DIY vs. Professional Painting: Which is Right for You?

Painting seems like one of those things you could do yourself. Grab a brush, maybe a roller, turn on some music, and that’s it, right? But before you head to the paint aisle, it’s worth considering: should you do-it-yourself, or call in the pros?

Time & Tools:

DIY painting will likely save money upfront, but it’ll cost you your time. And in the long run, it might cost you more money – a lot more. Between prep, taping, priming, and clean-up (not to mention correcting any mistakes you make as a non-professional), weekend projects often turn into week-long ordeals. Pros like us show up with the right tools, ladders, experience, skills, and muscle to get the job done quickly, cleanly, and correctly.

Quality Counts:

The quality of the workmanship matters a lot. Professional painters know how to get those perfect clean lines, smooth wall finishes (no drip lines or visible brush strokes), and consistent color. And we do it without splatters on your trim or ceiling. We also know how to use primer, deal with tricky surfaces, and prep like pros (because we are pros).

Cost Considerations:

DIY is cheaper upfront – you don’t have labor costs to pay for. But it’s not cheaper if you have to redo it, which happens often with DIYers and bigger projects. Add the cost of materials, tools, and time. Suddenly, the savings might not be as big as you think.

We’ve seen it a lot – a homeowner decided to save money by repainting their home’s interiors, but part way in, they called us. The job was more complicated than they anticipated and required a level of skill they didn’t have. It cost them the price of the paint, materials or tools, and a lot of time. Ultimately, it also costs them for a professional to redo the job.

Bottom Line:

If you’re tackling a small accent wall and love a weekend project, DIY might be your thing. That can be a relatively straightforward project. But if you want polished, professional results for multiple rooms, exteriors, or tricky jobs, hiring a pro is the way to go.

If you can’t decide whether your project is a DIY project or something more, we’re happy to offer a no-obligation quote.