Services Offered by Professional Painters
Most professional painters provide both interior and exterior painting, plus additional services.
Interior Painting
Professional interior painting contractors can assist you in deciding on interior paint types, textures, and finishes, and can educate you on maintenance requirements to determine what works best where. They'll prep, prime, and paint moldings, door frames, trim, cabinets, and windows. Some professionals offer wallpaper or textured finish removal for an added fee.Exterior Painting
Before exterior painting, painting contractors repair weathering damage, strip old paint, seal any leaks with caulk, and wash the walls. They follow by painting fences, decks, doors, window frames, siding, trim, and additional outdoor areas.Additional Services
Painting contractors may provide the following services as well, depending on their training and 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 Washington
As you evaluate painting contractors, consider these key factors.
- Cost: Request price estimates from at least three painters. Be wary of any company that offers a substantially lower price than others.
- 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 explain different paint options, including the positives and negatives of each, to help you make an informed decision. Some options are designed for specific needs, such as weather-resistant or eco-friendly formulas.
- Qualifications: Your painter should have a Washington D.C. Contractor’s License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Proof of insurance is required in order to apply for this license, but you should always verify the insurance of anyone working on your property. This is especially important if they’re working on a ladder or using power equipment. If your home was built prior to 1978, and you're worried about the possible presence of lead, you might look for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
- Reputation and reviews: Get references from family, friends, and neighbors, and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) pages of providers you’re considering. You can also find ratings on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
How Much Does Painting Cost in Washington?
The price of professional painting work is influenced by the size of your home, the paint types chosen, and the season. Most painters increase their rates during the summer due to increased demand. The typical cost of both interior and exterior painting averages $0.86 to $3.45 per square foot. Since most homes have more inside than outside space, painting the interior is generally more expensive than painting the exterior. For a 2,000-square-foot home in Washington, you can expect to pay around $4,315 to paint the exterior and $1,726 to $6,905 to paint the interior. Alternatively, painters in Washington may charge anywhere from $18.46 to $30.77 per hour. Hourly prices may save you money, especially if you're bundling services. For example, if you get both your home’s interior and exterior painted at once, you’ll pay less overall than you would if you’d scheduled the projects separately.
