not only paying for the equipment they use and work time, but also for their years of experience and training.
Con – You’re not Guaranteed Outstanding Results
Not every painting company is created equal – some may be more skilled and qualified than others. So even if you do decide to hire a professional, it’s important to do your research and find someone who is reputable and has a good track record. You’ll also want to clearly communicate with expectations, and this doesn’t apply to only painting companies, but also to handymen, man and van services, etc.
Pros and Cons of DIY Painting
Pro – You’ll Only Need to Pay for the Materials
When DIY painting you only need to pay for the cost of materials – there’s no labor costs associated with it. This can be a significant saving if you’re working on a tight budget. For example, to paint your interior, it will cost you $1-3 per square foot, which is only half as much as a professional. Overall, the cost of a DIY project is nearly always substantially cheaper, so you can allocate your financial resources into other DIY projects.
Pro – Choose Your Own Time Schedule
If you’re juggling multiple renovation projects including house painting then DIY is your best option. With enough time and patience, you can complete a painting project on your own schedule without having to worry about coordinating with someone else. This allows you to squeeze other DIY projects in, such as replacing cabinet hardware, or adding new decor features to your home.
However, when you do start painting you’ll need to be prepared to finish it. For example, latex paint only takes an hour to dry, giving you only 4 hours to apply another coat.
Con – You May Use the Wrong Paint Type
If you’re painting your exterior, you’ll want paint that can withstand your country’s weather conditions. Additionally, certain materials such as metal or concrete are better suited for specific paint types. For example, metal surfaces are generally painted with oil-based paint as it adheres better and has a higher durability. Without knowing what surface you’re painting, you may end up using the wrong type of paint which will lead to problems down the road.
Con – You Could Spiral out of Control
Tackling a big painting project on your own can be daunting, and it’s easy to get in over your head. Once you start, you may find that there are more problems than you anticipated (peeling paint, water damage, etc.). This can quickly turn a small project into a much bigger one – and an expensive one if you have to hire a professional to come in and fix your mistakes.
Con – It takes Time and Effort
Any DIY project requires time and effort, and painting is no exception. Not only do you need to allow yourself time to complete the project, but you also need to factor in prep, paint application, drying times and clean up afterwards. By hiring a professional painter, you can focus on other projects (or take a much-needed break), like how to earn money through blogging or another side project, while they handle the painting.