When it comes time to paint our home’s interior; the first decision we have to make is whether to hire a professional house painter or just do it ourselves. For some of us it is an easy choice! But if you fall into the “others of us” category….keep reading! There are pros and cons to both- so let’s jump into it!
Price Point: Doing the work yourself will cost less money. Usually this is still the case even if you have to buy a ladder or tools!
Your Time: You can do the work on your schedule, whenever it is convenient for you. No rush. No strangers in your house!
End Result: You can be as picky as you want to be! The job is not done until you say it is done! 😉
You Da Boss: You’re in charge of everything: surface prep, masking, paint selection, material costs, you name it! You want to skip a step? No one can stop you!!! Muahaha!
Cons
Price Point: Doing the work yourself will cost more time. Which currency is more important to you? Time or Money?
Your Time: Youwill spend more time on this project than a professional will, due to lack of experience and efficient tools.
End Result: Moooost of the time the end result is not going to be as nice as it would be if a professional were to paint for you.
You Da Boss: It can be a lot to make sense of: which materials, how much material, and where to even begin! Don’t forget to give yourself a good warranty! …wait! 😉
While the painting itself might be totally up your alley; a lot of other work goes into an interior painting project that often gets overlooked… at first… Things like moving or covering furniture, masking or removing light fixtures, sanding and cleaning trim…. Knowing which materials are going to work best for you is a whole other pile of research you will need to do if you don’t want to waste money on things you don’t need. However, some people really enjoy this process and love the sense accomplishment and capability at the end! And then there are the “others of us” again…. hahah Just keep reading if that is you!
Interior Painting by Professional
Pros
Efficiency: Professionals have a system they follow day to day. They will get a lot of work done in a short amount of time.
Knowledge: They already know which methods and products will work best for reaching your project goals.
Experience: Skills improve with consistency! You get good at painting in a straight line when you do it every day!
Tools: Ladders, Paint Sprayers, Hand Maskers, Extension Poles, Vacuum Sanders, Drop Cloths…. They have what they need to do the job right. This is Especially beneficial if your home has tall walls and ceilings or other challenging obstacles.
Warranty: Most professionals have a warranty on their work, and if something goes wrong they will take care of it- sometimes for years!
End Result: Crisp and Clean! (disclaimer: it DOES matter WHO you hire – if you’d like some tips about that click here!)
Cons
Price Point: It will cost you some dollars. You could probably try and fail to paint your own house a couple times before it cost the same amount of money.
Personal Space: You will have painters and plastic all up in your face and in your doorways. You might not have doorknobs. This doesn’t have to be a con though… Its an excellent time for a vacation!!! Or fun conversations with painters!
You Da Boss… with limitations: You and the contractor will put together a plan based on what your goals are. You still get to make decisions but there is a point at which you can no longer change your mind “for free”. They have a schedule to stick to; and as much as they will try to accommodate you, they have already made and agreed upon plans with other customers too. If you have big changes or additions, they might have to be scheduled at a separate time.
When you hire a professional to do your painting, there are a lot less things you have to figure out alone! Some professionals will even send out a color consultant to help you choose your paint colors. They have everything they need to come in and do the job efficiently and effectively. They have insurance in case anything Were to happen (idk about you but I (the wife) am much more likely to spill paint on the floor than my husband, the painter 😉 ).
Either choice can be a good one depending on what your goals are and who You are. If you have a particularly challenging job with damaged walls or peeling paint or some other obstacle that makes it so you can’t just roll it out; give us a call at 541-600-2025. We would love to come out and give you an estimate so you can make the decision that is best for you! If you’d like to book an estimate with us online- click here!
You have decided it is time to paint your home! Choosing the painter you want to work with is your first step, and also the most important. How do you choose which company is right for you? Here are 5 tips!
1. Research and Referrals
Finding a painter is easier than you think! Reach out to your friends and neighbors and ask them about the experiences they had with the painter they hired. Chances are that someone you know had either a very positive experience to lead you towards a certain company, or a very negative experience that will help you steer clear! Google is also a great place to search for painters in the Eugene/Springfield area as many painters will have google reviews left by customers. Generally, the more positive reviews you see, the more likely it is that most customers have a positive experience. If you want to know more, many contractors have some details about their company on their business website; along with before and after photos of previous jobs. Some painters even take the extra step to get video testimonials so you can really get a good idea of the quality of service they provide! Check out this video testimonial of Sir Paints A Lot!
