The cost of painting a house yourself depends on the type and amount of paint required, necessary supplies for the job and the total area you're covering. According to Angi, the average cost for DIY house painting is between $200 and $300.
When to Choose DIY vs. Pro Painter
We've all been there: sitting and staring at a space needing a paint refresh, but we're unsure whether it's a DIY or professional project. Tackling a painting project yourself can be highly rewarding and often more cost-efficient. However, there are some cases where calling a pro might be more beneficial. How do you know when to choose DIY house painting or pro painting? Sherwin-Williams is here to help you make the decision by offering a range of scenarios and tips so that you get the results you want from your next paint project!
Painting DIY Projects: When to Grab the Brush & Roller
Let's look at some instances when it makes sense to gather your supplies and start painting!
Simple & Budget-Friendly Projects
When painting a small room, creating a stunning accent wall or applying touch-up paint, it makes sense to DIY. These are instances where cost savings are significant and worthwhile. Still, keep in mind potential hidden costs when evaluating the task, like tool rentals and multiple coats of paint to cover darker colors.
Manageable Scope
Is the wall you're painting in excellent condition? Will the project require basic painting techniques? If you answered yes to these questions, you're likely in a position to complete the painting project yourself. For example, painting a bedroom with low ceilings one color throughout is straightforward and likely less expensive than hiring a pro.
A Love for DIY Painting
Sometimes, deciding to complete the painting task comes down to your passion for DIY projects and a sense of accomplishment. DIY painting will be more rewarding if you're eager to roll up your sleeves and grab your supplies for a weekend renovation.
Call the Pros: When Painting Expertise Matters
Certain scenarios require a professional painter to ensure the finished results meet your standards. Here are some considerations:
Timeline Restrictions
When you're on a tight schedule and need a space repainted quickly, you're often better off with a professional painter. Thanks to substantial experience and training, pros work fast while maintaining high-quality work. So, if you're painting the inside of your home ahead of family visiting or want your home "under construction" for as little time as possible, consider calling a pro painter.
High Surfaces & Tricky Techniques
Professional painters are insured and have special equipment that makes painting the inside of your home and exterior surfaces simpler and safer. If you have high ceilings or exterior roof peaks that need painting, pros can reach those areas more easily with less risk. The same applies to intricate trim work and specialty finishes, like faux or textured paint.
Desiring Flawless Results
Painting the outside of the house by yourself may seem like a manageable task. However, with larger projects, like refinishing your home's exterior or painting an open floor plan, painters can complete the project with unmatched consistency for more attractive results. Pros also have more experience with color matching, surface preparation and methods for achieving lasting results.
DIY or Pro Painting: Make an Informed Decision
There are numerous factors to consider when deciding between DIY and pro painting, and Sherwin-Williams hopes this article takes some of the guesswork out. With a better idea of which cases call for DIY versus pro, you can confidently start planning all your upcoming painting projects. And if you're still unsure which route to take, visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store to connect with one of our friendly experts!
