Painting Your Home In Maryland: DIY Versus Pro

Spring is drawing to a close in Maryland, so time is running out to get started on those long-put-off cleaning projects. If your home needs a fresh coat of paint, inside or out, now is the time to get started.

But before you run to the home improvement store, you might consider if hiring help is better than making a major time commitment. We've weighed the pros and cons to painting yourself or calling in a contractor.

Interior Painting Projects

Of the two, interior painting projects are definitely more manageable to DIY, since they aren’t subjected to the elements. That said, be sure to research your paint choice, proper wall preparation and good taping techniques before you get started. You also might consider renting a professional-grade paint sprayer for larger jobs.

Before you head to Home Depot, get estimates from a few local contractors and compare them to the hours and material expenses of doing it yourself. While of course there will be an added cost of labor, you might be surprised at just how reasonable a professional quote can be when you consider your time and materials.

Need a professional painter? Find one in your area.

Exterior Painting Projects

This is where DIYers can get into trouble. Paint and even color selection will play a role in how long your paint job lasts, and a few beginner errors can add up to premature aging and poor protection. (Exterior paint is your home’s first defense against the elements.)

While a large-scale exterior paint job may seem expensive, the cost of hiring a pro is more than justified. Their know-how on paint brands for your area, scaffolding, professional sanding and preparation techniques make the project safer and more effective. They’ll also get the job done faster than the huge time commitment it would require of you. When you consider all of these factors, hiring a pro makes a lot more sense.

How To Hire A Painting Contractor

Many companies specialize in interior or exterior painting, so ask your contractor which they are more comfortable with. You’ll want to get a few quotes to price shop, but beware of lowball estimates. The best companies often have to charge more to hire the best workers and obtain the best equipment.

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