2. Schedule Estimates
After you have done some research, you should narrow down a list of about 3 painters and schedule estimates with each of them (ideally not at the same time). This will give you a chance to meet them in person and observe how they put their estimate together. Here are a few things to watch for:
Did they show up on time or call ahead if they were going to be late?
Do they measure spaces precisely or do they eyeball it/ use rough guesswork?
Do they point out areas that may need additional work? (drywall repair, dry-rot, caulking etc)
Is their communication with you clear and responsive to any questions you have?
Was the estimate delivered to you accurately and in a timely manner?
Are they respectful of your time and property?
3. Compare Estimates
Now that you have had a chance to meet your potential painters and look over their estimates, you will probably have an idea of which company you most want to work with. Sometimes your estimates will all be close to the same price, but other times there will be a significant difference in cost. It is important to figure out why and not just choose the cheapest deal. A detailed estimate is preferable to most people because they can see exactly why their paint job costs the price it does. If one of your estimates comes in at a much lower price range and does not provide specific details, it is important to ask a few questions.
Will they be priming?
How many coats of paint will be applied?
Will they be painting my trim and doors?
Are there any repairs that need done?
What is the quality of the paint they will be using?
How do they schedule the work? (pressure washing, repairs, painting…)
Is there a warranty or maintenance plan?
Do they include a color consult?
If their estimate is missing these details and they do not answer your questions with confidence and clarity, you should be prepared for them to add-on things to your final bill that they did not take the time to account for in the original estimate. Most of us would like to avoid this game of chance by simply having a detailed estimate in the first place. There is always a chance that problems could arise as a job goes on, but a painter who is looking for potential problem areas in the beginning is much more likely to be prepared to handle them!
painter providing a less-than-detailed estimate… bonus points if they write it on the back of their business card 😉
4. Compare Cost with Value
When you have your house painted, you want to enjoy the paint job as long as possible and get the most life out of it! You want the color to be everything you hoped it would be, and you want the coverage to hold up well to the elements. Many companies will offer a general warranty for product failure, but let’s be real…they hope you never call! At Sir Paints A Lot, WE call YOU to schedule touch up work each year! We value our customers and want them to enjoy their investment for many years. Some painters also include a color consult which can be very helpful! Even if you know what color you want, a color consultant can help you determine if it will be a good fit for your space and even paint samples onto the wall. We all know that little paint card can be deceiving! It is important to weigh these details when you compare your estimates. Having your home painted is a big investment, and getting long lasting value should be a primary goal!
5. Choose with Confidence
By now, you should have a clear idea of which painter you want to work with and which estimate you feel comfortable with. You will have had a chance to observe their professionalism, read reviews, and ask any questions about the estimate. Surely you have formed an opinion on how well they communicate, and how well they addressed your concerns. Choose someone you feel will be safe to have around your family! If you don’t want to go off a feeling, definitely go ahead and ask your painter how they screen their employees! Here at Sir Paints A Lot we have all our employees background checked because we want your family to feel safe with us too! Hopefully these tips helped you to make a decision about who to hire for your painting needs!
To Schedule a Paint Estimate with Sir Paints A Lot: Call 541-600-2025, or click here to book online!
You’ve decided to hire a professional painting contractor in Eugene. What should you do next?!
If it is your first time hiring a painting contractor, the whole process can be a little intimidating.
Repainting your home is a significant investment towards, probably one of your largest investments, so far. Hiring the wrong painting contractor can leave you frustrated to say the least, but the safety of your family should also be considered.
In this article, we
will quickly take you through the process of hiring a painting contractor and
an overview of what you can expect. Have a look.
How to Find a Painting
Contractor in Eugene
Painting companies are generally active locally, and you have probably seen some of them working on projects in your Eugene or Springfield neighborhood. While most of them focus on painting, some take on extra related tasks such as plaster repair, minor drywall repair, cladding, and wallpapering.
