Services Offered by Professional Painters
Many professional painters offer both interior and exterior painting, as well as additional services.
Interior Painting
Professional painters will advise you on various interior paints availible, paint finishes, and maintenance requirements to help you decide which paint is best for your space. They'll prep and paint your windows, cabinets, trim, door frames, and moldings, based on what your project requires. Some painters will remove any existing wallpaper or textured finishings before painting for an extra charge.Exterior Painting
Professional painters start exterior jobs by repairing weather damage, stripping old paint, sealing leaks with caulk, and cleaning walls. They then paint siding, window frames, decks, trim, doors, fences, and other outdoor features.Additional Services
Experienced painting contractors may also offer the following additional services, depending on their experience:- Concrete staining
- Crown molding installation and repair
- Drywall and plaster repair
- Popcorn ceiling removal
- Pressure washing
- Wallpaper hanging or removal
How To Choose a Painter in San Francisco
Below are some factors to consider when deciding which residential painting company to hire:
- Cost: Request quotes from a few companies before deciding. Be cautious if one company offers substantially lower estimates than the rest.
- Guarantees: Get all guarantees in writing and ensure you understand which items are covered and for how long.
- Paint types: Ask your paint pro to go over paint selections in detail, covering the benefits and downsides of each. This will help you select the best option for your project. Some paints have better weather resistance or use more environmentally friendly formulas.
- Qualifications: Painters who work on jobs valued at over $500 must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board. To obtain this license, a contractor must have proof of experience and must have workers' compensation insurance if they have employees. Any contractor you hire should be properly bonded and insured, especially if they’re working on a ladder or using power equipment. If your home was built before 1978, and you're concerned about the presence of lead, you might look for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
- Reputation and reviews: Ask friends and neighbors for references, and look up each provider you’re considering on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also browse review sites such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
How Much Does Painting Cost in San Francisco?
What you'll pay to paint your house depends on its square footage, the type of paint, and when the job is scheduled. Paint companies often charge higher prices between June and August. In San Francisco, painting projects for both interiors and exteriors typically cost $0.95 to $3.81 per square foot. Most homes have more interior square footage, which leads to higher paint costs indoors versus outdoors. To paint a 2,000-square-foot house’s exterior costs approximately $4,762, while the interior will cost about $1,905 to $7,618. Some painters in San Francisco may offer alternative rates of $21.39 to $35.64 per hour. Getting exterior and interior painting bundled together can mean lower overall costs than if you'd split them into separate projects.
