Whether you’re sprucing up a single room or refreshing the entire interior of your home, hiring a professional painting company can be an excellent investment. But before you pick up the phone to schedule an estimate, there are several steps you can take to make sure you’re fully prepared. Doing a little groundwork before your consultation can help you save time, streamline the process, and ensure you’re on the same page as your painter. Here’s a guide to what we recommend homeowners should consider and complete before reaching out to Colin Can Help or any other painting professional.
1. Assess Your Goals and Scope of the Project
Before you call a painter, define exactly what you want. Are you painting just a single room, or are you planning a complete interior refresh? Clarifying your goals helps you set realistic expectations and communicate them to the painter effectively.
Considerations:
- Do you plan to repaint frequently, or is this a one-time job? If you have no plans to repaint regularly and lack the tools or skills, hiring a professional is a smart choice—they have the expertise and equipment to deliver high-quality results more efficiently.
- What specific areas need attention? Decide if you’re repainting just the walls or also tackling ceilings, trim, or even cabinetry. It’s generally more economical to address everything in one go rather than piecemeal over multiple visits.
Assessing your needs upfront ensures you’re not caught off guard by the scope of the project and helps both you and your painter get on the same page.
2. Explore Color Schemes and Finishes
We offer color consultations, but also recommend that you familiarize yourself with available options first to better familiarize yourself with what you like. Visit a paint store, like Sherwin-Williams, to see various shades and finishes in person. Not only will this give you a feel for your options, but Sherwin-Williams staff can also help you understand which finishes work best in each room, which is crucial information for high-moisture or high-traffic areas. The Sherwin Williams stores in Euclid and Mayfield are both extremely helpful with this.
Tips for Choosing Colors:
- Experiment with samples: Apply sample swatches to see how colors look under different lighting conditions.
- Understand finishes: Certain finishes, like satin or eggshell, are better suited for high-traffic areas because they’re easier to clean. Consulting a specialist can help you make the right choice.
3. Set a Realistic Budget and Prioritize Quality Paint
Budgeting helps keep the project on track and informs your choices for paint quality and extras. High-quality paint may cost more, but it’s almost always worth the investment—it tends to be more durable, provides smoother coverage, and resists smudges and streaks.
Tips on Budgeting:
- Plan to do everything at once if possible: If you’re tackling a large project, consider doing all the painting in one session rather than spreading it out over time. Painters often offer better rates for a single large job versus multiple smaller ones, and this approach saves time and hassle.
- Add-ons and extras: If walls or trim require repairs, or if you need furniture moved, consider these add-ons upfront to avoid surprises. These extra services may slightly increase the cost but can help achieve a flawless result without requiring further attention later. You may also want to consider things like completely replacing trim pieces instead of painting them. If you want a wooden baseboard painted white for example, the Menard’s store in Mentor has a lot of great options that are already white and easy to swap out.
4. Inspect and Prep the Surfaces
Before reaching out to a professional, do a quick inspection of the surfaces to be painted. While your painter will check for repairs during the initial walkthrough, handling minor repairs yourself can save both time and money. Fill any minor nail holes, address small cracks, and clean any greasy or dusty areas. In rooms like kitchens, grease buildup is common and will need cleaning before paint can be applied.
Why This Matters:
- Saves time: Tackling minor repairs and wall cleaning on your own allows painters to get started sooner.
- Speeds up drying time: Freshly cleaned walls, especially in kitchens, need at least a full day to dry, which can delay the project. Handling cleaning in advance helps streamline the schedule.
5. Clear the Space for Efficient Access
Removing furniture and décor not only makes it easier for painters to work but can also save on labor costs if it’s something you’re willing to do. While many companies offer furniture moving as an add-on, entering a room with minimal furniture allows painters to start immediately, reducing time and labor costs.
Tips for Preparing the Space:
- Take down wall hangings: Remove pictures, clocks, or mirrors so that painters have unimpeded access.
- Cover remaining items: For large or heavy items you can’t move, consider covering them with plastic or drop cloths to protect against dust and paint splatters.
6. Understand the Process and Compare Quotes Carefully
The painting process can vary between companies, so having a clear understanding of what’s included in the service will help you make an informed choice. When gathering quotes, remember that a higher bid may reflect the use of premium supplies, comprehensive surface preparation, and furniture handling, while a lower bid might assume that you’re handling some of the prep work.
Questions to Ask:
- What supplies are used? High-quality materials make a difference, so inquire about the type and brand of paint.
- What’s included in the prep work? Some companies might include wall repairs and priming in their base quote, while others may not.
- What’s the expected timeline? Understanding the project’s duration, including drying times, helps you plan your routine around the painting process.
7. Plan for Touch-Ups and Maintenance
After the job, maintaining the paint’s fresh appearance is essential. Ask your painter to leave any extra paint for future touch-ups. We are always happy to leave the left over custom colors or if we don’t have enough left to safely store we will insure you get the color code if you need to get more made. This information will make it easy to match the color exactly for any future repairs.
Tips for Long-Term Maintenance:
- Save leftover paint: Keeping a small amount of paint allows for quick touch-ups down the road.
- Record the color codes: If you ever need more, knowing the exact color and finish code ensures a perfect match.
8. Reach Out for a Consultation or DIY Advice
Once you’ve prepared your home and gathered all your thoughts, you’re ready to reach out to a painting company for a consultation. If you’re still uncertain about tackling certain aspects on your own, don’t hesitate to ask the pros for advice—they’re usually happy to help answer questions and can guide you on the best approach for your situation.
Conclusion: Start Your Project Right with Colin Can Help
Preparing before contacting a professional can make a big difference in your project’s outcome, your comfort level of the process, and cost. By following these steps, you’ll be fully equipped to have an informed conversation and ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment. If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about DIY painting, reach out to us at Colin Can Help. We’re here to help with all your painting needs—from consultation to completion.