Equally important to consider when re-painting a home is the labor-intensive preparation work. The more damage found on the home, the more time-consuming the preparation and repair will be, before painting. If the paint is peeling, it must be scraped, sanded and then a primer coat must be applied before repainting.

If the paint has worn off siding or trim, that exposed wood may need to be replaced before it is primed and painted. If bare wood has been exposed to water, dry rot may develop -- and can spread to healthy wood. Unfortunately the longer dry rot has gone unchecked, the more wood that will need to be replaced before painting.

Another consideration: since all painters pay about the same for paint, does a lower cost reflect use of thinner or fewer coats or a lower quality or watered-down paint?

Most likely, the difference may reflect labor costs. And if a cheaper job means your painter won't do all necessary prep work, the new paint is only as stable as the deteriorating wood or flaking paint it covers - so it is only a matter of time until the new paint starts flaking and peeling and even looking worse than before you had it repainted. You may have to pay another contractor even more to redo the job next year than you will pay to have it done right the first time.

It is important that you walk your property with each contractor who comes to give you a bid, discuss what needs to be done and why. Be sure to include everything that is discussed, including warranties, in the written contract. If a cheaper price means the painter is skipping things like proper preparation before painting, thorough caulking around all windows, care of your landscaping, etc., you are hardly saving money!

Be careful to discuss repairing any damage and structural problems that could lead to water damage -- or you'll be painting again before you know it.

Keep an eye out for dry rot - crumbling wood caused by a fungus. Dry rot is found on exterior as well as interior wood and can cause serious structural damage to your house.

We would be happy to look at your project and offer a free, upfront estimate for all your painting and restoration needs.. Please click here to fill out our contact form - someone will get back to you within 48 hours. Return to Home Page