When it comes to giving your home a fresh new look with a splash of color, paint is the magic wand you need. But the question is, how do you actually get that paint on the wall? Do you DIY or hire a professional? Both have their benefits and drawbacks, making the decision a tricky one.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of DIY painting versus hiring a pro to help you determine which option is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete newcomer, we’ll break down the costs, time, and skills required for each.
We’ll also examine the outcomes you can anticipate and assist you in weighing the pros and cons. So whether you’re in the market for a simple update, a complete overhaul, or just some inspiration, read on to discover the better choice between DIY painting and hiring a pro.
The Cost of DIY Painting and Hiring Professional Painters
Of course, a painting job requires an investment of money. And just like any home improvement project, it is important to consider the cost. Though this should not be the most focal point of the decision, it is certainly a factor to consider.
Initial Expenses for DIY Painting
Let’s go through the DIY stuff first. When painting, you need materials to get the job done. This includes rollers, brushes, paint trays, tape and drop cloths, primer, and of course paint. Depending on the size of your project area and the brand you buy, you could pay anywhere from $20 to $200 or more just for supplies. The good rule of thumb is to always allot more money than you think you’ll need. This way, you’ll be ready for any potential costs and won’t have to stop mid-project to buy more materials.
Ongoing Expenses for DIY Painting
If you are planning on a large project, it’s important to consider the cost of supplies you may need throughout your entire painting journey. You’ll likely need touch-ups in certain areas or even a second coat of paint. This means more paint and primer, along with additional materials like sandpaper, wood filler, caulk, and putty as needed. The cost varies, of course, but you should definitely set aside a budget for potential additional expenses.
The Cost of Hiring a Professional Painter
If you decide to hire a professional painter instead, make sure to understand the term of the agreement. Will they provide the paint? How long will it take? What kind of guarantee do they offer? Reputable painters should have no issue answering these questions and giving you a clear breakdown of your costs before starting work. More often than not, professional painters charge by the hour or by the square foot.
If by the hour, a basic painting job will cost you around $20 to $50 an hour. For more specialty works like staining or wallpapering, you may need to pay $50 to $100 or more per hour. You should also factor in the cost of paint and materials, which can range from $10 to $30 per gallon depending on your chosen brand.
Hidden Costs of DIY Painting and Professional Painting
Moving forward, you should take into account the hidden costs of DIY and professional painting. These are unknown expenses that come up unexpectedly, such as repairs to pre-existing damages or various other unforeseen circumstances. To give you a better idea, here are some of the most common hidden costs to consider:
- Additional time and labor if you underestimate the complexity of the project.
- The cost of refinishing or repairing damaged surfaces.
- Unforeseen issues that may come up during a painting job like mold, termites, etc.
- Extra materials are needed if you decide to upgrade from your initial plan.
- Additional fees if the painter needs to work on weekends or holidays.
Most professional painters are transparent about what the final cost will be, but it is still good to ask ahead of time and set a budget before continuing with the job. Also, unforeseen repairs that need to be done may also affect the final price. If you wish to eliminate this problem, you can opt to have someone inspect the area that you want to paint first and make sure that it is in good condition before any painting begins.
Time Investment of DIY Painting vs. Hiring a Pro
For those who are considering taking on their own painting job, remember that the most important thing is to be prepared for the project. It’s best to take measurements of your space and calculate how much paint you will need beforehand, so you can minimize waste. Additionally, understand the necessary steps involved for each painting job.
On average, a professional painter that’s taking a painting job for an average-sized room will take only two to four days, versus taking a full week if you decide to do it yourself. In terms of time investment and cost savings, professional painters are often the better option for most projects. They can complete the job quickly and efficiently with fewer messes, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with clean-up afterward.
Thus, hiring a pro is beneficial for homeowners that have a specific deadline on when they want the job done, as well as those who need quality results without having to deal with any unexpected surprises. If you take into account all the time and cost savings associated with hiring a professional painter, it is definitely worth your while in the long run.
