DIY vs. professional painting:  wondering which option is best for your home? When it comes to refreshing your home’s interiors or giving your exteriors a new look, painting often tops the list of impactful improvements. The best part? You can either roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself or hire professionals to get the job done efficiently.

While DIY painting can feel like an empowering project, it’s not all smooth sailing—and sometimes, bringing in the pros might be your smarter choice. This blog explores the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional painter, and even introduces modern solutions like on-demand painting services to make your decision easier.

Pros and Cons of DIY Painting

DIY painting might seem like the budget-friendly choice, but there’s more to it than just buying paint and brushes. If you’re considering this route, here’s what you need to know:

Pros of DIY Painting

  1. Cost Savings

DIY painting eliminates labor costs, which can result in significant savings. For smaller projects, this can amount to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars saved.

  1. Creative Freedom

Painting your own home lets you experiment with colors, designs, and techniques at your own pace. Want to try a geometric wall or mix your own custom shade? Go for it!

  1. Personal Satisfaction

There’s something deeply rewarding about completing a home project yourself. Every time you see that freshly-painted wall, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing, “I did that.”

Cons of DIY Painting

  1. Time and Effort

Preparing surfaces, applying multiple coats, and cleaning up can take days—if not weeks—depending on the size of the project. This process is labor-intensive and requires patience.

  1. Potential Quality Issues

Without the right techniques or tools, you might end up with uneven paint coverage, visible brush strokes, or a messy cleanup.

  1. Hidden Expenses

While at face value DIY might seem cheaper, you might need to rent equipment, purchase extra paint for mistakes, or fix botched areas—costs that add up faster than you’d expect.

Is it for you?

DIY painting works best for smaller areas (like a bedroom or accent wall) or budget-conscious homeowners who are ready to invest their time to get the job done.

Why Hire a Professional Painter?

There’s a reason why painting professionals exist—they bring expertise and precision that can significantly elevate the look and durability of your finished project. Here’s why hiring a professional might be the smarter choice for your home improvement needs:

Skill and Efficiency

Professional painters come equipped with years of training to ensure even coats, sharp edges, and a flawless finish. They understand the nuances of priming, surface prep, and multiple paint types—knowledge that can make or break a project.

Safety First

Painting ceilings, high walls, or outdoor trim involves ladders, scaffolding, and potential safety risks. Professionals are equipped to handle these scenarios safely, so you don’t have to.

Quality Assurance

Hiring a licensed contractor often includes a guarantee of quality. If issues like peeling, bubbling, or streaking arise within a specified timeframe, they’ll fix it at no extra cost.

Faster Turnaround

A skilled team can complete a project in a fraction of the time it might take a DIYer. If you’re on a tight schedule, hiring professionals ensures your home is ready when you need it to be.

Is it for you?

Professional painting is ideal for large-scale projects or situations where you prioritize quality, tight timelines, or safety over penny-pinching.

The Benefits of Using a Home Services App Like House Fly for Professional Painting

Whether you’re leaning toward hiring a pro or trying to find verified painters in your area, technology has made the process easier than ever. House Fly, an on-demand home services app, simplifies the search for professional painters with just a few taps on your phone. Here’s why it stands out:

  1. Instant Access to Verified Painters

Skip endless Google searches or unreliable recommendations. House Fly allows you to browse painter profiles, read reviews, and check real-time availability to find pros that align with your needs.

  1. Transparent Pricing

Unlike some competitors, House Fly provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Estimates are shown upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

  1. Effortless Scheduling

With in-app appointment booking, you can secure a professional painter for a time that works for you—no back-and-forth emails or calls required.

  1. Community Ratings and Trust

Real customer reviews and star ratings help you select reliable painters. You can rest assured you’re hiring someone credible and experienced.

  1. Free for Homeowners

Homeowners don’t pay subscription or browsing fees! You only pay for the service you book—perfect for budget-savvy users.

House Fly simplifies home services by connecting you to local painters and other professionals with minimal effort. It’s like Angi, but better designed for cost-conscious homeowners.

Top 10 Plumbing Companies in New Orleans, LA (Because Renovations Rarely Stop at Paint!)

Did you know House Fly also connects you with other trusted home service providers? From plumbing to lawn care, their app covers it all. If you’re working on home improvements, check out these top-rated plumbing companies in New Orleans:

  1. NOLA Rapid Plumbing – Emergency repairs and quick turnarounds.
  1. Crescent City Drains & Pipes – Specializing in hydro-jetting and pipe repairs.
  1. Bayou Bright Plumbing – Family-owned, transparent pricing.
  1. French Quarter Plumbing Pros – Experts in maintaining historic properties.
  1. Mardi Gras Plumbing & Repair – 24/7 availability with honest estimates.
  1. Pelican State Plumbing – Focused on preventative maintenance solutions.
  1. Uptown Waterworks – Plumbing for leaks and remodel installations.
  1. Riverbend Drain & Repair – Known for reliable diagnostics and fast service.
  1. Alligator City Plumbing – Gas and sewer line repairs.
  1. Big Easy Rooter & Maintenance – Advanced equipment and comprehensive service options.

Download the House Fly app to see reviews, availability, and pricing for these trusted pros and more!

Choose the Best Option for Your Painting Project

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast excited to tackle your next creative project or someone who understands the value of expert craftsmanship, the choice between DIY and professional painting depends entirely on your goals, skills, and budget.

For those leaning toward expert help, a free tool like House Fly can connect you with licensed painters quickly and affordably—saving you time, hassle, and unwanted surprises.

Homeowners

Ready to transform your space? Download the House Fly app today to find and book top-rated painters in your area.

Service Providers

Offer painting services? Sign up for free on House Fly to grow your business without paying for unconverted leads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really cheaper to hire a professional painter than to go DIY?

It can be—professionals often purchase paint at discounted rates and minimize errors, which can ultimately save you money.

Does House Fly vet the painters?

Yes, all painters on the platform have ratings and reviews from verified customers, ensuring quality and reliability.

Can I use House Fly for services other than painting?

Absolutely! House Fly connects you with a wide range of professionals like plumbers, electricians, and lawn care services.