Paint is still the most effective home-improvement project you’ll ever tackle. And with paint, a home makeover can be as easy as picking up a brush and rolling up your sleeves. Whether it’s a splash of color on your living room wall, a refurbished kitchen, or a fresh coat on your house’s exterior, painting is one of the most cost-effective and impactful tasks you can undertake on your property. And when you’re planning your project, you’re probably asking yourself: should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional painter? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons to help you decide which option is right for you.
The DIY Route
Pros of DIY Painting
Cost Savings
One of the main reasons why home owners adopt DIY is to save on cost. If you paint yourself you can avoid labor cost, which can constitute a huge part of the total cost.
Personal Satisfaction
If you paint your house, you can feel good about having done it yourself. You get to enjoy the results of your labor.
Flexibility
The project is yours to handle on your own terms. You get to paint at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Cons of DIY Painting
Time-Consuming
But painting is not simply a matter of rolling a brush on the wall. Even if you are not considering interior decoration, a task such as painting the bedroom can involve priming, painting, cleaning up, painting again, and so on, which can easily eat into your weekends and evenings.
Quality Issues
It is difficult to get a good finish without professional training, for without experience it is very easy to get uneven coats from the roller, drips from the brush, streaks, and bare spots.
Safety Concerns
Painting involves dealing with ladders which can be dangerous if you are not careful. For example, when working outside or on high ceilings, accidents can happen and hurt you.
Hidden Costs
You save on labor costs, but you might still spend money on paintbrushes and rollers, as well as drop cloths and other items. And you have to live with any mistakes you make.
Hiring a Professional Painter
Pros of Professional Painting
High-Quality Results
A professional is trained for this and has experience, so they are able to provide a more even finish and lack of flaws, and they know what materials and techniques work best.
Time Efficiency
Some jobs, such as those requiring professional work, can be done much faster by an expert. This can be particularly important on large projects.
Safety and Convenience
By hiring a professional, however, you can avoid having to do the hard work, worry about the safety hazards, or have the painting equipment lying around the house after the job is done.
Attention to Detail and Preparation
Professional painters, for example, do all of the things that a hobbyist wouldn’t – they fill in holes, sand rough spots, prime where necessary.
Warranty and Insured Work
A reputable painting company will provide a warranty on their work. They also have insurances which means you are protected if there is an accident.
Cons of Professional Painting
Higher Upfront Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of hiring a professional is the higher initial cost. Quality craftsmanship comes at a price.
Why Choose Professional Painting?
While the DIY approach may be enticing, especially if you’re trying to save a buck or two, the multitude of benefits of hiring professionals often outweigh the upfront expense. The knowledge, efficiency and safety that professional painters bring to the task are hard to equal on your own. In fact, what you pay for in professional painting services can ultimately save you money and hassle by providing a far superior, long-lasting result.
Musselman Painting brings professional residential painting to your home. From small spaces to large, we treat every square inch of paint in your home with the care and expertise that you deserve. Our team of experienced painters will handle every detail from start to finish – no mess, no stress. Contact Musselman Painting today.
Need a new look for your home? Call Musselman Painting for a free consultation. We’ll handle your painting job from start to finish.
