DRJ PAINTING

There’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes from a successful DIY project, and painting is often seen as one of the most accessible jobs for a homeowner to tackle. With a weekend of hard work, you can completely transform a room. But we’ve all seen DIY paint jobs that have gone wrong – the wobbly cut-in lines, the patchy finish, and the paint splatters on the floor. So, how do you decide between picking up the roller yourself and picking up the phone to call a professional? The answer depends on a realistic assessment of the job's scale, the quality you expect, and the value of your own time.

When a DIY Approach Makes Sense

Doing it yourself can be a great option for smaller, more manageable projects where perfection isn't the absolute priority.

• A Single Room or Feature Wall: Painting a kid's bedroom, a spare room, or a single feature wall is a classic weekend DIY project. It's a great way to learn the basics without being overwhelmed.
• You Have Plenty of Time: A proper paint job takes longer than you think. Remember to factor in time for moving furniture, thorough preparation (cleaning, patching, sanding), painting two coats, and the final clean-up. If you can dedicate a full weekend without rushing, you're in a good position.
• The Surfaces are in Good Condition: If your walls are relatively new and just need a simple colour change, the job is much more straightforward.
• You Enjoy the Process: For many people, the process of transforming a space with their own hands is genuinely enjoyable and rewarding.

When You Should Seriously Consider a Professional

There are certain jobs where the skill, efficiency, and equipment of a professional painter will save you a massive amount of stress and deliver a far superior result.

• Large-Scale Projects: If you're looking to paint your entire home interior or a full exterior, the sheer scale of the job can be overwhelming for a DIYer. A professional team can complete in a few days what might take you several weeks of evenings and weekends.
• Working at Heights: Painting high ceilings, stairwells, or a two-storey exterior is dangerous without the right safety equipment and experience. This is a job best left to the insured and properly equipped professionals.
• Extensive Preparation is Needed: If you have walls with significant peeling paint, water damage, or complex cracks, a professional will know exactly how to diagnose the problem and perform the high-level preparation required for a long-lasting fix.
• Intricate or Demanding Finishes: If you want a flawless, glass-smooth finish on all your doors and trim, or if you're using specialised finishes, a pro's skill and spray equipment will make all the difference.
• You Value a Perfect Finish: A professional painter's experience shows in the details: the perfectly straight cut-in lines, the absence of any roller marks, and the meticulous clean-up. If you want a truly flawless, "like-new" result, hiring a pro is the only way to guarantee it.

The Hidden Costs of DIY

When comparing costs, don't just think about the price of the paint. A DIY project requires you to buy or rent all the gear: brushes, rollers, trays, drop sheets, ladders, sandpaper, tape, and fillers. And most importantly, what is the cost of your own time? How much are your weekends and evenings worth?