Nowadays, the DIY scene is starting to gain a lot of traction. Social media is filled with pictures and videos of average homeowners renovating, repairing, and decorating their homes without the aid of a professional. However, you’ll also find a lot of horror and failure stories of people who made a mess of their homes because of their DIY attempts. Professional decorator working inside property While there is no harm in trying things out for yourself, there are reasons why hiring professional decorators and painters is still a good choice for a lot of people. So before you run off and purchase the necessary tools and paints from your local hardware store, there are some reasons why calling the nearest professional painter might be a better idea.

A Better Option For Busy People

DIY projects are great when you have nothing better to do and have all the time in the world. But what if work keeps you busy, and you need whatever free time you have left to relax and unwind? Calling house painters near me takes around 5-10 minutes depending on how much information they need on the project. If they’re close to where you live, they might even accommodate your request on the same day you make it. The good thing about professional painters is that you don’t have to look over their shoulders while they work. You can meet your local painters during lunch to discuss the work that needs to be done and then go back to work in the afternoon while they repaint your walls. If it’s a small enough project, they’ll be done by the time you get home and you’ll have freshly painted walls with minimal effort required.

Experience Means Fewer Mistakes

The biggest reason why I hire painting contractors near me instead of painting the walls myself is because of experience. Even if painting the house all by myself sounds like a wonderful adventure, I know my limitations. I’m not very good at painting walls and redecorating the house and I know I’m bound to make several mistakes that will cost me more money later. Professional painter painting the wall of a new home with a paintbrush You’ve probably heard of horror stories on the Internet about people who tried to redecorate their house only to end up breaking walls, cutting important wires, and damaging their pipes. Not only do they have to call a professional decorator, but they also have to call a repairman to fix everything they botched up. Hiring a professional means they can get the job done right the first time. And if they make a mistake, you don’t have to worry because most companies offer insurance.

They Have The Right Tools and Knowledge

Say you want a pastel matte finish for your bedroom - do you know what paints have a matte finish? And do you know which paints are pastel? Brands often have fancy paints for their names, and without the proper knowledge, it is difficult to know which is what. Also, professional painters have different types of brushes and know a variety of painting techniques so they can paint your walls faster, without missing spots and corners. Delegating the job to a professional also means you don’t have to run around looking for the exact paint colour that you need. Painting companies near me actually have their own mini storage of different paint colours and finishes, so I don’t have to worry about not getting the colour that I want from the local hardware because they’re out of stock. And if the exact shade isn’t available, professionals know how to mix and match paints to get the exact result that you need.

What Makes A Good Painter and Decorator

Acknowledging that you need a professional is only the first step. Now it’s time to look for a good painter or decorator. When I need the services of a professional, I don’t just look up painters near me on the Internet and go with the first one I see. Painters and decorators all have different rates and costs. Also, some are very meticulous in their work and see it as art, while others only care about getting the job done so they get paid. So what are the tell tale signs of a good painter or decorator? Here are some things you should keep an eye out for during your first meeting with them:

1. Great Feedback and Extensive Portfolio

Most professional services have websites nowadays. Even before you meet your potential painter or decorator, you can do your homework and look into their work history. You can ask your neighbours, friends, and co-workers about their experiences and see if there’s someone who is highly recommended. If you are hiring somebody online, look for pictures of previous clients and work sites. Professional painters who are proud of their work are never ashamed to put up their portfolio on their website. If they don’t have a website, or they don’t have a portfolio on their site, go ahead and ask them. If they don’t want to provide you with pictures of previously done work, that should be a red flag for you. Maybe they don’t have anything that they’d be proud enough to show off, or maybe they have a history of bad reviews that they want to cover up.

2. They Are Upfront About Costs

Professionals are always honest and transparent about their fees. They don’t give customers an estimate, do the work, and then surprise the customer with a bill that is filled with fees that were previously not discussed. A good painter or decorator will explain the work that they will do, and how much the work will cost. They will also update you immediately if something comes up and there’s additional work that needs to be done.

3. Good Decorators Always Come Prepared

Imagine having a decorating come into your home to work on your garage, and then asks you if you have a wall drill because the one they have isn’t working. That is a prime example of a bad decorator. Professionals always make sure they take all the necessary tools to the job site, and they also test the tools out to make sure they’re working.

What To Expect From Professional Painters

Painting isn’t as linear and straightforward as it seems. According to statistics, painting is the most popular form of DIY project in the UK, with around 80-90% of respondents saying they’re confident enough to do paint jobs on their own. A painter using a paint roller and holding a paint tray, decorating a room. However, walls painted by a homeowner vary greatly in quality compared to those done by a professional painter. Professionally painted walls are usually more even, last longer, and have a better overall aesthetic If you’re one of those people who still feel like they can do better, here are a few things that you can expect from professional painters.

1. Exclusive Paint Knowledge

All the best painters UK has to offer have undergone thorough training to better their craft. They also stay ahead of paint trends and new technology related to their field. And so, they offer more than just painting services. You can also gain a plethora of knowledge from them if you are open to it. Professional painters know inside knowledge such as what paints are best for houses in hot and humid areas, or how to keep paint from chipping easily. They also have a lot of aesthetic knowledge, such as what shades can make you feel more warm and relaxed.

2. They Have All The Appropriate Tools

Most homeowners think that all they need is a bucket of paint and some brushes and they can pull off a paint job with the same quality as that of a professional’s. However, painters have a myriad of tools that they take to each worksite. Here are just some of the common tools used by painters when they take on residential jobs:
  • Painter’s tape
  • A set of brushes of different sizes
  • Paint rollers
  • Ladders
  • Scrapers and Sanders
  • Masking Tool
  • Hole Fillers
  • Primers
  • Putty Knife
These are just the basic items - professionals with many years of experience have more advanced tools at their disposal that can’t be found in a regular home. 

3. Meticulous Painting Process

While most homeowners simply paint over existing wall paint, painters know that this will simply result in paint that chips off easily. The process of painting begins with preparing the surface that will be painted on. Painters sand walls and make sure that the surface is dry before painting over it. Painters first apply a primer to give the base coat something to hold on to. The painting process usually ends with a nice topcoat that acts as a protective shield.

What Do Professional Painters And Decorators Do?

While mostly everyone knows when to call for a painter or a decorator, the exact scope of their job isn’t known to many.  People use painters and decorators mostly to paint interior and exterior walls. However, they do more than this. They can also apply wall stains and paint textures to existing wall paint. They also paint, apply finishes or refurbish wooden cabinets, counters, and other similar surfaces.  When painters work with a team of decorators for a major house renovation process, they are also in charge of prepping or cleaning surfaces. They remove existing paint off the walls or remove wallpaper. If there are cracks on the walls, it is their responsibility to fill in the holes and cracks. They also measure the surfaces that need work done and give a breakdown of costs to the client. So the next time you feel the inkling to give your bedroom or kitchen a little fixing up, consider hiring a professional painter or decorator. It might cost more money upfront, but the work quality, longevity, and convenience more than makeup for it!