DIY or Hire a Pro? How to Choose the Right Painter in Michigan

So, you’ve decided it’s time to paint. Now comes the big decision: should you break out the brushes and rollers and do it yourself, or should you hire a professional painting contractor?

It’s a common question for homeowners in Michigan. You want to save money, but you also want the job done right. Let’s break down the real costs of each option and give you a simple checklist for how to hire a great painter if you decide to go with a pro.

The Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Painter

On the surface, DIY painting looks much cheaper. And if you’re just looking at material costs, it is.

• DIY Cost: To paint an average-sized room yourself, you can expect to spend $200 to $300 on paint, primer, brushes, rollers, and tape.  
• Professional Cost: To have a professional painter do the same room, the cost is typically between $600 and $1,500.  

So why the big difference? When you hire a professional, you’re not just paying for paint. You’re paying for their time, experience, and a guaranteed quality result. It’s also important to remember the “hidden costs” of DIY painting :  

• Your Time: A DIY project can take up your entire weekend, or even longer.
• Tools: You may have to buy tools like ladders or sanders that you’ll only use once.
• Mistakes: A professional gets it right the first time. Fixing a DIY mistake can cost you more time and money.

When Does it Make Sense to Hire a Pro?

DIY painting can be great for a small, simple project. But it often makes more sense to hire a professional painter if:

• You have a large project, like multiple rooms or your whole house exterior.
• You have high ceilings or tricky areas that are hard to reach.
• The job requires a lot of prep work, like scraping old paint or repairing drywall.
• You simply don’t have the time or patience to do it right.  

How to Hire a Great Painting Contractor in Michigan (and Avoid Headaches)

If you decide to hire a pro, you want to make sure you choose a good one. Because Michigan does not require painters to have a state license, it’s extra important for you to check a few things before you hire someone.  

Here is a simple 5-step checklist to help you find a trustworthy and skilled painter:

1. Get a Detailed, Written Estimate. Don’t accept a price on a handshake. A professional quote should be written down and include a clear breakdown of labor and material costs, the exact brand and type of paint they will use, and how many coats are included.  
2. Ask About Their Prep Process. The secret to a long-lasting paint job is the prep work. A great painter will tell you exactly how they plan to prepare the surface, whether it’s power washing the exterior, scraping and sanding peeling paint, or patching holes in your drywall. If they try to skip this step, walk away.  
3. Check for Insurance. This is a must. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with a certificate showing they have both General Liability insurance (to cover any damage to your property) and Workers’ Compensation insurance (to cover their employees if they get hurt on the job). This protects you from any accidents.  
4. Read Reviews and Ask for References. Check out their reviews on sites like Google, Houzz, or Angi. Don’t be afraid to ask for a list of recent customers you can call. A good painter will be proud of their past work and happy to share it.  
5. Understand the Payment Terms. Be wary of any contractor who asks for the full payment upfront. A standard and fair practice is to pay a deposit to start the job (like 50%) and then pay the final balance only when the project is complete and you are satisfied with the work.  

Find a Painter You Can Trust

Choosing between DIY and a professional comes down to your budget, time, and the quality you expect. If you decide to hire a pro, using this checklist will help you feel confident that you’re choosing a great contractor who will give you a beautiful result.

We believe in transparency and quality. Contact us today for a free, detailed proposal with no surprises.