You will essentially need to pick a painter based in your specific painting needs. Don’t be tempted to choose the first one that you come across. Some of the best ways to find painting contractors include asking friends, relatives, and neighbors, asking at your local paint store or searching online for local painting contractors.
Be sure to choose at least three painters, invite them for an interview and request a painting estimate from each of them. It is best if you schedule each of them separately.
What Will The Painter
Do?
Most painters take on any kind of work, from the mere painting of your window covering to a full residential paint job. Let’s assume that you want them to paint your home interior. You can usually expect:
Cover all areas that are not to be painted, including floors, windows, kitchen counter-tops, cabinets, etc.
Slight surface preparation; this may include light sanding and scraping off loose paint, filling holes left from old nails, caulking, cleaning woodwork, and wiping off surfaces. The contractor assumes that the house is usually in paintable condition.
Remove electrical panels, lights, doors, and other obstacles.
Moving furniture away for better access to the areas to be painted. That is not really a painter’s job, so you have to confirm that beforehand if you want them to move furniture for you.
Priming new drywall or the current paint with an interior latex primer.
Apply two coats of latex paint on the walls.
Two layers of ceiling paint.
Painting of the trim (baseboards, window coverings, doors etc; all depending on what you requested)
Touch-up missing spots.
Cleanups for any spills and splashes.
How to Talk To the Painter
Unlike a conversation
with an electrician, talking to the painter is generally easy and doesn’t
involve any jargon. They keep things as clear and simple as possible.
Some topics you may want to discuss:
Is the cost of the paint included in the estimate?
What type/quality of paint does the contractor intend to use?
How many coats will be used?
How does he intend to cover the non-paint-able areas?
How long does he expect the job to last?
Is it preferable for the residents to clear the house while working?
Will the painter clean up after painting is done?
How Much Will It Cost?
If this is the first time you have hired a contractor, painting might cost a little more than you expect. Some painting companies will have formulas that they use. This typically includes measuring total square feet of walls and ceilings, along with linear lengths of the trim. They also calculate the preparation time as well as the “hard costs” for primer and paint.
Some contractors will give you a quote based on their experience with similar jobs. While this estimate may not be specific, it is usually a fair number. The best way to get value for your money is by comparing multiple painting quotes and picking a quote that meets all your needs. It is important to choose a contractor who communicates well with you and who you feel comfortable with. This will not necessarily be the lowest bid.
At Sir Paints A Lot, we offer affordable, reliable, high-quality, and durable residential painting services such as trim painting, wall and ceiling painting, door and frame painting, and cabinet refinishing that will stand the test of time. If you haven’t identified a residential painting contractor in Eugene yet, we would love to be your favorite painter. To give a try, call us on 541-600-2025 or book now for a FREE painting estimate.
While there are many improvements you can make on your home, nothing quite compares to the benefits offered by an exterior paint job. Exterior painting in Eugene is an inexpensive and transformative way to improve your home. It not only upgrades the appearance of your home but also protects it against the elements.
If you’re considering repainting your home’s exterior, but you’re not sure if the investment is worth it, here are the top five benefits of exterior painting to help you make up your mind.
1. Improves Aesthetic Appeal
As a homeowner, keeping your home painted makes it appealing. It is also an opportunity to choose your favorite color for the exterior if you don’t like the current one. Even if you’re in love with your current color scheme, exterior paint often needs to be re-applied after a few years because it eventually fades, flakes and peels.
An aesthetically appealing home is a natural source of pride for any homeowner and their family. Additionally, the appearance and status of your home impact the overall home value of your neighborhood or street, so repainting is also a neighborly thing to do.
2. Better Curb Appeal
Repainting your home is the quickest and easiest way to improve its curb appeal. It will give your home a fresh new look and cover any signs of weather damage and aging. If you’re planning to sell your home any time soon, a better curb appeal will not only help you to sell your home faster but also at a reasonably high price.
Curb appeal is all about setting the right tone when a prospective buyer sees your home for the first time. If they like the exterior when driving by, they’ll be far more likely to come in and check out the rest of the home, which increases your chances of getting a better price.
