While you can paint your exterior home yourself, you may want to hire a professional for this task. Professional painters have the proper tools, experience, and knowledge for this type of work. They also know which types of paint to use, how to apply it, and how to finish it. Most painters will also offer free estimates, which makes it even easier to compare the cost of hiring a painter versus doing it yourself. Read on to learn more about exterior house painting and how to save money while getting the job done right.
Cost
The cost of exterior house painting depends on the exterior painting encorepaintingltd materials used and whether you choose to paint yourself or hire a professional. One-story houses are cheaper to paint because you will use less equipment. Two and three-story houses may require more equipment and larger ladders. Large windows and doors can increase the cost. Each type of exterior wall material requires a different amount of preparation. Metal, wood, and vinyl siding are the cheapest exterior wall materials, while stucco is the most expensive.
One of the largest costs for exterior house painting is paint. Depending on the type of paint used, the size of the home, and the amount of prep work required, the cost can range from $20 to $70 per gallon. The cost for exterior house painting can range anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000, but the price will be significantly higher if you have a large home. Small exterior house painting jobs, such as paint on trim, can cost as little as $500, while extra-large ones can cost up to $40,000, depending on the size of the house.
Preparation
If you’re considering painting the exterior of your home, the first step is preparation. The exterior paints used on homes built before 1978 may contain lead or other harmful chemicals. For this reason, you should take precautions to ensure the safety of both you and your family. For example, drain all water from sinks and bathtubs. Make sure to clean gutters and clear away debris. Make sure your house is properly ventilated so that paint doesn’t stick to it.
Another crucial step to preparation is to check the weather. If the weather is bad, your exterior paint job may be postponed or even canceled completely. Besides, many paints and caulks have limited ranges of working temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause problems with the paint. Humidity can also make paint cure slower. Always test the paints before starting the exterior house painting project. And, don’t forget to test for lead.
Techniques
There are many techniques for exterior house painting. A good paint job will add years to the life of the siding and will increase the value of your home. A good painting job requires patience and perseverance. You’ll need a steady hand and a keen eye, and you’ll need to practice painting straight lines on the outside of your house. You’ll also need to have enough strength to work from a ladder. Once you’ve learned the right techniques, you can get painting your house like a professional!
When painting the outside of a home, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly, as this will make it easier for the paint to stick. While you can use a power sprayer to get this done, hand scrubbing with a stiff bristle brush is just as effective and requires minimal setup time. If you’ve had nail holes in the exterior of your house, you should fill them with exterior-grade putty. Once the putty has dried, make sure it is sanded flush, and use a paintable caulk for any leaks.
Cost versus hiring a professional
There are many pros and cons of doing your exterior house painting yourself versus hiring a professional. First, it is far more efficient. Professional painters have the equipment necessary to get the job done right the first time. Professional painters can even help you determine which paint and primer to use to achieve the best look for your home. Second, you can avoid hauling all of those tools home! However, if you plan on doing the exterior painting yourself, make sure to repair any damage that may be present on the exterior of your home.
Third, a professional can use expert tools and experience to complete your project. You may be tempted to tackle this project yourself, but it will take you more time, money, and effort. Not to mention the potential for mistakes that will make you spend more time fixing. Hiring a professional will guarantee the job is done correctly and will eliminate the possibility of making any mistakes. Lastly, you can get a free estimate from a professional.