Oftentimes, homeowners opt for a less expensive “up-do” instead of a full house painting. The
most common reason is financial. “It’s not in the budget.”, or “We have to re-allocate funds to another priority.” is another. That’s entirely understandable given the current slowing of cash flow. But should you decide you do want to take this avenue and do it on your own, there are many things to consider before moving forward.
Safety
To me, this is the biggest issue. If you are willing to climb a 24-foot ladder (as you see me to the right), then by all means, climb. However, care and steadiness should be taken to use the right ladder placed carefully at the right angle to reach the area you intend to paint. It can get rather tedious climbing up and down the ladder several times – you will only be able to cover about one arm’s length at a time.
Equipment
This area pertains closely to safety. If you’re feeling industrious, you can rent a 24-foot ladder for about $20 a day. That size seems to work best for me. It’s best to transport this size ladder in a truck secured tightly for travel on the road. Depending on the size of the job, you’ll need between 3-5 days to complete the entire house.
Esthetics
Painting just the trim and eaves, you run the risk of creating a greater contrast between the stucco and the newly painted fascia boards. It can be compared to maybe sprucing up only half your outfit or, say, new tires on a dented old car.
Efficiency
If you’ve every heard the expression “Time is Money“, therein lies the folly for not painting the entire house at one time. If I, or the painter you choose to work with, has to come back in a year or so to paint the stucco, it will cost you more overall. Each time a painter has to take the time to mask the areas not being painted, that adds to the cost.
If you get on good schedule by painting the entire house before it deteriorates into bad shape and have a quality paint job applied, you won’t have to paint again for 6-8 years. Bite the bullet and have quality prepping, sealing and painting of all the exposed surfaces of your home. You will fall in love with your house all over again!
