Although do-it-yourself (DIY) paint jobs are appealing because they allow you to save money and achieve personal satisfaction, but they aren’t always the best option. Knowing when to hire a painter to complete the work for you may be a wiser, more cost-effective idea. If you want freshly painted walls that look stellar and last, it’s best to leave some rooms and situations to the experts.
Choosing Between DIY Paint vs. Professional
Tackling home improvement projects yourself is satisfying, and rolling up your sleeves can significantly reduce spending. However, DIY painting is time-consuming, physically demanding and sometimes unsafe, especially when working on larger rooms, high ceilings and damaged walls.
You might also like
Professional painters usually charge $25 to $75 per hour, $1 to $6 per square foot or about $300 to $1,200 per room. Although expensive, the work is of much higher quality and more durable. They also have the right equipment to complete projects faster and pay closer attention to detail.
Considering the time you spend preparing a space, doing the work and cleaning up, hiring a professional requires little effort. Oftentimes, painters set up their workspace, sometimes removing your belongings and taking down wall art for you with little disruption to your life.
When Should You Hire a Professional Painter?
Even the most skilled DIY painters will struggle with certain rooms and spaces. Some areas may be out of reach, while others have intricate details that are hard to cover. Here is when to hire a painter for a professional finish.
High Ceilings and Hard-to-Reach Areas
It’s challenging to do two things at once. For instance, standing on a ladder or scaffolding to paint tall ceilings and tight corners might increase the risk of falling and injuring yourself. A professional has the proper gear — such as extension poles and lifts — to access these spaces safely. They can also create a flawless result without drips or streaks.
Intricate Trim and Detailing
Detailed crown molding, baseboards, and window casings require a steady hand and excellent precision for a perfect finish. Professional painters can achieve a smooth, even coat, whereas DIYers may mess up painting over curves and angles. They also use special edging tools to create sharp lines, such as where the trim meets the wall.
Large-Scale Projects
Painting the entire house can be overwhelming for one DIYer. Professional painters might work with a team to finish painting all the rooms within a few days.
In addition to a traditional paintbrush, they use different applicators, such as an airless paint sprayer at an operating pressure range of 1,500 to 3,000 pounds per square inch. This allows them to apply thicker coats and cover entire walls more quickly.
Damage Repair
You’ll need more than a coat of paint to repair cracked or peeling walls caused by water damage. Mold can also grow on drywall after 24 hours of moisture exposure, posing a significant health risk. Hiring a professional painter to address and treat the problem correctly will ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish and reduce your chances of developing respiratory conditions.
Specialty Finishes
Some people prefer a unique texture on their walls for visual interest, requiring highly specialized painting skills and techniques. For instance, you might like a combed look, in which lines of different widths and shapes are etched in the paint, while a vertical pattern could create the illusion of taller walls.
Knockdown is another texture you should consider for a rustic or stucco aesthetic. Unlike DIYers, professional painters will have ample experience creating stunning walls with lots of character.
Lead Paint Concerns
Despite the government banning lead paint in 1978, your older home may still have it. In fact, 69% of households built between 1940 and 1959 and 89% constructed before 1940 are likely contaminated. There are safety regulations for handling and disposing of lead paint, requiring a trained and certified professional to remove it for you. Hiring someone to do the work eliminates lead dust and ensures your household is safe and healthy.
Finding the Right Professional Painter
Deciding between DIY paint and a professional may not be easy if you hope to save money. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you hire the right person at a fair price:
- Research painters locally and get at least three quotes.
- Check their references, portfolios and online reviews.
- Ensure they have the proper licensure and insurance.
- Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust.
Additionally, some professional painters get discounts on paint and supplies through major brands and retailers, which can lower costs if you order a lot of paint.
Know When to Hire the Pros to Paint Your House
Although you may have plenty of DIY paint experience, you should hire a professional for specific rooms and challenging projects. You must weigh the pros and cons carefully before you make a decision, but just know that an expert will make sure the job gets done right the first time.
