How much should I expect to pay someone to paint the exterior of my house?
Question:I am planning to paint the exterior of my house and I am seeking advise. I have specific questions, which I hope can help
(1) How much should I expect to pay to paint the exterior of a 2 story building (2500 SQ) home
(2) Should I ask the painter to purchase the paid himself/herself or should I buy it myself? (I imagine some of them may have access to wholesale pricing; on the other hand, I cannot vouch for the quality of the product the buy)
(3) Since this is summer and everyone tends to do a lot of home improvement, will it be cheaper to do the painting job later in the year (fall, say).
BTW: I live in Atlanta GA. (we often have extended weather than many northern states :-) )
Thanks
Answers:
get four estimates with references contact those references see if you can look at the work that was done then make your decision as to which painter you are going to chose and last but not least ask the painters questions as to what type of paint he's using what kind of prep work as to weather it will be cheaper in the fall is an unknown it depends how hungry they are I know my prices stay the same year around lots of luck
1) I would just call different companies and ask for an estimate.
2) If the painter purchases the paint themselves cheaper chances are they will NOT pass that savings on to you. I would buy the paint myself.
3)It could possibly be cheaper in the Fall when they are not so busy and their income has slowed down considerably.
Good Luck!
Well, I don't know the going rates in Atlanta but a good painter will not charge you less than 20$/hour. If you are having it painted with a roller, it'll cost you more than if they are painting with a spray gun.
As for having the painter buy the paint themselves, you definitely should go this route. Yes, the painter will pass the rebate on to you. And they will get a rebate. Just ask to have the bill if he expects you to pay for it on top of the rate to paint the house. A good painter has a reputation to protect. Every painter I have ever used buys top brand paint, often Benjamin Moore (which I love!).
Of course, in summer, the rates on some things are higher. But a good painter doesn't change their rates. They are always the same. Having lived in Stockbridge, GA, I know tho that it can get quite hot. And painting outdoors in too hot weather can make your paint blister and peel. It'll do this too if it's too cold. I prefer painting outdoors either at the very beginning of autumn or the end of spring.
One little trick to know if you're painter is good: Does he wear white painter's pants? A serious painter will. Did you know that the reason painters wear white coveralls or painters pants is to show how good they are? It's true. The less paint is on their pants, the better painter they are...
Hope this helps... Enjoy the new look of your home!
Go with what FredS said. The first two answerer's that posted."lack experience", shall we say.
Beyond that I would only add that you buying your own paint will (for a several reasons) just cost you more money. Just get your estimates and go look at your painters previous jobs. As for when it might be cheaper...a good honest house painter's price doesn't change.
In a final note, in my market, for a job done properly I would be charging you in the neighborhood of $5,000 for a house the size of yours ...but that's in MY market sector.
More Related Questions & Answers...