I’m willing to put money down that the number one update homeowners first make when they move into a space is laying down a new coat of paint on their walls. I find it is also one of the most beginner-friendly updates you can do yourself. Which is why it makes sense that so many people wonder if they really need to hire out help, or if this is a task they can do themselves. Today, I’m going to dig into some of the pros and cons. So hopefully by the end of this post, you will have an answer as to whether you can paint yourself, or you will need to hire a painter.
Pros of hiring a painter
- Expertise
The first pro on this list is an easy one. Hiring a professional usually means that you will end up with a better, longer-lasting finish. Professional painters do this everyday and they know everything they need to do to ensure you’re getting a top notch finish when the project is done.
- Time Is on Your Side
The second most obvious benefit to hiring a professional painter is that time is on your side. It means that weekends and weeknights after work will not be spent pulling out the roller and getting to work. Painting can be deceiving in how long it actually takes to complete. If you hire a professional painter, your time can be spent doing anything else. Professional painters are also much more efficient getting the job done which translates to you having the space turned over sooner. Which I think is something we can all appreciate.
- Tools and Techniques
If you are planning on painting your space yourself, there might be something you’re forgetting, and that is the tools you’ll need. They can also eat into the budget and can be especially frustrating to purchase if you are not going to use them again. When you hire professional painters, they will already have everything they need to complete your job. That means no extra unneeded tools hanging around your basement when all is said is done.
- Hard to Reach Spaces
If you have difficult spaces to reach (think vaulted ceilings) hiring a professional painter can be a better route to go. If you decide to still take on the project yourself, you will likely need to rent out an extended ladder, or lift depending on the size of the space.
Cons of hiring a painter
- The Budget
While the added cost is most often worth it based on the results you get, hiring a professional painter can get expensive depending on how many rooms they’re completing. This is the biggest factor when it comes to deciding between hiring a professional painter or doing it yourself. Ultimately, you need to weigh the budget and have to take on the job yourself and then decide which you value the most.
- Someone in Your Space
All of us have different comfort levels when it comes to having other people in our space. Hiring professional painters can mean having extra people in your space and it could make for some long days. They are, however, many good companies and with a bit of research, you should be able to find people you trust to be in your home.
- Scheduling Constraints
Coordinating with a professional painter’s schedule can sometimes be challenging. Availability, especially during peak seasons, can be limited, leading to delays in your home improvement project. If you’re wanting a quick turnaround, this can be a negative.
- Risking Final Product
Although professional painters should be able to achieve a near flawless finish, there is still a chance you won’t be pleased with the final result. I also believe it’s true that you will judge an outcome much more harshly if you paid money for it rather than you did it yourself. I’ve heard many awful stories about clients not being pleased with how the paint job was completed.
DIY Painting: Pros and Cons
- Satisfaction
If you are just starting to head down the DIY road, then painting a room is a great first step to dipping your toes into the DIY world. Finishing painting a room allows you to take a step back with a certain bit of satisfaction that you just don’t get when you hire a professional painter.
- Cost-Effective Endeavor
Opting to paint your space yourself can save you a considerable amount of money, as you won’t be shelling out for professional services. If you’re okay with the extra time it will take, doing to DIY route can be a great option.
- Learning a Skill
Getting started on a DIY painting journey means diving headfirst into learning about color theory, surface preparation and painting techniques. All of these skills can be incredibly valuable and will come in handy for the next DIY project.
- Potential for Frustration
Painting can test your patience (and your relationship for that matter) So that is something to keep in mind when deciding whether to hire a professional painter. Issues may come up, the finish doesn’t look the way you pictured, or the project is taking much longer than you anticipated. All of these are important details that come to mind when deciding on hiring a painter or taking it on yourself.
Tips for Finding a Good Professional Painter
- Do Your Homework: Ask friends, people in your communities, or local facebook groups for a referral. I always find it is better to start with referrals, then move to reviews.
- Look at Review: Check google to see what others have said about the company.
- Check for Credentials: Ensure that the painter you’re considering is licensed, insured, and bonded. This protects you from potential liabilities and ensures that you’re working with a legitimate professional.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from a few painters to compare prices and services. Keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best indicator of quality.
- Discuss the Scope of Work: Have a detailed discussion with potential painters about your project’s requirements, including the type of paint, finishes, and any specific requests you have.
Ultimately, the decision whether to hire a professional painter or take on the project yourself is a matter of personal preference and dependent on the job at hand. Each option has its pros and cons and has more to do with what you value in the project. If you’re looking for expertise, time savings, and flawless results, hiring a professional painter is likely the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you want a budget-friendly experience, the project is relatively straight-forward and you have the time to commit, handling the paint yourself might be the way to go.
Let the transformation begin!
