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 provide wallpaper or textured finish removal for an extra fee.Exterior Painting
Professional painters will begin exterior work by mending weathering or damage, removing old paint, sealing leaks with caulk, and cleaning walls. They will then paint fences, decks, doors, window frames, siding, trim, and other outdoor features.Additional Services
Experienced painters 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
Below is what you should consider while deciding which residential painting company to hire:
- Cost: Request price estimates from at least three companies. Be wary of any company that offers a substantially cheaper rate than competitors.
- Guarantees: Get any guarantees in writing and ensure you understand what they cover and how long they last.
- Paint types: Your painter can walk you through the different paint choices and their benefits and downsides to help you choose the best type for your needs. Certain paints, for instance, protect against weather damage more effectively or are more eco-friendly.
- 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 before 1978, and you're worried about the possible presence of lead, consider looking 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 painter 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 Washington?
Home painting costs vary depending on your home's surface area, the paint you choose, and seasonal demand changes, with summer's busy months being the most expensive. The average price for both interior and exterior house painting in Washington is $0.86 to $3.45 per square foot. Most homes have more interior space compared to exterior space, which leads to higher indoor painting costs compared to exterior painting costs. For a 2,000-square-foot home, expect to pay about $4,315 for exterior painting and anywhere from $1,726 to $6,905 for interior painting. Washington's local painters may offer alternative rates of $18.46 to $30.77 per hour. Getting exterior and interior painting bundled together can mean paying less overall than you would if you split them into separate projects.
