3 Ways to save money on your painting project without sacrificing quality
Posted on June 7, 2019
1) Product
The paint you choose for your project is a good way to save money. A common mistake people make is to only look at the price tag or the brand name. Not all paints are created equal, so buying cheap paint may end up costing you more money due needing more coats to cover or a total repaint because it lacks any kind of durability.
Just because a paint can bares a name brand (Sherwin-Williams, PPG, Behr…) doesn’t mean it is a good paint. All name brands create low to high end paints, just because their name is on it doesn’t make it quality. Before purchasing the paint, research it. Having the best paint is nice but not necessary. Buying a cheap paint may you save money up front but cost more once the project gets started or down the road. Look for a solid mid-grade paint, this will provide quality at a price that doesn’t break the bank and durability for years to come.
2) Painter
Obviously, the best way to save money on the painter is to do it yourself, but if time, energy or ability keeps you from painting you will need to hire someone to do it for you. There are all kinds of painters and each come with their pros and cons. If you can find a small, local painter who has good references, this will often be your cheapest way to go in order to get your desired outcome. The downside to this kind of painter is that they are typically not available quickly (because they are good) and you never know how long they will stay in business in order to make good on any warranties.
On the other end you have your larger companies. These companies have been in business for a while and some are backed by their franchise. These companies will likely be able to get to your project quicker and be around to fulfill any warranty issues you may have. The downside to these companies is that they will be more expensive than the small painters due to company overhead.
For more information on selecting a painter please reference:
(https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/09/tip-of-the-day-how-to-hire-a-painter/index.htm)
3) Surface
Limiting the surfaces that are painted is a great way to save money when using a painter. Generally speaking, large open spaces such as walls, lower ceilings and siding don’t take long to paint and therefore cost less. If you are painting the interior of your home and can avoid paying a painter to paint the trim, doors and closets the price will be easier on your pocket book. Trim and doors take time to paint and are usually painted with a brush, therefore taking longer to paint. Closets can add a lot to your cost because they are typically tight spaces with a lot of shelves to work around. Besides you, who will see your closets? Why should you put money into them?
If you are painting your exterior you can save money by having a 1 tone house verses a 2 or 3 tone house. Every color you add to your exterior project slows the painting down due to having to cut the different spaces in and protect from getting the other colors on them. If you choose 1 color and sheen for all the surfaces on the house your painter will be able to cruise along and therefore save you money.
Jason Nelson – Residential Sales Associate
CertaPro Painters of Indianapolis
