If it’s time to paint your home, you may be tempted to roll your sleeves up and do it yourself. However, this can often be a false economy—an unprofessional paint job will not offer significant longevity, and it won’t be long until you will need to start all over again. What’s more, if painting is not your forte, the end result may be disappointing and look worse than before you started.

When choosing a professional painter, it’s important to recognise that not all professional painters are created equally. One area in which differences will ultimately emerge is the quality of the final job. With this in mind, it’s crucial you understand what a professional painter will accomplish before using their services. A top-notch professional painting company should provide the following services.

Clear estimate

The estimate is a crucial consideration when hiring a painting service. The estimate or quotation can give you a clear indication of what you’ll be spending and what services are included in that price. Make sure the quote takes into account prep work, which is likely the most crucial element of a quality paint job. It should also contain an estimated time frame for how long the task should take. By observing the painters’ punctuality and readiness to answer your questions when they arrive to do the estimate, you can also get a sense of their level of professionalism and communication skills.

Insurance

Painting and decorating are not without risk. It can put you, the contractor, and your property at some form of risk. As such, you should only work with contractors who have adequate insurance for painters in place. In some areas, basic insurance, such as public liability insurance, may be mandatory. However, regardless of the legal requirements, working only with an insured professional can give you peace of mind that you and your property are protected if things don’t go according to plan.

Advice on colour

Experienced painters should be in a good position to offer knowledgeable insights into colour. If you get good advice from your contractor, you will be better placed to choose shades that work in the space you have available. Seasoned painters will also be knowledgeable about current design trends, keeping your home fashionable. If you intend to sell your home soon, choosing an aesthetic that has universal appeal can be very important.

Preparation

Don’t be shocked if the painters appear to spend the majority of their time getting the surface ready. The surface preparation is crucial and often just as important as the paint itself. If you are getting the exterior of a building painted, it will need to be power washed, and any holes or cracks will need to be fixed. This is essential to ensuring that the new paint adheres well to the surface. Additionally, interior preparation is crucial for any inside jobs. The surfaces must be cleaned, and non-painted parts must be properly taped off. The preparation process is influenced by the kind of painting instruments being used, including brushes, rollers, sprayers, or a combination of tools.

Equipment and materials

The kind and calibre of tools and equipment your contractor uses can make a significant difference. In fact, it may be a deciding factor in your decision as to whether you hire painters or do the painting yourself. To ensure that the lines are clean, professionals will use a variety of brushes, and they will have all the necessary materials available at their fingertips before they begin the task. Tarps, drop cloths, and high-grade painters’ tape are appropriate tools that will guarantee that no damage is caused to your property. Professionals also only utilise the best paint materials, and when necessary, they will typically use a primer rather than a primer/paint combo product. When thinking about how long the project will take and the associated cost, keep this in mind.

Knowledge and outcomes

With a professional painter, you may anticipate seeing a lot of experience and expertise. Painting is a highly technical skillset that takes years to master. A qualified, experienced painter should produce a much superior completed product than a do-it-yourself project or a less-experienced company. You may anticipate that the paint will adequately cover the surface and that it won’t bleed in the corners or around the trim. Look for a painter who is willing to offer warranties on both their work and the paint. This is a sign that they are certain of their skills. High-quality residential painters will also make sure they clean up after themselves. All of the debris from the project should be removed. Drop cloths, spilled paint, brushes, and rollers should all be taken away.