Services Offered by Professional Painters
Many professional painters provide interior and exterior painting, plus extra services.
Interior Painting
Interior painting companies have the skills and training to help you choose interior paints, textures, and finishes and can answer questions about the upkeep requirements of your choices. This helps you find the best paint for your space. As part of the project, your provider will prep and paint moldings, trim, door frames, windows, and cabinets. Some (for an extra fee) will remove wallpaper or textured surfaces prior to painting.Exterior Painting
Before exterior painting, painting contractors mend weathering damage, strip old paint, seal leaks with caulk, and wash the walls. They follow by painting doors, siding, fences, trim, decks, window frames, and additional outdoor areas.Additional Services
Painting contractors may also offer the following services, depending on their expertise:- 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 Birmingham
When looking to hire a residential painting contractor, consider these key factors.
- Cost: Ask for estimates from at least three providers. Be cautious of any company that offers a substantially cheaper rate than the average.
- Guarantees: Get a hard copy of your painter's guarantees and ensure you confirm how long they last and what they cover.
- Paint types: Have your contractor walk you through paint options and related advantages and disadvantages to ensure you choose the right type for your project. Some paints, for example, withstand weather damage better than others or are more eco-friendly.
- Qualifications: Alabama doesn't require a specific painter's license for most residential painting jobs, but you should make sure that your painter has a valid business license from the Department of Revenue. Always make sure your painter is 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 worried about the possible presence of lead, consider looking for a contractor who is certified by the Alabama Department of Public Health to work with lead-based paint.
- Reputation and reviews: Ask family, friends, and neighbors for references, or use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to review painters you’re considering. You can also read customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
How Much Does Painting Cost in Birmingham?
The price of professional painting work is influenced by the dimensions of your home, the paint brands chosen, and the season. Most painters raise their rates during the summer due to increased demand. The standard price for both interior and exterior home painting in Birmingham is $0.97 to $3.87 per square foot. Most homes have greater interior space compared to exterior space, which results in higher indoor painting costs compared to exterior painting costs. For a 2,000-square-foot home, anticipate paying about $4,839 for exterior painting and anywhere from $1,935 to $7,742 for interior painting. Alternatively, painters in Birmingham may charge between $21.89 and $36.49 per hour. Hourly rates may save you money, especially if you're bundling services. For example, you'll pay less to have your home's interior and exterior painted together than you would if you’d scheduled the projects separately.
