Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional Painter

Do you have a featured wall that requires a delicate touch or a larger project that needs to be completed promptly? If so, DIY may seem like an attractive route to take, but hiring a professional painter may be the smarter option.

Like any project, you must consider the upfront costs and the potential results that come with it.

While the answer on hiring a professional painter is an individual preference, you can make an educated decision by considering the pros and cons of doing so.

Let’s go through them!

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional Painting Service

Pro: A Painter’s Capabilities go beyond a DIY Job

We briefly mentioned featured walls in our intro, and that’s because painting them usually requires specialized skills and expertise.

For example, a professional painter can perform a wide range of techniques including brushwork, staining, glazing, sponging and more. All these techniques can create a stunning visual that’s simply unattainable with any DIY project.

Besides being able to execute various techniques, a painter will also properly prepare and prime your  walls.

From patching and repairing any imperfections to sanding and priming the walls, they’ll handle all the small details that can lead to a successful project.

In the end, you’ll be left with an immaculate finish – one that can significantly add to the value of your home.

Con: It Will Set You Back Thousands of Dollars

According to Forbes, the average hourly rate for a professional painter is $20-$50. The average interior repaint is estimated to cost $1,200 to $6,500, however, price will depend on the project’s size, complexity and materials used.

For example, you may be charged more if certain sites are difficult to access or if the project requires specific paint and materials.

Hiring a professional painter can be costly, so you should have a  budget in mind before hiring one.

That being said, it’s usually worth it, as it will ensure the job is done properly and efficiently. Contrast this to poorly painted walls that will require repairs and will devalue your home’s worth.

Pro: They’re Licensed and Insured

A license ensures you get a professional finish after the contract has been signed. Insurance, meanwhile, protects you against any bodily injury or property damage resulting from the job.

If you hired a local painter without insurance, you’d probably be left with decent results.

However,  if they botched the job, you’d be left paying for all costs or repairs. Similarly, if they injured themselves on the job, you’d probably have to foot the bill for any medical expenses.

Unfortunately, it’s all too common for this to happen, so it’s best to hire a painter with the proper credentials.

Con: Not all Professional Painters are Created Equal

While a license does prove that a painter has the skills and training to get the job done, it doesn’t guarantee outstanding quality.

You can have two painters with the same qualifications, but one will execute a satisfactory job while the other does a mediocre one.

While it can be tough to distinguish between the two, there are ways you can make an informed decision:

• Check online reviews to gauge the painter’s past performance.
• Get references from their previous clients and ask the right questions.
• Check their portfolio and check the type of projects they ’ve undertaken.
• Conduct an interview with your painter – there’s nothing wrong with asking questions about the job!

In the end, it’s best to go with the painter who has done similar projects and can vouch for their work. And don’t just take their word for it, check as many references as you can for a reliable opinion!

Pro: They’re Efficient

Home improvement isn’t exclusive to painting. If you’re renovating a house, you may be juggling multiple tasks like electrical, carpentry and plumbing.

Professional painters can help streamline the process, letting you tackle other tasks while they paint.

Painters come with the correct tools and knowledge, ensuring every task is completed to a high-standard and within their estimated timeframe.

You should get a timeline from the painter detailing how long they expect the project to take. This lets you plan other tasks while having peace of mind that your painting job is done properly.

It’s also a lot less stressful when you have someone to do the job for you. You won’t have to  purchase paint rollers, brushes etc and spend countless hours painting.

Even if you’re not busy doing other tasks, you can take some time and relax instead of worrying about a mis-coloured wall.

Con: Less Satisfaction in Hiring a Professional

A major reason why people DIY is to save costs. But another reason, that most overlook, is the satisfaction it provides in creating something with your own two hands.

It’s gratifying when you see your project come to life and admire the end result.

The same can’t be said when hiring a professional painter. While they may do an exemplary job, you’re just witnessing the end product without having any control of the process.

Many DIYers would rather take the risk of doing a lousy job if it means they have a hand in the process.

Pro:  It’s Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Poor painting workmanship will leave you with shoddy looking walls that resemble patchwork. This instantly reduces your property’s value, and potential buyers won’t be thrilled with the sight.

If you’re selling your home, aesthetics play a major factor in negotiations. Prospective buyers are more likely to make an offer if they see a high-quality finish.

Hiring a professional painter is an investment. Sure, it may set you back thousands of dollars, but it could be the difference from instantly selling your home or having it linger in the market for months.

In the end, you’ll get more bang for your buck in terms of profit and time.

So, Should You Hire a Professional Painter Pro or Not?

In summary, most people would recommend hiring a professional painter for any home improvement task.

They’re skilled and even if the result is sub-part, you’ll have a work warranty that covers any damages or issues with the job. But if you’re looking to get satisfaction from your project, DIY is ideal.

Just ensure to weigh up the pros and cons above when making a decision, and remember that hiring a professional painter is an investment long-term.

We hope we’ve provided more clarity in understanding the benefits of hiring a professional painter. Good luck with your home improvement project!