3. Protects Your Home from the Elements
Natural elements can be quite damaging to your house, and living in Eugene doesn’t make it any better. Wind, snow, rain sleet, and even fire are just a few of the elements that can wreak havoc to your siding. The best exterior paint job can stand up against these elements for a much longer time, keeping your siding protected.
Exterior paint is like an external shield coating for your home’s siding. It stops the dampness from leaking into your house and mold and mildew from damaging your siding. Essentially, it adds an extra layer of protection against the rainy and damp conditions, and could even stop bugs from invading through the siding.
4. Extends the Lifespan of Your Existing Siding
A new paint job can help increase the lifespan of your siding, despite which material is used. Many types of exterior sidings, such as concrete and wood, need to be replaced to maintain their good looks and protection properties. If repainting your exterior can extend the life of your siding even for just a few years, you can end up saving even thousands of dollars in future expenses.
Additionally, brand-new paint can hide or briefly repair minor damages that your old siding has endured. Minor siding imperfections can be covered by paint. You can also use this opportunity to repair major damages such as missing caulking, rotted wood, or a stucco siding with missing patches. Note, however, that exterior painting is not a substitute for siding repair.
5. Increases Your Home’s Value
Making your home look beautiful and appealing has a direct financial benefit. When inspection and appraisal are being done on your home, a recent home repaint can significantly increase the final value. Other significantly expensive home renovations, such as a kitchen remodel offers just about 80% return on investment. That means a kitchen remodel worth $10,000 will increase your home’s value by an average of $8,000.
On the other hand, exterior painting can offer a return of up to140%. So if you spend $1,000 on house painting, you can expect your home’s value to increase by $1,400. This means you earn about $400 extra value on your paint job.
Bottom line
As you can see, repainting your home offers many more benefits than you might have imagined. Other than making it appealing, it protects your siding against elements and eventually increases your home’s value
If you need any professional help with the exterior or general residential painting in Eugene, our team at Sir Paints A Lot can help. Simply call us on 541-600-2025 or book now to get started.
If you’re planning to sell a home in spring, prepare now for the crucial job of luring home shoppers. Homes that look loved and well-maintained get more attention — and first impressions matter: Most buyers will make their buying decision as they are coming up the front walk.
We put a little guide together to for a quick fix to getting the front of the home ready to sell.
4. Pressure-wash the walls
Mold, mildew, cobwebs, wasp nests, dead bugs, and gutter run-off are all the beginning of a long list of things buyers aren’t excited to see when viewing a home. You want to make sure your careful when you do this because too much pressure and you could damage the paint finish or the siding but, if not enough then the walls won’t look clean. Paying a professional to wash the home pictured would cost around $350
3. Clean the windows
If you’ve got kids in the home, as I do, then you probably know where this is going. As cute as those little buggers are the fingerprints on the window have got to go. If the outsides didn’t get clean during a pressure wash. There are affordable solutions that can be bought at a hardware store for quick and easy cleaning.
A professional can clean the windows on this home above for about $10/per window
2. Repaint the front door
There aren’t many places in the home that get as much attention as the front door. Painting really does rise or fall on the prep work. Be sure to sand the door to a dull finish before applying a paint product. Usually, the safest bet is to go with a neutral color and semi-gloss sheen. The semi-gloss is important when it comes to clean up. Satin or flat paint doesn’t clean as well and with many potential buyers coming through that door you want to keep it clean.
Typically a Professional painter has a minimum charge of $400 per day + materials. They have the right tools to get a smooth sprayed finish on the door that’ll definitely score points with prospective buyers. To make sure you get your value with them add a bedroom, bathroom, or ceiling to maximize the 8 hours you paid for.
1.Clean or replace exterior lighting
New porch lights will go a long way. Nearly every paint job we do ends up with repainted, cleaned, or new light fixtures. Many of the motion sensing lights have plastic covers over the “eye” that get brittle and crack over time leaving you with a very worn and tired appearance.
New lights could run $30 or more.
Repainting the lights starts at $20 based on complexity
Cleaning the lights could be free depending on the condition of the metals or plastics on the light
Overall this is definitely a valuable change to increase the curb appeal.
I hope you found this helpful in planning to put your home up for sale. If you are in the area and would like help getting this done we can refer skilled professionals for each step of the process and even a listing agent if need be.
Sir Paints A Lot