“Why Hire A Painter When You Can Paint?”

Let’s be honest for a minute. Anybody can paint, and anyone with a few simple tools can call themselves a painter. So why go to the trouble of hiring someone for something you can do yourself reasonably well? Probably for the same reasons you would go to a photographer for family pictures. Many of the questions we ask ourselves in making these kinds of decisions fall into four different catagories: ability, motivation, results and price. What most of this boils down to is our expectation of the results.

Know Your Expectations

My motto here at Better Painting is, “Better Service, Better Products, Better Application, Better Results”. I expect my clients to expect a lot from me, and they do. I put in my time researching and experimenting with different products and techniques to bring you the best looking, longest lasting paint and stain available. I take pride in the service I provide and it shows. But not everyone has this level of expectation. If “good enough” is “good enough” then you may want to call your brother-in-law.

The last issue of price is normally the most influential. Having a service professional at your home is expensive. We may be able to justify a plumber or electrician charging what seems like a lot of money. We know mistakes can cost more than getting the job done right the first time. But when it comes to painting, we would rather call a friend or relative than hire a pro. If a painting mistake is made we think it’s no big deal, it can always be repainted. That is true to a certain extent. But consider this fact: if a mistake isn’t dealt with properly it will show through on the next coat of paint. You may be making your problems worse rather than better. I have been able to help many people who are dissatisfied with the results they got doing it themselves.

Consider these three levels of painting service when hiring a painter for typical repainting needs

Obviously, the better painting quality you need, the more it is going to cost.

Rental Painting 

The first is “rental”, also know as “blow and go” and several other names you would rather not know. Obviously, this is cheap painting and priced accordingly. But if you just need to “git ‘r done”, this may be the best option.

Residential Painting 

“Residential” is the mid-grade option. You can find a range of talent and price here. Sometimes you can get a real deal, sometimes you can get ripped off. The best way to find someone to do a quality job is to ask for references from the painter, ask your friends and call paint stores for references. A good painter will have a good relationship with a paint store where he does most of his business. I work with Dale’s Paint in Colorado Springs, CO.

Custom Painting

The last general designation for painting service is “custom” painting. This designation can be a bit deceptive because all painting is “custom” in that each job is different. Custom is also called “high-end” painting. This designation is given to those individuals whose results and conduct have gained them business with those who have high expectations. You should expect nothing but the best. And yes, it is priced accordingly as well.

Hire A Professional Painter When You Can

I encourage most people to do as much of their own painting as they can. It can be a fun and relaxing activity, especially if you have a desk job. Hire a painter if you are unable to do the job yourself or you want that “WOW” reaction from friends and family that custom painting provides. Match your abilities, motivation, and quality requirements with your budget. If your budget is less important than any one of the other requirements consider hiring a professional. You will be glad you did.

To Your Better Painting,

Tim Hoeffel