When You Need to Paint the House (Sponsored)
It’s that time of year again and you’re outside, enjoying your yard. Then you start nosing around—maybe you’re inspecting your plants, or reviewing the condition of your lawn or setting up your sprinklers—and before you know it, reality hits. You need to paint the house. A daunting task. An expensive task. A necessary task—because it’s not just about how your house looks, it’s about your home’s value. Neglect is not an option. Take heart, however. Information and resources have never been more easily available to help you through this project. Know Your OptionsYour options are to either hire a contractor or paint it yourself. Hiring a contractor is an expensive option, but if it’s in your budget and you do the necessary research to find a quality contractor, you won’t regret it. The best method to find a professional painter is word-of-mouth. Ask a neighbor who’s recently repainted, or go to a local paint store and ask for recommendations. You could also use a service such as the popular Angie’s List. Once you’ve contacted the painter, ask for references before you even bother getting a quote. Most professional contractors will give you a free estimate. They know what they’re looking for and can point out important issues you may have missed such as carpentry work on deteriorated siding. If your house is extremely tall or has dangerous gables, professionals have the equipment and insurance to handle this type of treacherous job. And many contractors guarantee their work for a year, so if something chips or peels, you’re covered. Your DIY Checklist If your budget—or your house—is smaller, and you enjoy a good do-it-yourself project, you can paint your house yourself. It’s a multi-step process, and you’ll want to spend some time preparing for it. Here’s a brief game plan: 1. Decide when to paint. Spring and fall are the best times of year to paint. When outside temperatures are in the mid-50s and higher, the caulk, primer and paint cure properly. 2. Decide where to start your prep work. Do you need to scrape peeling areas? Do you have any rotten wood that needs to be replaced? Be sure to check the base of your columns and areas around and under gutters. Also check all window sills, especially windows that are in damp, shady areas. Replacing wood might require a handyman, and getting someone who knows what they are doing is worth every penny. Do you have metal railings or awnings that need painting? This requires a whole different set of supplies and techniques. 3. Once all the scraping and potential rot problems are addressed, the next job is to […]