Painting the House: Should You Hire a Pro?

How much time do you have? If you will only be able to handle a project for a few hours a day, a longer timetable will be necessary. Also keep weather and change of seasons in mind, since you might be mid-project as the air gets damper. A project should be clean and dry. Typically, paint needs to dry for 24 hours. If short on time, homeowners may want to look to new products, such as Sherwin-Williams Resilience, which provides resistance to moisture 50% faster.

Time available away from a job, time away from family and family duties, and household budget also should be considered. 

FINAL ASSESSMENT

If this evaluation has left you feeling confident, a DIY project may be in your future. “Painting the exterior of a home can be a rewarding and effective way of getting the most from your money. But do think it through and avoid shortcuts. In the end, your home is probably your most valuable asset, and it pays to protect it,” says Minchew. 

If you’re not sure, there is no harm in getting a couple of bids. “The cost of hiring a pro may not be as high as you think, especially if you value your leisure time,” says Minchew. Lyster suggests getting two or three bids. “Evaluate not only on the dollar but on how confident they seem.” Get references and follow up on them. Ask those homeowners how long the project took, the professionalism of the crew, if they stayed on budget, and how happy they are with the results. 

If you are considering hiring a pro, Adam Potts, Communication Manager for the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America of St. Louis MO says that often the small additional cost associated with hiring a professional painting contractor is justified by the quality of the craftsmanship and the knowledge they provide. Better craftsmanship lasts longer, and knowledgeable choices (such as color, texture, and specifications) help to ensure that the right result is accomplished. He suggests visiting the PDCA Web site for its tips on hiring a contractor.