When it’s time to refresh your home with a new coat of paint, one big question always comes up:
Should I paint it myself, or hire a professional painter?
At first glance, DIY painting seems like the cheaper option. A few cans of paint, some rollers, and a weekend of work—how bad could it be?
As professional painters serving St. Albert and surrounding Alberta communities, we at Alberta Painters Co. have seen both sides of this decision. In this blog, we’ll break down the real costs, time commitment, risks, and long-term value of DIY painting vs hiring a pro—so you can decide what truly makes sense for your home.
The True Cost of DIY Painting (What Most People Don’t Calculate)
DIY painting often looks affordable on paper, but many hidden costs add up quickly.
1. Materials Add Up Fast
Most homeowners underestimate how much they’ll need. A typical DIY project requires:
- Paint (often more than expected)
- Primer
- Rollers, brushes, trays
- Drop sheets & plastic
- Sandpaper, filler, caulking
- Ladders or scaffolding
- Cleaning supplies
In St. Albert homes—especially two-story houses or older properties—these costs can climb quickly. Buying cheaper paint may save money upfront, but it often means more coats, uneven coverage, and shorter lifespan.
2. Time Is a Hidden Cost
Ask yourself:
- How many evenings or weekends will this take?
- What is your time actually worth?
What professionals can complete in 2–4 days often turns into 2–3 weeks for DIY homeowners. That’s lost family time, added stress, and living in a half-finished space.
3. Mistakes Are Expensive
Common DIY issues we fix all the time in St. Albert:
- Patchy or streaky walls
- Visible roller marks
- Paint bleeding under tape
- Peeling or cracking after one winter
- Drips on trim, floors, or ceilings
Fixing mistakes often costs more than hiring a pro from the start.
What You Get When You Hire a Professional Painter
Hiring a professional isn’t just about someone holding a roller—it’s about process, experience, and results.
1. Proper Surface Preparation
Prep is everything in Alberta’s climate. Professionals take care of:
- Repairing cracks and nail holes
- Sanding rough surfaces
- Proper priming
- Moisture and stain blocking
This step alone determines whether paint lasts 3 years or 10+ years.
2. High-Quality Paint & Tools
At Alberta Painters Co., we use:
- Professional-grade paints designed for Alberta weather
- Correct finishes for each room and surface
- Commercial equipment for smooth, even results
You get better durability, richer color, and fewer touch-ups.
3. Speed & Convenience
We work efficiently and cleanly:
- Projects completed on schedule
- Minimal disruption to your routine
- Full cleanup included
No lingering mess. No half-finished rooms.
4. Guaranteed Results
A professional paint job means:
- Consistent coverage
- Sharp lines
- Long-lasting finish
- Peace of mind
And if something isn’t right—we fix it.
DIY vs Pro: Cost Comparison in St. Albert
| Category | DIY Painting | Hiring a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time Required | High | Low |
| Skill Needed | High | None |
| Risk of Mistakes | High | Low |
| Finish Quality | Inconsistent | Professional |
| Longevity | Shorter | Longer |
| Stress Level | High | Low |
While DIY may look cheaper initially, professional painting often delivers better value over time.
When DIY Painting Can Make Sense
DIY painting might work if:
- It’s a small, low-visibility area
- You have painting experience
- You have time and patience
- The surface is in excellent condition
Even then, prep and paint quality are critical.
When Hiring a Pro Is the Smarter Choice
Hiring a professional painter in St. Albert is usually the better option when:
- Painting entire interiors or exteriors
- Dealing with high ceilings or stairwells
- Preparing a home for sale
- Painting rental or commercial properties
- You want long-lasting results
In Alberta’s harsh climate, professional work often saves money long-term.
Final Verdict: Is Hiring a Pro Really Cheaper?
In the long run—yes, often it is.
When you factor in:
- Your time
- Material waste
- Mistakes and repairs
- Durability of the finish
Professional painting delivers better value, better results, and far less stress.
At Alberta Painters Co., we help St. Albert homeowners get it done right the first time.
Thinking About Painting Your Home in St. Albert?
Whether you’re still considering DIY or ready to hire a pro, we’re happy to help.
📞 Contact Alberta Painters Co. for a free, no-obligation estimate 🎨 Local, experienced, and Alberta-weather tested
Quality painting. Honest pricing. Professional results.
ALBERTA PAINTERS CO. 
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