Professional Painters

DIY-ers can be tempted to take on increasingly large projects around their home. Whether it’s to save money or for the glory of the finished look, painting projects should be considered heavily.  Before you grab a bucket and brush to get started, here are house painting considerations and when to hire a pro.

Difficulty

Some homes are harder to paint. So where does yours fall in the spectrum? Is your home a simple box shape on one level? Or do you have a multi-level Victorian with gingerbread details?

The first is a much simpler job with less risk to the painter. The latter requires special ladders and equipment to finish. Undertaking one of these jobs should be left to a professional crew for the best results and safety.

Design

Ornate designs and intricacies to paint around will also add to the difficulty of the job. High nooks and Queen Anne style are particularly hard to access, let alone paint. The awkward positions required to inspect, fix and paint potential issues in some of the more detailed parts of your home could make it worth hiring an expert.

Levels

If the grounds around your home are generally flat, it’s an easier placement for ladders and work tools. Sloping and angled ground creates a more precarious situation for leveling ladders to climb on. For safety, experts have tools to make sure they are on stable ground. They will also be able to maneuver around brushes, doors, fences, and other items in the way.

Preparation

Prep work should be up to half of your planned time. Some problems are found in the inspection before painting can turn into extensive repairs. Peeling, rotten wood, mildew, and leaks are just the beginning of what you can find. An experienced painter will be able to identify the issues that are easily solved and what will require a repair from a professional. Many will be capable of small to medium repair work prior to the painting.

Lead

Does your home have lead? Was it built before 1978? It’s best to at least consult a professionally EPA-certified lead paint expert if this is the case. They can test your home for lead paint and educate you on what considerations may have to be taken. There is also a test they can perform to see if you do have lead paint.

Supplies

Within your budget, make sure you consider the cost of renting or purchasing the necessary equipment to get the job done. Within a painting estimate for your home, the pro will be able to break out the cost of labor and materials. Most of the time, they will have quite a few of the items that will be on your shopping list. Renting or purchasing things like ladders and power washers can add up quickly. Your estimated savings could be minimal when you take this into consideration.

Skillset

Not every homeowner has the skills and patience to paint a home. If you have done smaller painting and repair projects in your home and found yourself unhappy with results or impatient with the project, it could be a sign to call a professional in.

Knowing tricks as a professional makes the results turn out better and the job easier to complete. Overbrushing, extending paint too far, and using too thin coats are just a few of the painting disasters professional painters are hired to clean up.

Physicality

Painting a house is more physical than many self-painters expect. Is your body prepared for the work of climbing, brushing, and painting for several days? A certain amount of fitness and upper body strength will be required to get the job done. Those with injuries that could prevent them from finishing the job should consider hiring a professional to complete it.

Time

Many self-painters severely underestimate the time it will take to complete the job. A skilled painter can make a proper guess at the hours expected, but it will be under the guise that the painter will be using professional tools and know-how. Novice painters will find it takes them more time to find their way in the project.

A professional painter will also account for an 8-hour a day shift. Homeowners who paint tend to wear out long before the 8 hours. Interruptions from children and household duties can eat away at your time. Seasons can affect the ability to complete a full day’s work too. An overly hot day or unexpected shower is an easy way for your project to get put on hold.

If after reading this list you still feel confident, a house painting project could be in your future. Professionals are always available to lend advice or help a project that has gone awry.

If you are still on the fence, most professional painting companies will give free in-home estimates on projects. They can itemize and bid out the repairs, preparation, and painting. If you’re confident in one or more of those areas, they will work with you to get the outcome you’re looking for within the budget constraints you may have. Our estimators are happy to set up an appointment for a painting. Get an estimate from CertaPro Painters now.