If you are a Sydney residence and considering a doing a house painting job, one question that is likely running around is, ‘should I get a professional painter for this?’ A house painting job’s complexity determines whether you can call in a professional or not. What are some of the things that tell you when the job is beyond your DIY painting skills?
Intricate Design
Accessibility is an issue for some houses with complex architectural designs. A simple hook and ladder arrangement will not be adequate to reach the decorative additions on the roof like dormers and turrets. It is more challenging working on a house with an irregularly shaped roof. Special equipment will be needed to do an inspection, and paint while hanging or bent in awkward positions.
Height
Consider the heights of the painting job. Stacking ladders to reach to the dormers on the second storey is a risky move. While painting the exterior of a one storey rambler would be relative easy with a ladder, the same is impossible if you need to paint the window sill on the third storey. Painting a taller house is best left to a professional.
The Grounds
What is the lay of the ground? Ease of ladder positioning depends on the slope of the finished ground surface around the house. If you have a flat surface running up to the house around the perimeter, it would be easy to work with a ladder. If the ground is sloping steeply, for example, a steep walkout, positioning a ladder would be tricky and would require more equipment than a simple ladder.
Look at the obstacles in the way. Overhanging tree branches, climbing vines and electrical wires would require special handling to ease access to the surface to be painted. A professional interior Painters in Sydney will have the equipment for tree trimming for example, and the manpower to work on the obstacles fast and professionally.
Prep Work Required
What amount of prepping is needed for the job? Typical siding problems include alligatoring, mildew, wood rot and severe peeling. More complex prepping will be required for loose caulking around the trim, crumbling glaze, and cracked window panes. Look at the prepping needed, and the material and equipment at hand to determine whether you need a professional.
Lead Paint
Lead is a toxic substance requiring specialized handling. If your home was painted before the late ’70s, it is highly likely that leaded paint was used. If this is the case, call in a professional that will have special equipment to handle the lead scrapings.