Skills and Experience Needed for DIY Painting vs. Hiring a Pro
The common mistake homeowners do is to take a home improvement project on their own without considering their skill level. Painting a room or cabinet takes more than a brush and a can of paint. It involves a lot of calculations, precision work, and experience in using the right techniques.
DIY painting requires an understanding of surface preparation, primer selection, color matching, and brush strokes for the best results. If you’re not sure about your skill level or if you don’t have any experience with home painting, then it’s best to hire a professional painter that has the skills and experience needed to get the job done right.
Professional painters, especially those who have many years of experience, are experts at color matching, wall preparation, and trimming. They also have access to the right tools and materials needed for a successful painting job. And because they know all the tricks and tips of the trade, you’re assured that your home will look great once they complete their work.
Quality of the Result for DIY Painting vs. Hiring a Pro
When it comes to the quality of the result, both DIY painting and hiring a professional have their own advantages and disadvantages. Factors such as experience, attention to detail, and access to quality tools and materials can greatly impact the quality of the final outcome.
- DIY painting can provide a personal touch and a sense of satisfaction, but it can also result in streaks, drips, and an overall lack of professionalism.
- Hiring a professional painter, on the other hand, can ensure a smooth and polished finish, as they have the experience and skills to tackle even the most challenging areas. Professional painters also have access to high-quality tools and materials, which can result in a longer-lasting and better-looking finish.
Another factor to consider is the preparation and clean-up required for the painting process. Professional painters will typically take care of all the prep work, such as covering furniture and floors, as well as the clean-up after the job is done. This can save a significant amount of time and effort compared to DIY painting.
Overall, the result will, again, depend on your level of expertise. If you know the basics and are confident in your painting skills, then DIY painting may be the better option. But, again, if you want a solid, quality finish or you’re on a time crunch, then hiring a professional painter is the way to go.
Bonus Tip: How to Look for a Professional Painter
If after all considerations and many hours of thinking, you’ve decided to hire a professional painter, then the next step is to find one. There are many ways how you can do this. And to help, we’ve listed some tips below:
1. Look Within Your Area
The last thing you want is to hire a painter that’s several hours away. After all, it might be difficult for them to deliver quality results in a timely manner if they’re miles away from the job site. Make sure to search for painters within your area, so you can save time and money.
2. Ask Around
Another way to look for a professional painter is to ask around the local community or family and friends who have recently had work done on their homes. It’s always best to get personal recommendations since it gives you an idea of how reliable and trustworthy the painter is.
3. Check Online Reviews and Ratings
Another thing you can do is check online reviews and ratings. This is a great way to get an idea of how experienced and reliable the painter is. Make sure to check their profiles on websites like Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List to read customer testimonials and comments.
4. Compare Quotes
Once you have a list of potential painters, make sure to compare quotes and rates. Most painters offer free or low-cost estimates, so you can get an idea of how much it will cost. It is best to stay away from painters who don’t offer free job quotations as this cost can add up quickly.
5. Ask Questions
Before hiring a painter, make sure to ask questions about their experience and qualifications. After all, you want to make sure that the painter is qualified and has the right tools and materials needed for the job. Here are some of the questions you might want to ask:
- How long have you been in the business?
- Do you hold any certifications or qualifications?
- Do you provide a written estimate of cost and timeline?
- What is your process for prep, painting, and cleanup?
- What type of paint do you use?
- Do you offer warranties on your work?
The Bottom Line
DIY painting and professional painting both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one is best for you. Take into consideration the time and cost involved, as well as the type of finish you want for your project. If you’re confident in your skills and have enough time in hand, then DIY painting may be the way to go. But if you want a quality, long-lasting finish or don’t have the time to do it yourself, then you should consider hiring a professional painter. By following the tips above, you can find the best and most reliable painter for your needs.
If you are in Chandler, make sure to check out our website at Chandler 480 Painting. We offer different painting services for both residential and commercial properties. From interior painting and exterior painting to cabinet painting and feature walls, our team of experienced painters can provide you with the best results. Give us a call today!