Summer offers ideal weather conditions for exterior painting. Find out how much this type of project costs and ways to get the most out of your investment.

Why Hire a Professional for Your Exterior Painting?

When it comes to exterior house painting, you can choose to hire a professional or handle the project yourself. Before making any decisions, you should learn the pros and cons of each option.

Pros and Cons of Exterior Residential Painting

Cost

Professional exterior painting services do not come cheap. The project can set you back a few hundred or even thousands of dollars. The cost typically covers everything, including the materials and tools needed for the job and the painter's fee.

When you choose the DIY way for your exterior painting project, you can avoid the labor fee. However, you still have to spend money on materials like rollers, brushes, and paint.

Yes, DIY can save you more money upfront. But there's also the risk of making mistakes during the process, especially if you don't have the experience and necessary knowledge to do the task. And these errors may get more expensive to rectify. However, with a professional painter, you can ensure an excellent finish that will last for years.

Time

Painting the exterior of a house is a time-consuming task, particularly for inexperienced individuals. Professionals can complete the job efficiently, saving you days or even weeks of work. Painting experts come equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and a team if required, which allows them to finish the project swiftly without compromising quality.

But there's a minor drawback with hiring a professional. Working with a professional painter means coordinating schedules and relying on their availability. Some painters may have busy schedules or require advance booking, which might not align with your desired timeline. To avoid any scheduling issues, research and choose a reliable and reputable painter that can deliver quality work in a professional manner.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Furthermore, hiring a professional painter offers convenience and peace of mind. You won't have to worry about prepping your exterior for paint, climbing ladders, maneuvering around difficult areas, or dealing with potential safety hazards. Professionals are equipped with the right tools, including scaffolding and safety gear, ensuring a secure working environment.

While DIY painting projects can save money upfront, the benefits of hiring a professional exterior painter are undeniable. From expertise and efficiency to quality and convenience, professionals bring a level of skill and finesse that can elevate the appearance of your home.

Variables That Affect Professional Exterior Painting Cost

The cost to paint the exterior of a house varies depending on several factors. That is why painting contractors typically do not offer a fixed price but instead give a personalized quote. If you're wondering what variables go into calculating a painting project, here are some of them:

Painter Demand

The demand for professional painters in your area can affect the exterior painting cost. The cost will likely be higher if there is high demand and limited availability of skilled painters. Conversely, during periods of low demand, you may be able to negotiate better rates.

Property Size and Condition

The size of the property is the most significant factor determining the cost of painting a house exterior. A bigger property means more surface area requiring paint, time, and effort. Aside from the size, the exterior’s condition can also affect the total cost of your painting project. If the exterior is damaged, you will need to address the problem first before the pros can paint the surface. The repair will be an additional cost to consider.

Property Location

The location of your property can also impact the painting cost. Prices may vary depending on factors like regional labor costs, local market conditions, and accessibility of the site. Painting in urban areas or locations with limited parking or difficult access may involve additional expenses.

Siding Material

Siding materials require different amounts of preparation, types of paint, and number of coats. For example, wood siding requires sealant before painting, while vinyl does not. This is why the cost of painting projects will also differ depending on your siding material.

Brand of Paint

Your choice of paint brand can also contribute to the overall cost. High-quality paints from reputable brands tend to be more expensive than generic or lower-grade options. While investing in premium paints can provide better durability and a longer-lasting finish, it may come at a higher cost.

How to Save Money on Exterior Painting Without Compromising the Quality of Workmanship

Yes, it is possible to save money on exterior painting without sacrificing the quality of workmanship. With careful planning, smart choices for materials, and proper maintenance, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting exterior paint job while staying within your budget.

Plan and Prepare

Proper planning and preparation can save you time and money. Assess the condition of your exterior walls and identify any repairs needed before painting. Fixing cracks, holes, or damaged surfaces early on can prevent more extensive damage and ensure a smoother paint application.

Choose the Right Paint

While it may be tempting to go for the cheaper paint options, investing in quality paint can save you money in the long run. High-quality paints tend to have better coverage, durability, and resistance to weathering, reducing the need for frequent repainting. Look for paints with good warranties and consider consulting professionals at paint stores for recommendations.

Compare Quotes

If you hire professionals, obtain multiple quotes from different painting contractors. Be sure to compare the scope of work, materials used, and pricing to get the best value for your money. So you can compare apples to apples, look for contractors with a good reputation and positive customer reviews.

Time Your Project

Painting contractors often have busy seasons. When demand is high, prices also tend to become higher. Consider scheduling your project during the off-season when contractors may offer lower rates to fill their schedules. Additionally, by planning, you can avoid last-minute rush charges.

Maintain Your Paint Job

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your exterior paint, reducing the need for repainting sooner than necessary. Clean your painted surfaces periodically, remove debris, and inspect for any signs of damage. Promptly address issues to prevent them from worsening and requiring costly repairs or repainting.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Hiring a Professional Exterior Painter

There are many painting contractors out there. Avoid these common pitfalls when hiring one:

• Choosing solely based on price: It's important to resist the temptation of selecting an exterior painter solely based on the lowest price. Keep in mind that quality and expertise come at a cost, so consider factors like experience and reputation to ensure you get the best value for your money.

• Not checking references and portfolios: Take the time to ask for references and review the painter's portfolio. This allows you to see their past work and hear from previous clients about their experience. It provides valuable insight into the painter's skills and professionalism so you can decide whether or not to hire them.

• Not reading reviews: Reviews offer a glimpse into the experiences of other customers. If you don’t read them, you might miss crucial information about the painter's reliability, communication, and overall satisfaction of their previous clients. Reviews help you make an informed choice and avoid potential issues.

• Not inquiring about the pricing policy, insurance, and the like: Before hiring an exterior painter, it's essential to inquire about their pricing policy, insurance coverage, and any additional services they offer. This ensures transparency and helps you understand what's included in the price, protecting you from unexpected costs or liabilities down the line.

If you are looking for professional and cost-effective painting services in Raleigh, you’ll never go wrong with Anderson Painting. Our team has painted hundreds of exteriors and can guarantee quality results that won't break the bank.

Whether you're looking to paint the exterior of your home or commercial space, feel free to call the team at Anderson Painting.