Services Offered by Professional Painters
Most professional painting contractors provide interior painting, exterior painting, and extra services.
Interior Painting
Interior painting pros will go over the different types of interior paint, types of paint finishes, and maintenance needs to assist you in determining what’s best for each room. Services can include prepping, priming, and painting door frames, windows, trim, moldings, and cabinets. Optional pre-painting groundwork such as removing wallpaper or textured coatings may lead to additional charges.Exterior Painting
Professional painters start exterior jobs by repairing weather damage, removing old paint, sealing leaks with caulk, and cleaning walls. They then paint doors, fences, window frames, decks, trim, siding, and other outdoor features.Additional Services
Painting companies with the right qualifications and experience can also complete additional work, such as the following:- 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 Palo Alto
When searching for a residential painting company, consider these key factors.
- Cost: Get estimates from several companies before deciding. Be cautious if one company offers substantially lower rates than the rest.
- Guarantees: Ensure that you get all guarantees in writing, and that you understand what’s covered and for how long.
- Paint types: Your painter can guide you through the different paint choices and their pros and cons to help you determine the best option for your needs. Certain paint types, for instance, protect against weather damage more effectively or are better for the environment.
- 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 with power equipment or on ladders. If your home was built before 1978, and you're concerned about the presence of lead, you may want to look for a contractor who is licensed by the EPA to work with lead-based paint.
- Reputation and reviews: Ask friends, family, and neighbors for references, and look up each provider you’re considering on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check ratings on review sites such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.
How Much Does Painting Cost in Palo Alto?
How much you'll pay to paint your house depends on its size, the type of paint, and the timing of the job. Paint companies typically charge higher prices between June and August. The typical cost of both interior and exterior painting averages $0.93 to $3.71 per square foot. Since most homes have more inside than outside space, painting the interior tends to cost more than painting the exterior. For a 2,000-square-foot home in Palo Alto, expect to pay around $4,641 to paint the exterior and $1,857 to $7,426 to paint the interior. Palo Alto's local painters may offer alternative rates from $20.60 to $34.33 per hour. Bundling exterior and interior painting services together may mean lower overall costs than if you'd split them into separate projects.
