Services Offered by Professional Painters
Many professional painters offer both interior and exterior painting, as well as additional services.
Interior Painting
Professional interior 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 prepare and paint your cabinets, windows, door frames, moldings, and trim, depending on what your project needs. Some painters will remove any existing wallpaper or textured finishings before painting for an extra charge.Exterior Painting
Professional painters will begin exterior work by mending weathering or damage, stripping old paint, sealing leaks with caulk, and cleaning walls. They will then paint trim, window frames, decks, doors, siding, fences, and other outdoor elements.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 Seattle
Below is what you should consider while choosing which painting professional to hire:
- Cost: Ask for estimates from at least three painters. Be cautious of any contractor that quotes a substantially lower price than competitors.
- Guarantees: Get a written copy of any guarantees and ensure you confirm what they cover and how long they last.
- Paint types: Your painting pro can guide you through the different paint choices and their advantages and disadvantages to help you choose the best one for your needs. Certain paint types, for instance, protect against weather damage more effectively or are more eco-friendly.
- Qualifications: Painters in Washington must be licensed as specialty contractors by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. In most cases, painters cannot employ subcontractors. The state requires contractors to be bonded and insured, and it's important to verify this information with the painter you hire, especially if they’ll be working with power equipment or on ladders. If your home was built before 1978, and you're worried about the possible presence of lead, you might look for a firm and a contractor that are certified by the Department of Commerce to work with lead-based paint.
- Reputation and reviews: Ask family and friends for references, or use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to review painters you’re considering. You can also browse customer feedback on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
How Much Does Painting Cost in Seattle?
What you'll pay to paint your house varies depending on its square footage, the kind of paint, and the timing of the job. Paint companies commonly charge higher prices between June and August. The typical cost of both interior and exterior painting averages $0.82 to $3.29 per square foot. Since most homes have greater interior than exterior space, painting the interior typically costs more than painting the exterior. For a 2,000-square-foot home in Seattle, you can expect to pay around $4,107 to paint the outside and $1,643 to $6,571 to paint the interior. Seattle's local painters may offer alternative rates from $17.09 to $28.49 per hour. Getting exterior and interior painting bundled together can mean paying less overall than you would if you split them into separate projects.
