Painting the outside of a house is one home improvement project that tends to generate a lot of attention. While fixing up the inside is always nice, an exterior paint job is noticeable to everyone who passes by. If you’re the handy type, you might be thinking about doing this job yourself, and it’s potentially achievable. To help you determine if it’s better to try to do it yourself or hire a professional painter, think through this list of ideas, brought to you by the pros from Forever Builders, the experts in painting services San Diego homeowners trust for exceptional craftsmanship and unmatched service.
Take an Honest Look at Your Skill Set
Painting a house is a bit different from creating a work of art to hang on your wall. You’ll first need to think about the color selection, which might involve making sure the palette is aligned with your HOA’s requirements or that it at least complements your neighbors’ houses. You’ll also need to know how to do things such as check for damage that needs to be repaired before you slap on a coat of paint. Finally, you’ll need a steady hand. If you’re not sure you’re up to the task, you can trust that a professional already has all the know-how needed to do it right.
Consider the Amount of Prep Work
Brushing or spraying on the paint is usually the shortest part of the job. Professional painters will spend a great deal of time prepping the surface of your house. They’ll use plastic sheeting and tape to cover areas you don’t want to get paint on, such as the windows, and they’ll make sure to protect plants and other nearby items. If a part of your home’s exterior is damaged, such as a piece of wood trim, they’ll repair or replace it so the whole exterior has a smooth and blemish-free surface.
Think about the Cost of the Supplies
If you want to do this yourself to save money, you’re going to want to think beyond just the paint. Painting requires special rollers and extension rods. You may also need a taller ladder and special anchoring systems for your safety if you’re painting a second story. Then there are the brushes, tape, plastic sheeting, and other materials that all add up when you’re buying them at your local home improvement store. Professional painters also tend to use spraying systems that give a smoother appearance to the paint, but they tend to be too expensive to buy if you’re just doing one home.
Make Sure You’re Physically Fit
Professional painters don’t necessarily need to be ready to run a marathon, but they do need to be capable of maintaining their energy as they complete a painting project. If it’s been a while since you’ve been on a ladder, ask yourself if you feel comfortable about climbing it multiple times in an hour. Painting also requires you to keep your arms over your head for long periods while also bending and stooping to reach lower parts of the house. If you’re not physically up to the task, having a professional painter take over helps you avoid painful injuries and sore muscles.
Repainting your home is a major project, so consider hiring experienced professional exterior house painters to ensure you’ll get high-quality results that last for years. If you’re ready to refresh the exterior of your home, make sure to hire experts with years of experience. Whether they need a fresh coat of exterior paint or a whole house remodel, San Diego homeowners can rely on the team from Forever Builders for outstanding workmanship and exceptional service that fits their budgets. To learn more about our exterior painting services, call one of our friendly team members today at (833) 243-5624.