“Do it yourself, or leave it to the pros?” – this is the conundrum that the vast majority of homeowners face when it comes to house painting. Granted, there’s an argument to be made for both approaches, with pros and cons on each side that cannot (and should not) be ignored.
So, what are the factors that tip the balance of the scales? How do you decide between hiring professional house painters in Timnath, Colorado, or taking the matter into your own hands? By weighing the said pros and cons, of course – and this guide will help you in that endeavor!
What is the difference between DIY and professional painting?
There are many differences between DIY and pro painting, with the potential to range from negligible to extreme, and the best way to understand them is with a comprehensive side-by-side comparison.
Quality of workmanship
DIY painting:
- Typically lacks uniformity and consistency in finish.
- Inconsistencies (e.g. uneven coverage, brush strokes, roller marks, etc.) may be visible and true eyesores.
- There’s a high potential for mistakes that can result in unsatisfactory results (e.g. color mismatching) or damage to your belongings and property (i.e. paint spills).
Professional painting:
- Pro’s knowledge, experience, and attention to detail ensure a high-quality, uniform finish…
- …as well as smooth and even coverage with minimal imperfections.
Preparation & cleanup
DIY painting:
- You are responsible for cleaning and preparing interior surfaces for painting (e.g. filling holes in walls, sanding, etc.), protecting furniture, floors, and surroundings, and post-painting cleanup, as well as all preparations for an exterior paint job (if applicable).
- There’s a high possibility for improper protection, which can result in damage to your belongings or property.
- Preparation and cleanup can take a lot of time, sometimes more than the actual painting job itself.
Professional painting:
- Professionals handle all preparation, saving you time and energy.
- Miniscule probability of improper protection, meaning a lower risk of damages to your property and belongings.
- Post-painting cleanup is more thorough and typically included in the price.
Time & labor requirements
DIY painting:
- Demands significant time and energy investment on your part.
- The work may take much longer to complete, especially if your home is large, the project is complex, or there are unforeseen complications.
Professional painting:
- Professionals work efficiently and they are well-synchronized (when working in teams), ensuring faster completion times.
- Frees up your schedule, allowing you to focus on more important matters.
Material & equipment
DIY painting:
- You will be responsible for purchasing and transporting all the materials needed, which can be another major time-sink.
- You may not have access to specialized equipment (without investing a significant amount of money), which can further slow down work or yield sub-par results.
Professional painting:
- Painters are typically responsible for procuring and transporting all materials and equipment.
- Materials available to professionals are typically of higher quality than those available in stores.
- Access to specialized equipment (and knowledge of utilizing them to the full extent) ensures better work efficiency and guarantees higher-quality results.
Warranty & liability
DIY painting:
- There’s no warranty or guarantee on workmanship quality, meaning that fixing mistakes and any other issues comes out of your own pocket.
- You are liable for any mistakes or accidents that happen, including damage to your belongings and injuries.
Professional painting:
- Reputable painting contractors offer comprehensive workmanship warranties (typically 1-5 years), as well as quality guarantees.
- Professionals are liable for any mistakes or accidents that compromise your belongings and property, meaning they have to reimburse you for damages (in rare cases that something goes awry).
Safety
DIY painting:
- You assume responsibility for all safety risks (e.g. later accidents, chemical exposure, etc.) and their aftermath.
- The chance of accidents is increased, even with proper safety equipment and protocols.
Professional painting:
- Ensures proper implementation of safety procedures, providing a low-risk work environment for everyone involved.
Costs
DIY painting:
- Greater initial cost savings, as the only expenses are materials that must be purchased.
- High potential for additional expenses if mistakes are made that require corrections.
Professional painting:
- Higher upfront costs due to labor expenses.
- Higher long-term gains, in terms of workmanship quality, lasting results, and increased property value.
Where can I find professional house painters near me in Timnath, Colorado?
Whether you reside near Community Park or elsewhere in the larger Timnath area, you won’t find anyone better to entrust your home painting to than Handyman Connection of Fort Collins. Interior or exterior, one wall or whole home, faux finish or deck staining – we have the expertise, experience, and equipment to do it all and do it well – and we have workmanship warranties and satisfaction guarantee to prove it! Get in touch with us today and discover why our professional painters are your ideal choice!