So, you’re planning to paint your house. The question is: should you do it yourself, or hire a professional house painter to do the job for you?
Painting is one of the easiest DIY jobs you can tackle at home. However, it’s also an area where it’s easy to make a mess—literally. So before you dive into painting your house yourself, take a moment to assess whether you’re truly up for the task.
What You Need to Know to Get a Paint Job Right
You don’t need a university degree to paint your house, although in some European countries, you can study for a master painter’s certification. However, you will need some basic knowledge, as well as technical expertise, to ensure the job is done correctly.
First, you need to understand the different types of paint available for both interior and exterior use. You should know which paint is suitable for different surfaces. For example, what’s good for wood isn’t necessarily good for plastered walls. You also need to know how to properly prepare the surfaces you’re painting. While the basic preparation process involves stripping and cleaning surfaces, base coats and primers are designed for specific purposes. If you use a product that isn’t compatible with your chosen top coat, you’ll end up with a mess. Not only will you waste time, but you’ll also waste the money you spent on paints and other products.
Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Professional House Painter
If you have the necessary knowledge, experience, and energy to paint your own house, go for it. But here are ten good reasons why you might prefer to hire a professional painter.
- You won’t have to take on the tedious responsibility of preparation; you can simply ensure that the person you hire does it properly.
- A well-trained and experienced professional house painter will know exactly what products to use. That said, be sure to check out these products to ensure you’re happy with their choices.
- An experienced painter will be able to provide you with all the information you need about paint. With their guidance, you’ll be able to choose the ideal products for your home, especially if you want to make your own selections.
- A good professional painter will come fully equipped, so you won’t have to spend money on ladders, drop sheets, buckets, rollers, paint brushes, and other materials. Some professionals may allow you to buy the materials to save on costs.
- A skilled professional will know how to prepare every type of surface correctly. Whether they’re painting ceilings, walls, doors, or window frames, they’ll get it right.
- Professional painters are trained to pay attention to details you might overlook. For example, they should remove hardware like handles before starting the job. It takes extra effort, but they’re being paid for it.
- If a professional painter makes a mess, it’s not (or shouldn’t be) your problem.
- Painting projects usually take days or even weeks. When a professional painter is responsible for the job, you won’t have to clean up every day—they will.
- If you’re working with a professional interior designer, this person will coordinate with your painter. The same applies if you’re working with a project manager. You’ll simply need to verify that the job is done to your satisfaction.
- If the job isn’t completed on schedule or in line with the contract, the painter will be responsible for correcting it. If you do the painting yourself, there’s no one to pass the blame to!
What to Expect from a Professional Painter
In addition to producing a quality paint job, you can expect professional painters to be exceptionally well-organized and knowledgeable. When you hire a pro, you should expect them to be well-equipped and able to provide you with valuable advice—both on products and color choices.
Expect to see good references and ask for examples of previous work completed by the company. Check the painter’s licenses and ensure the company has sufficient insurance. If something goes wrong and your precious furniture is damaged, you don’t want to be left covering the costs.
You should also expect the painters to arrive clean and organized every day. While they may get a little dirty during the workday, a successful work site should always be a clean, well-organized one.
If budget is a concern, consider hiring young professionals who are just starting out. But still, get references and consider starting with one room or section of the house as a trial. While you may have concerns about trustworthiness, remember—it’s a two-way street. If they don’t do the job properly, you’re not going to pay! But if they do, you will.
Some Reputable Canadian Painters
While we cannot take responsibility for any recommendations, here are some professional painters you might want to consider:
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- The Canadian Painters, Great Painting Services – www.thecanadianpainters.com
- Painters.ca – www.painters.ca
- Commercial and Industrial Painting Contractors (Oakville) – www.propainters.ca
Just remember, when you approach professional painters, expect a professional service. And if you find a good, trustworthy painter or painting company, don’t hesitate to recommend them to your friends. After all, word of mouth is often the best way to find reliable service—and it’s one of the best reasons to hire a professional house painter you can trust.
