When exterior house paint begins to fade or peel, Surrey homeowners face a common dilemma: whether to undertake the project themselves or hire a professional residential painting company. This decision requires careful consideration of several factors, as outlined in a recent resource from Pedigree Painting. The choice ultimately hinges on the homeowner's experience, the specific characteristics of their property, and access to proper tools and materials.
Experience plays a crucial role in determining the feasibility of a DIY exterior painting project. Painting is a skilled profession that involves specific techniques and risk management strategies developed through practice. Homeowners should honestly assess their previous experience with interior or exterior paint projects. For those with older homes, visible exterior damage, or no prior painting experience, hiring a professional may save significant time, costs, and potential headaches. Sometimes, underlying issues such as wood integrity problems or improper window caulking complicate what might seem like a simple fresh coat of paint.
The type and features of a home significantly influence whether DIY painting is appropriate. House height is a primary consideration, as multi-story or taller homes present greater challenges and surface area to cover. An exterior painting company typically has more personnel to manage the workload efficiently and complete the job within a reasonable timeframe. Architectural complexity also matters; homes with numerous nooks, crannies, or intricate details, especially on higher floors, often require professional expertise to ensure thorough coverage. Additionally, homes with noticeable problems like rotting boards, mildew, or peeling paint may need extensive preparation work before painting can begin. For homes built before 1978 that may contain lead paint, professional handling is essential for safety.
Access to proper materials and tools is another critical factor in the DIY versus professional decision. Professional painters invest in specialized equipment such as ladders, lifts, preparation materials, paint removers, caulking, applicators, primer, and paint—investments amortized over multiple jobs. For homeowners who already possess these tools, DIY might be more viable. However, acquiring them for a single project can be costly, making professional services a more practical choice. The resource at https://www.pedigreepainting.com/blog/should-you-diy-or-hire-a-pro-for-exterior-painting offers further guidance on this topic.
For those considering a DIY approach, proper preparation is essential. Cleaning the home's surface thoroughly using scrub brushes, masking tape, pails, bleach, cleaning agents, and a powerful hose is the most critical step. Protecting nearby plants with drop cloths is also necessary. Scraping and paint removal with tools like carbide scrapers and dry brushes create a smooth surface for the new coat, though caution is advised as pressure washing and power sanding can be damaging or release toxic ingredients. Proper caulking of windows, followed by adequate drying time, is also recommended.
Ultimately, a DIY paint job can be fulfilling and cost-effective for those with the right experience, a suitable home type, and necessary materials. However, given that a home is a valuable asset, mistakes in exterior painting can lead to higher costs than just extra paint. The project is time-consuming and potentially expensive if not executed correctly. By evaluating key points such as painting experience, home characteristics, and tool availability, Surrey homeowners can make an informed decision that balances practicality, safety, and results.
