Another house painting season is upon us. One big difference this year is an increase in paint prices and a shortage of paint. Both are irritating. We had an increase in prices in September 2021 and then again in February 2022. The prices never go down. Combined with this is difficulty in getting the paint you want. For some reason the paint that is the most difficult to get is the good stuff. Paint that I wouldn’t consider buying is in good supply. This past weekend I drove to Kansas City just to get paint for two upcoming cabinet jobs.
The same guidelines for a successful paint job apply this year. Don’t start too early. I saw a contractor painting outside yesterday. That’s crazy. It was a nice day but the temperature must stay within the proper range for 24 hours and it must stay well above the dew point!!!
Exterior Painting
We don’t start exterior painting until the end of April or until the conditions are right.
A brief rundown on what to expect for a professional exterior paint job.
- A professional written estimate with a scope of work. What will be done in detail.
- A written warranty.
- Copy of insurance
- References.
- Anticipated start date and updates as the start date approaches.
- Color consultation.
- Carpentry and needed repairs identified.
Exterior house painting can be a daunting task, but it is also an important one that can transform the look of your home and add value to it. Properly painting the exterior of your house can also protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. Here are some things to consider when it comes to exterior house painting. Much of these considerations are taken cafe of for you when hiring a professional paint contractor like The Painting Company.
Choosing the right paint: The first step in exterior house painting is selecting the right paint. There are a few different types of paint to choose from, including oil-based, latex, and acrylic. Oil-based paints are durable and long-lasting, but they can be difficult to work with and have a strong odor. Latex paints are easier to work with and have less of an odor. Acrylic paints are likely your best option. They offer good durability and ease of use. We use high grade acrylic latex paints on home exteriors.
Preparing the surface: Before you begin painting, it is important to properly prepare the surface of your home. This includes cleaning and repairing any damage, such as cracks or holes. You should also remove any old paint or loose debris from the surface. This will help ensure that the new paint adheres properly and looks its best.
Protecting your home and surroundings: Before you start painting, it is important to protect your home and surroundings. This includes covering plants, shrubs, and other landscaping with tarps or plastic sheets. You should also cover windows and doors with plastic or painter’s tape to protect them from drips and splatters.
Applying the paint: Once you have prepared the surface and protected your home, you can begin painting. When applying the paint, it is important to use even strokes and work in small sections to ensure an even coat. You should also allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
Finishing touches: After you have applied the final coat of paint, you should remove any protective coverings and touch up any areas that may have been missed. You should also clean up any paint drips or splatters that may have occurred during the painting process.
Exterior house painting can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, but the results are well worth it. By following these steps and taking the time to properly prepare and paint your home, you can transform its appearance and protect it from the elements for years to come. If you are considering hiring a professional to paint your home consider the following.
Hiring a Professional Painter
There are pros and cons to both hiring a professional to paint your home’s exterior and doing it yourself. Here are a few things to consider when deciding which option is best for you:
Pros of hiring a professional paint contractor:
Expertise and experience: A professional painting company has the expertise and experience to get the job done correctly and efficiently. They will also be familiar with the best techniques and products to use for your specific type of home.
Quality results: A professional painting company will take the time to properly prep the surfaces and use high-quality paint and equipment to ensure a long-lasting and high-quality finish.
Warranty: Most professional painting companies offer a warranty on their work, which can give you peace of mind and protection in case any issues arise.
Cons of hiring a professional paint contractor:
Cost: Hiring a professional to paint your home’s exterior can be more expensive than doing it yourself.
Lack of control: When you hire a professional, you may have less control over the process and the final results.
Pros of doing it yourself:
Cost: Doing it yourself can be more cost-effective than hiring a professional.
Personal satisfaction: There can be a sense of accomplishment and pride in completing a home improvement project yourself.
Cons of doing it yourself:
Lack of expertise: If you don’t have experience painting, it can be challenging to achieve professional-quality results.
Time and effort: Painting the exterior of a home can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.
Risk of injury: There is a risk of injury when working on a home improvement project, especially when working at heights.
Ultimately, whether to hire a professional or do it yourself will depend on your budget, skill level, and the specific needs of your project. If you have any doubts about your ability to complete the job safely and effectively, it may be worth considering hiring a professional like The Painting Company.
Steps for hiring a professional Painer
Research and choose a professional painting company: Look for a company with a good reputation, references, and insurance. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family, or search online for reviews and ratings.
Get an estimate: Once you have a list of potential contractors, ask each of them to provide an estimate for the work. Make sure to get estimates in writing and be clear about the scope of the work, including the number of coats of paint, the type of paint to be used, and any additional services such as power washing.
Get multiple estimates: It’s a good idea to get estimates from multiple painting companies to compare prices and services. Be sure to provide a clear scope of work and be specific about the materials and finishes you want to use.
Check references and reviews: Ask for references from the painting companies you are considering and be sure to follow up with them. You can also check online reviews to get a sense of the company’s reputation.
Discuss the project in detail: Be sure to discuss the project in detail with the painting company, including any specific needs or concerns you have. This will help ensure that the job is done to your satisfaction.
Consider the timing: Keep in mind that the timing of your painting project can impact the cost. For example, if you need the work done during the busy season, it may cost more than if you schedule it during the off-season.
Review the contract: Before signing a contract, be sure to read it carefully and understand all the terms and conditions. Make sure the contract clearly outlines the scope of the work, the materials to be used, and the payment terms.
Make a schedule: Work with the painting company to establish a schedule for the project. This will help ensure that the work is completed on time and to your satisfaction.
Stay organized: Keep track of all the details and documents related to the project, including the contract, estimates, and any communication with the painting company. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly and there are no misunderstandings.
Prepare your home: Before the painters arrive, you will need to prepare your home. This may include moving furniture, plants, grills, etc. to protect them from paint splatters or overspray.
Protect your possessions: If you have any expensive items on the exterior of your home or around your home you should protect or move them.
Communicate with the painters: During the painting process, it’s important to keep in touch with the painters and let them know if you have any concerns or questions. If you notice any issues, such as paint drips or uneven coverage, be sure to bring them to the attention of the painter right away so they can be addressed.
Get a warranty: Many professional painting companies offer warranties for their work. Be sure to ask about this and get the details in writing.
Understand the warranty: Most painting companies offer a warranty on their work, but it’s important to understand the terms of the warranty and what it covers.
Stay safe: If you are present during the painting process, be sure to follow all safety guidelines and use protective equipment as needed. This may include wearing a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear.
Finalize the payment: Once the work is completed, be sure to finalize the payment according to the terms of the contract. If you are satisfied with the work, consider leaving a positive review or recommendation for the company.
There are many Paint Contractors in Omaha. Good and not so good. There are a lot of the “Chuck and a truck” or weekend warriors too. The expectations should be the same. Don’t sell yourself short and end up with a disaster in an effort to save money. The guys with little to no overhead or experience may do good work. You should expect insurance coverage and references as a minimum. You will likely not get a valid warranty since they often move on to other ventures within a year or two.
The best option is to get two to three professional estimates from a well established Paint Contractor like The Painting Company.
House painting is not rocket science but experience and knowledge count.
