When it comes to projects around the house, everyone wants to save money. DIY projects are popular because they help with this proposition. When it comes to painting, you can do it yourself or save time with a painting contractor.
Isn’t that More Expensive?
Expense is more than just the money paid for the job. Let’s take a look. If you paint a room or the entire interior of your home, that project can take weeks or months when it is managed by you. Painting is not as easy as it looks. There is more to it than simply slapping a coat or two of paint on the walls even if you use an all-in-one primer and paint color. Certain techniques work better to prevent the look of streaks and provide full coverage with fewer cans of paint used.
If you are investing in this endeavor, the objective is a professional look. Any money spent, no matter how little, will have been wasted if the final outcome is less than your home deserves. Telltale splatters and missed spots, not to mention how the paint looks when the light catches it, are all signs of a home-based job.
Why not use a painting contractor? Benefits include:
- Professional look
- Less time from start to finish
- Expert knowledge of painting techniques
- Preparation and cleanup often included
A painting contractor will either do the work themselves or contract out to painters what will come in and perform the actual work with the contractor overseeing the operation.
How to Choose a Painting Contractor
To get the process rolling, here are some tips to assist you with choosing the right professional for the job.
- Ask around – The best endorsement is a friend or family member who has used the services of a painting contractor. Most ask their clients if they can place a sign in their yard to advertise after they have completed the work. Whenever possible, personally inspect areas that have been painted.
- Get estimates – Three is the lucky number here. Compare prices to see what is typical for their services.
- Interview your candidates – There is nothing like meeting face to face. Take the time to set up interviews with your potential professionals to ask questions and to gauge what they will be like to work with during the project.
- Ask questions – It is important to know what aspects will be included in the price of the job. For instance, will they cover up household items to keep them from getting splattered or damaged? How long will the job take? Will they fix any spills that occur? Do they buy the paint or do you?
- Investigate references – Always check references. When you can, visit in person to see the handiwork.
- See a contract – Before any work is done, read over the contract and resolve any issues before signing and getting the project underway.
Painting can be done by you, but why take on the headache? Consider hiring a painting contractor.