In this third of three articles, I discuss whether or not you should hire a painter at all.
In the first of three articles, I tell you how to be wise if you hire a painter.
In the second article, I tell you the inside story of what the painter is thinking while he’s calculating your price and doing your work.
Well, should you?
Whether or not you hire a painter comes down to a few main points:
- size of the job
- your interest in DIY
- your tolerance for cleanup
For small jobs, I do recommend you DIY. But pros like me have been called in on many DIY jobs to finish what the homeowner could not, or would not. Sure the first coat is fun. Then… ?
About Money
If you have a day job that pays well and cherish your free time, hire a painter. While you’re working, you’re making two or three times what the painter is making so it’s a no-brainer. Go with your gut, not the price. You get what you pay for and lowball prices often mean poor-quality work.
PROS:
Try to find a pro that has been painting for 20-30 years or more. These people must do quality work because their name is their reputation and that means something to them.
They have to stand behind their work. Because of that, they do quality work, and don’t have to go back and fix problems.
The job will be done quickly and neatly, assuming you hire a true professional and not some teenager who’s looking to make a little beer money.
CONS:
Two words: ‘other people’.
You have to deal with the ego of the painter and the hassle of money, arrangements, space, and time. And infectious disease in your house!
It’s not easy. If you find an old nice painter, he or she will make it easy.
And if you are not happy with the work…
And if the painter tries to add cost during or after the job…
And if there is a spill/breakage…
See?
Conclusion
If you can find someone you trust, by all means, hire them, but as they say, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”.