Interior Painting: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Hiring a professional painting company is an investment… But before making such an investment, most people ask themselves something like, “Can I do this on my own?”

Well, that can be quite the loaded question – and the answer will depend on your experience, time, and the project at hand. To make your decision easier, let’s walk through what types of projects are great for the DIY approach, and what you may want to leave to the pros.

First, let’s consider the basic equation of time vs. cost. When people choose to tackle painting projects themselves, it’s usually in an effort to save money. Assuming everything goes according to plan and no major mistakes or setbacks occur, the DIY approach will cost less simply because you won’t be paying for the labor of professional painters.

However, the opposite is also true: what you save in cost you spend in time and effort. With this in mind, consider that professional painting crews have the equipment and expertise to get jobs done quickly, likely with fewer mistakes and messes than an inexperienced, DIY interior painter.

That doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) paint the interior of your own home, just that it’s important to understand that savings in one area almost always means an investment in another.

NOTE: If you choose to go DIY to save some money, it’s still a good idea to invest in quality paint like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. Box stores may have cheaper options, but you’ll be sacrificing coverage, stain resistance, and other great features that make reputable paint brands more than worth the cost.

The next factor to consider is your general experience with interior painting (or other related skills). If you’ve tackled these types of projects before and feel confident in your abilities, the DIY approach might be perfect for you – especially if you already have some of the necessary equipment on hand!

If you don’t have any experience, though, taking on a painting project yourself can result in unsightly errors, extra time going back over poorly covered areas, second-guessing your choices, messes, and even damage to your property – not to mention frustration.

Still, not all interior painting projects are created equal. The experience factor brings us to our last and final topic: the project itself. A spare bedroom, for example, without many windows, closets, or elaborate trim, is significantly easier to paint than a bathroom with tight spaces and numerous fixtures.

Depending on the room you want to paint (and its unique features), the DIY approach might make a lot of sense… Or be a recipe for disaster. Professionals are used to protecting mirrors, masking fixtures, and effectively painting in all of those troublesome areas that can be challenging for the less experienced.

If you’re determined to go DIY, start with an easy room! You’ll get some practice and a better understanding of what that type of project involves. On the other hand, if time is scarce… If you’ve got a tough job on your hands… Or if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, it’s a good idea to hire a pro!

Have questions about your next interior painting project? Contact CertaPro today!