Services Offered by Professional Painters
Many painting contractors provide interior painting, exterior painting, and other services.
Interior Painting
Professional painters will advise you on various interior paint, finishes, and maintenance requirements to help you determine which paint works best for your space. They'll prep and paint your trim, cabinets, door frames, windows, and moldings, based on what your project entails. Some painters will remove existing or outdated wallpaper or textured finishings before painting for an additional fee.Exterior Painting
Professional painters will begin exterior work by fixing weathering or damage, removing old paint, sealing leaks with caulk, and cleaning walls. They will then paint window frames, siding, trim, decks, doors, fences, and other outdoor elements.Additional Services
Painting companies may also provide the following additional services, depending on their qualifications 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 Columbia
When searching for a house painting service, consider these key factors.
- Cost: Talk to a few companies to get price estimates. Watch out for exceptionally cheap prices compared to the average.
- Guarantees: Make sure you get all guarantees in writing and that you know the scope and duration of coverage.
- Paint types: Your painting company can advise you on the different paint selections and their advantages and disadvantages to help you pick the best one for your needs. Certain paint types, for instance, withstand weather damage more effectively or are more eco-friendly.
- Qualifications: Painters in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). To obtain an MHIC license, a contractor or business must be properly insured. Always ask for proof of insurance, particularly if your painters will be working with power equipment or on ladders. If your home was built prior to 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: Obtain references from family, friends, and neighbors, or check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) listings of local painters. You can also find customer reviews on websites such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.
How Much Does Painting Cost in Columbia?
The price to paint your home will depend on your home’s size, the paint you select, and the season. Painters usually charge more in the busy summer season. Interior and exterior painting jobs both run, on average, between $0.86 and $3.44 per square foot. Most homes have greater interior surface area than exterior, which means the cost to paint the interior will be greater than the cost to paint the exterior. The average cost of painting a 2,000-square-foot home in Columbia is $4,301 for exterior work and $1,720 to $6,882 for inside work. Alternatively, painters in Columbia may charge anywhere from $18.37 to $30.61 per hour. Hourly prices may save you money, especially if you're bundling services. For example, if you get both your home’s exterior and interior painted at once, you’ll pay less overall than you would if you’d scheduled the projects separately.
