Choosing whether to DIY or hire a pro for your exterior house painting project is a major decision. Both routes have their unique advantages and potential pitfalls. This guide will help you navigate through the factors like cost, time, quality, and safety involved in painting the exterior of your house.
Our goal is to provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision. With this comprehensive analysis, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether to pick up the paintbrush yourself or call in the professionals.
Cost
In terms of cost, if you already have ladders and other painting equipment on hand, doing the exterior of your home yourself may be less expensive than hiring a pro. However, the cost of new materials can add up quickly. Ladders, brushes, sprayers, and scaffolding can all cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Additionally, you’ll likely need multiple gallons of paint if your project is large. Depending on the finish, eggshell or satin paint costs $30-$60 per gallon. It’s also important to factor in the cost of any prep work you have to do before painting, which can take more time than actually taking out your brush. It can include power-washing, scraping and sanding your house, and any repairs or cleaning.
Time
Exterior painting requires a substantial amount of time to complete. Depending on the size of your house and its color, it could take a few days or even a week to paint the entire home. It is especially true if you’re tackling the job on your own. A good professional painter knows how to work so they can complete the project on time without sacrificing quality. They’ll also know what supplies and equipment are needed and may already have these items on hand – saving you the cost of renting or purchasing them.
In addition, painting pros often get a discount on supplies and may even save you money on tools such as ladders and power washers. It can save you significant money in the long run, especially if you need to purchase or rent these items for future projects.
Experience
Painting a home’s exterior requires a lot of experience, particularly regarding prep work. Without the proper preparation, the paint job will flake and blister within a short period. Whether you need to pressure wash the surfaces, sand, and scrape, or prime bare areas, these processes take skill sets that not all homeowners have.
Additionally, if the surface to be painted is on a steep slope or a multi-story structure, it will require specialized equipment that you may not have access to. Expert painters deal with these situations daily and have the tools to complete the project. A professional will also save you time by working quickly and efficiently. They will know which paints look best with each surface and have the workforce to scale ladders safely. They can also provide a warranty against chipping, peeling, and blistering. That’s peace of mind that is often worth the extra cost.
Safety
Painting a house requires a lot of equipment and safety measures. It is especially true when it comes to exterior painting. Ladders must be used to reach high places, which is not a job for beginners. If a person does not have experience with this type of project, they will likely get a messy, sloppy paint job that will look amateur and cost more money to repair later on. A professional will also know how to look for exterior damage that has to be fixed before painting begins. It will ensure the result looks like a finished job rather than a cover-up. A professional also knows how to properly prep the surfaces for painting, including cleaning, power washing, and using sanding tools to smooth out areas that need it. It can save homeowners a lot of headaches and money in the long run.