Should I Hire a Professional Painting Company or Paint on My Own?
As you plan a painting project for your home, it is important to consider the best way to complete the work. Should you work with a professional painting company or paint the space yourself? Three important details that can help you answer this question are the scope of your project, your budget, and your ideal timeframe for completing the project.
Scope of the Project:
Start by considering the general plan for your project. Is it an interior or exterior painting project? Are there any high areas in the space that need to be painted? Does the project include any specialty detail work, such as staining trim or enameling cabinets?
If you’re planning an exterior project or a project that includes painting high spaces, working with a professional painting company may be the best option. These projects require additional equipment and present more safety hazards than more standard interior projects.
A painting project that includes specialty work can be difficult to complete on your own. This type of work often requires many steps and it’s easy to make a mistake that may cost more to fix than to work with a professional company for the project.
Budget:
The two most important details to think about when considering your budget are the cost of materials and equipment needed to complete the project. Take some time to calculate how much it will cost to buy primer and high-quality paint for your project. Make sure to factor in the number of coats of paint needed for the space. If you’re planning to paint over white or beige walls with a darker color, you may be able to paint only one coat. Otherwise, you’ll most likely need to paint two or more coats to properly cover the current paint in the space.
Once you have this general materials cost calculated, think about the equipment needed for your project. Do you have access to a paint sprayer, the correct size ladders, or other equipment? If you don’t have these items, take some time to research how much it will cost to rent or buy each piece of equipment.
If you decide to consider working with a professional painting company, you can compare your materials and equipment cost estimate to project estimates from a few companies. You may find that working with a professional painting company doesn’t cost much more than buying the materials and equipment.
Project Timeframe:
Does your project have a specific timeframe for completion? For instance, does the project need to be done before an event you’re hosting or is someone moving into the space on a specific date? Does the timeframe require the project to be completed quickly? If it seems the timeframe is tight and you may not have enough time to devote to the project, it’s a good idea to consider working with a professional painting company. The project will be completed much quicker with a crew of painters working on the space.
Another piece to consider for the project timeframe is the type of work needed for the project. Are there any tasks for the project that are physically demanding, such as scraping or sanding? These tasks are fairly straightforward, but they often require more effort than expected. This can slow down the progress of the project and elongate the timeline if you complete the project yourself.
If you’re interested in learning more about working with a professional painting company for your project, JMJ Painters would be honored to partner with you and serve your family. We offer free estimates that you can schedule online or by calling us at (612) 255-3351.