Do I Need A Professional Painter?

Most homeowners these days don’t have much time to do major home projects on their own. There are times when you need to leave the DIY projects alone and hire a professional.

Some examples of when it’s best to hire a professional include:

• Painting around intricate woodwork and decor. This requires extra care and precision.
• If you’re working with an interior designer, a professional painter will be useful in matching colors and ensuring the vision you have for your home is achieved. 
• Older, taller homes require more time to paint and extended ladders are needed.
• Oddly shaped homes with two-stories or more can be a complicated project trying to maneuver around certain architectural features of the home.
• When there are trees, fences, vines, or electric wires surrounding the home, they are obstacles that can get in the way.

A professional has the knowledge, expertise and tools to address these special scenarios.

7 Scenarios when You Should Hire a Painting Pro

1. Expertise. The vast experience and knowledge of a professional painter help when deciding the type of paint for interior rooms or exterior surfaces. Also, if you’re considering using multiple paint colors, hire a pro to get a quality and cohesive look.
2. Major Prep Work.  If the interior or exterior of your home need repairs, you will need the help of a trained professional.  Types of repairs includes fixing dents, damaged drywall, cracking, peeling, holes, rotting wood or mildew. Any surface damage needs to be taken care of before you apply coats of paint.A professional painter can handle the repairs and prep the surface so the paint adheres correctly. They may decide a power wash is needed to clean exterior surfaces. Or they may use paint removers for peeling paint usually found on older homes. Cracked window panes and loose caulking around trim are other issues to consider before painting.
3. Selling a Home. If you’re putting your house on the market, presenting great curb appeal is a must. The most cost-effective upgrade is to re-paint your home. Hiring a professional will save you precious time so you can focus on other preparations to sell your home.
4. Insurance. If any issues occur during painting, a licensed professional painter will be able to correct the problem and cover those added costs. There are common hazards on project sites that could cause injury. Following the best safety practices is one of the codes of ethics for Painting Contractors Association members. Hire a professional painting contractor who is trained in the most up-to-date safety rules to limit the possibility of accidents and reduce exposure to injury.
5. Equipment. Not everyone is comfortable working on a ladder or a lift. A painting pro has the right equipment and knows how to use it safely. If you are afraid of heights, call the professionals. Also, buying your own equipment can quickly add up when you take on your own paint job.A trained and reputable professional should follow best practices for all projects, no matter the size. They know the best brushes and rollers to use with different types of paints and surfaces. They also use high-quality drop cloths to protect your furnishings and home.Typical paint supplies include prep materials, primer, and paint applicators such as brushes, spray equipment, and rollers. Depending on the type of home and nature of the project, additional ladders, scaffolding, or planks could be used.
6. Lead Paint. Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of having lead-based paint. If you do not know how to handle or remove lead safely, then you need a professional for the job.  They will know the best abatement strategy on how to remove it correctly and safely. There are EPA Certified Lead Paint professionals who can get the job done if you decide it is too much for you. 
7. Painting the Entire House. Large projects such as the entire interior or exterior of a home will require more than one person and will be very time-consuming. Painting the trim, door, and other components, plus interior rooms all at once is not a DIY project. You may also want to prioritize the order in which the rooms are painted.  The amount of prep work and tools required alone is too much for the homeowner to do it themselves.  A professional painter can employ additional resources to get the job done in a timely fashion, with quality results.

Conclusion

Finding the right painter for your next project does require some research. However, if you want great local service, Walla Painting is just one call away.  We offer interior, exterior, cabinet, and molding painting services. As a proud member of the Painting Contractors Association, we always follow the best practices.