If your exterior looks a little worse for the wear, you’ve likely debated picking up a paintbrush or calling in a pro. The best bet varies by situation, but there are some helpful general guidelines for painting your house.
- Your home isn’t too complex
A simple, box-shaped one-story is manageable, while anything ornate may be best left to the pros. Typically, the less real estate you’ve got to cover, and the fewer nooks and crannies, the better.
- You already own the tools
If you won’t have to purchase ladders, brushes and all necessary materials, a DIY may be the more cost-effective route. To be sure, compare the price of anything additional you may need to rent or buy to estimates from a few local companies, who already have precisely what they’ll need.
- You’re practically a paint pro
Are you well versed in both terminology and methodology? If you know just how to avoid over brushing and the exact number of coats to apply, you’re a great candidate for a DIY. Bonus points if you’re skilled with a sprayer!
- You have reliable help
There’s nothing worse than hitting the halfway point with no team in sight. Most DIY exterior paint jobs will require more than one person, so get a commitment from friends and family with previous experience and limited time constraints.
- You feel confident
Painting the exterior of your house yourself can be a rewarding and effective means of getting the most from your money. However, your home is likely your most valuable asset, and can potentially affect your appraisal value for re-financing or selling, so only take on a project this big if you’re sure you can handle it!
- Your home requires extensive prep work
Sometimes, the issue is much bigger than just a coat of paint. Examine your home for wood rot, mildew, peeling or alligatoring, which all require significant extra attention before the first coat even goes on. Depending on severity, it may be best to entrust a pro.
- Your home was built before 1978
If you’re living in an older home, there’s a good chance some of your paint contains lead. It’s critical to remove lead paint safely and, while you can do this yourself, professionals will be well versed and even certified.
- You’ve never painted before
If even interior walls feel foreign to you, perhaps don’t start with your siding. Similarly, if your last paint job ended in disaster, or if you hated every minute, you’ll want to leave this task up to a professional.
- You don’t know your paint needs
Lemons and teals and browns, oh my! An experienced pro will have opinions on paint color and type, perfect for owners who balk at an abundance of options.
- You can’t physically handle the job
Painting an entire house is hard, physical work. It takes considerable arm and upper body strength, the ability to climb up and down ladders, and often some comfort with heights. Unless you’re willing and able to put your back into it, go with a pro.
- You don’t have the time
Between prepping, priming, painting and literally watching paint dry, many owners opt for a professional for the sheer cost of their time. Don’t forget to factor this price in when comparing costs.
There’s no harm in getting a couple of bids and comparing them to the cost of a DIY. Or, if you’d rather paint than prep, consider hiring someone just to get you started.
Looking to prime and paint a home of your own? Contact a local loan originator in the Motto Mortgage network to make your dreams of homeownership a reality.
Published on September 27, 2019
