Are you undecided whether you should DIY or hire a professional residential painting service in Billings, MT?
Interior and exterior painting are a few of the many effective ways you can improve your home’s appearance, curb appeal, as well as protect the walls and ceilings from wear and tear. If you are considering a fresh coat of paint, you might be wondering which route to choose.
Both options have pros and cons, and your choice will vary depending on your budget, project complexity, time, as well as your skill level. That said, in this guide, Billings Paint Pros will help you weigh in which route is best to take–is it DIY or professional residential painting?
Let’s start.
Cost Comparison
If you are looking for a budget-friendly route, you should opt to DIY. But keep in mind, especially if you are not an experienced painter, that mistakes can lead to rework and, in return, make you spend more.
Professional home painters, on the other hand, offer a higher upfront cost but deliver exceptional and lasting quality.
DIY Painting as a Budget-Friendly Option
As mentioned, DIY painting is the best choice if you want a cheap option. A small room, for example, can cost around $150 to $500 while a full home exterior can run into $1,000 or more, depending on materials.
Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:
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Paint and Primers ($30-$60 per gallon)
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Brushes, Rollers & Trays ($30-$100)
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Drop Cloths & Tape ($20-$50)
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Ladders & Safety Equipment ($50-$200)
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Paint Sprayer (optional) ($100-$300)
Professional Residential Painting as All-Inclusive Service
Professional painters provide everything needed for a high-quality and efficient job–materials, labor, and of course, expertise. The cost of residential painting services in Billings, MT, on the other hand, varies based on different aspects such as home size, surface condition, and the type of paint used.
For a standard 1,500-square-foot home, for instance, a professional interior painting might cost $2,500 to $6,000, while exterior painting could range from $3,000 to $7,000.
Here’s an average cost for both interior and exterior painting:
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Interior painting can cost between $2 and $5 per square foot.
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Exterior painting can cost between $3 and $6 per square foot.
Time and Effort Comparison
If time is a concern, you should opt for a professional home painting service. However, if you enjoy hands-on projects and have free time, DIY may work. Keep in mind that DIY painting may require more time than you can spare, especially if you have a full-time job or family responsibilities.
DIY Painting: A Time-Intensive Project
A simple one-room DIY paint job could take a full weekend, while painting an entire home could stretch across several weekends.
The process includes:
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Prepping the Space. Cleaning, sanding, patching, and taping.
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Priming & Painting. Multiple coats with drying time in between.
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Cleanup. Removing tape, washing brushes, and storing leftover paint.
Professional Painting: Efficiency & Expertise
A professional residential painting crew in Billings, MT can complete an entire home in just a few days. Their process is streamlined with:
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Advanced tools & techniques for speed and precision.
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A team of skilled painters working simultaneously.
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Minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Skill Level: Can You Achieve a Professional Finish?
DIY Painting: Risk of Mistakes
While painting may seem easy, achieving a smooth, even coat without visible brush strokes, drips, or uneven patches requires skill. Common DIY mistakes include:
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Uneven application resulting in streaks or roller marks.
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Poor surface prep causing paint to peel or crack prematurely.
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Color inconsistencies due to improper mixing or layering.
Professional Painting: Flawless Execution
Hiring residential painting experts in Billings, MT ensures:
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Proper surface preparation for long-lasting results.
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High-quality materials suited for local weather conditions.
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Expert techniques like spraying, back-rolling, and edging.
Safety Concerns
If your project requires tall ladders or hazardous materials, professionals are the safer choice. However, if you have all the equipment needed, then DIY isn’t that bad.
DIY Painting and Its Potential Hazards
Painting can involve climbing ladders, handling chemical-based paints, and working in poorly ventilated spaces. Some of the risks are:
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Falls from ladders (especially for exterior or ceiling work).
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Exposure to fumes if using oil-based or strong paints.
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Muscle strain from repetitive motion and lifting heavy equipment.
Professional Painters are Trained and Insured
Professional painters in Billings, MT are trained to handle risks safely. They have:
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Proper safety gear (harnesses, masks, gloves).
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Liability insurance to cover accidents or property damage.
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Experience working in high or tricky spaces.
Durability & Long-Term Value
If you want a long-lasting and professional finish, a pro is the best choice.
DIY Painting: Risk of Premature Wear
A DIY job may look good initially but could fade, chip, or peel within a few years if:
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The wrong type of paint is used.
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Surfaces weren’t properly cleaned or primed.
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Too few coats were applied.
Professional Painting: Long-Lasting Results
Professional painters use premium-grade paints and apply the right number of coats for maximum durability. Their work can last 10+ years with proper maintenance.
Need Professional Residential Painting in Billings, MT?
If you’re looking for a professional home painter, Billings Paint Pros offers a wide range of professional painting services–be it exterior or interior painting. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional results with meticulous attention to detail.
For inquiries, reach out to us today at (406) 281-7475 or send us a message.
