DIY vs. Professional House Painting: Which Saves You More?
It’s the classic Kiwi homeowner question: “Do I tackle it myself, or bring in the pros?”
Home maintenance can feel like a never-ending to-do list, and when bigger tasks like house painting crop up, it’s natural to focus on the numbers first. That’s smart thinking—so today, let’s break down your options.
At first glance, DIY house painting can seem like the obvious money-saver. You buy the paint, maybe borrow a ladder, and spend a few weekends brushing away. But when you factor in quality, tools, time, and long-term results, the scales often tip in favour of hiring a professional.
Here’s how to decide which option truly delivers the best value.
The True Cost of DIY House Painting
If you’re thinking about painting your house yourself, the big appeal is cost savings. But a solid job goes beyond grabbing a tin of paint and going for it. For a typical New Zealand home, you’re looking at hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in materials and equipment. Potentially even more if you’re doing the exterior and need safety gear or scaffolding. Let’s look at that equipment list in detail.
What You’ll Need to Buy or Borrow:
- Paint (high-quality professional house painting formulations are precious, and finding the right blend is important)
- Rollers, brushes, trays
- Drop sheets, tape, scraper, filler
- Ladder or scaffolding (especially for two-storey jobs)
- Possibly a pressure washer to prepare the surface
And then there’s the time factor. A DIY paint job can take several weekends, especially if you’re balancing work, family, and other commitments. If you’re new to painting, mistakes are more likely, and redoing sections means using more paint, putting in more effort, and experiencing more delays.
That said, if you’re a capable DIYer and have the time to commit, doing it yourself can save money upfront, particularly if sticking to a tight budget is your main concern.
What You Get with Professional House Painting
Hiring professional house painters might seem like a bigger upfront cost, but it comes with real value. Professionals don’t just apply paint—they properly prepare surfaces, use expert techniques, and complete the job faster and with far less mess. Most also carry insurance, so if something goes wrong, like a ladder through a window, you’re covered.
What You’re Paying for:
- Expert prep work that lets the paint last longer (sanding, cleaning, filling, sealing)
- Premium paint and materials (often at trade rates)
- Experienced hands lead to consistent, clean results
- Speed, allowing them to finish in days what might take weeks in DIY
- The possibility of roof painting included in your package
- Warranty or guarantee on workmanship
So, what’s the final verdict?
- DIY = cheaper upfront, slower, more effort, and a potentially patchier result.
- Professional = more expensive initially, faster, easier, better finish and a longer lifespan.
The bottom line is, DIY saves money as it is cheaper upfront, but professionals save time and deliver better, longer-lasting results that come with warranties. It all depends on what matters most to you right now: your time, your budget, or the quality of the finish. Either way, a fresh coat of paint is one of the best ways to refresh your home and boost weathertightness, so make it count.
Want to Be Sure? Get a Free Quote for Professional House Painting
The team at SoundHomes are your trusted exterior painters and weathertightness experts, with years of experience delivering high-quality results that last. If you’re comparing DIY costs or simply want the job done right the first time, get in touch to schedule your free exterior painting quote today.
