What New Hampshire Homeowners Need to Know Before Picking Up a Brush
When it comes to painting your home in New Hampshire, the question always comes up:
“Should I do it myself… or hire a professional?”
It seems like a simple choice. But once you’re halfway through taping baseboards with your back aching and paint dripping on your hardwood floors — that’s when the real answer starts to show.
If you’re living in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, or anywhere in NH, this article will walk you through the key differences between DIY painting and professional painting services, using real-life logic, cost comparison, and risk vs. reward — all with one goal:
To help you decide smarter before you roll the first stroke.
1. Time: What You Think Takes a Weekend… Usually Takes Two
DIY logic:
“I’ll knock it out in two days.”
Reality:
You spend two days taping. One day at Home Depot. Another day touching up the mess. And two weeks living with furniture in the hallway.
Professional painters work with military efficiency. At Reis Painters, our crews complete most interior repaints in 1 to 3 days — start to finish. No delays. No half-done rooms. No excuses.
In New Hampshire, where seasons shift fast, timing matters. Lose a weekend to weather and you’re waiting until spring to paint again.
2. Tools & Technique: You’ll Buy the Tools, But Not the Skill
Buying the same roller a pro uses won’t make your lines cleaner.
It’s not the paintbrush.
It’s the experience behind it.
Professionals know how to:
- Cut straight lines without tape
- Prime surfaces so paint doesn’t peel
- Finish coats evenly, without streaks or flashing
- Handle wood, drywall, brick, or vinyl — and know which finish each one needs
DIYers often learn the hard way — by repainting the same wall three times.
3. Cost: DIY Isn’t Free (It’s Just Delayed)
At first glance, DIY painting looks cheap. But here’s what adds up:
| Item | DIY Cost |
|---|---|
| Paint (per gallon) | $45–$70 |
| Brushes & Rollers | $30–$50 |
| Drop Cloths & Tape | $25 |
| Primer | $40 |
| Time Off Work | ??? |
| Mistake Repairs | $$$ |
Now add your time.
Two days off = 16 hours x your hourly rate. Still worth it?
With Reis Painters, you get all of that included — and it’s done right the first time.
You’re not saving money by DIY. You’re just trading money for effort.
4. Risk: Insurance Doesn’t Cover “Oops” Moments
Climbing a 20-foot ladder on your porch with a paint bucket isn’t just a weekend chore — it’s a liability.
If you slip or damage your siding?
DIY = your problem.
Professional = covered.
We carry full insurance, liability protection, and years of experience on ladders, scaffolding, and tricky edges. We don’t just paint faster — we paint safer.
5. Finish Quality: The Real Difference Is in the Details
You’ll notice it when the sun hits the wall just right.
- The roller marks.
- The uneven coats.
- The paint bleeding into the trim.
Professional painters don’t just apply paint — they apply polish.
We fill every nail hole. We smooth every surface. We use premium-grade Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moorepaints with brushes and sprayers designed for perfection.
Because in New Hampshire homes — especially older ones — walls have history.
They require attention, patience, and the right materials.
6. When DIY Works — And When to Call the Pros
Not every job needs a professional.
DIY is great for:
- Accent walls
- Garage touch-ups
- Painting over light colors
But for:
- Whole-house repaints
- Cabinet refinishing
- Exterior siding
- Ceilings and high walls
…you’ll save time, money, and headaches by calling in the pros.
7. What Your Neighbors in NH Are Saying
“We tried doing it ourselves. Two weekends later, we called Reis Painters anyway.”
– Melissa R., Bedford NH
“They finished in a day what would’ve taken me three. Worth every penny.”
– Jeff T., Dover NH
“My wife said we should just paint the living room ourselves. After two hours and one ruined rug, we were online looking for painters.”
– Carl P., Salem NH
8. Final Verdict: DIY vs. Professional Painting in NH
DIY painting feels cheaper.
Professional painting looks better.
DIY painting saves upfront.
Professional painting saves regrets.
And in a place like New Hampshire, where seasons shift and home pride runs deep — your home deserves a paint job that doesn’t cut corners.
Want It Done Fast, Clean, and Right?
At Reis Painters, we’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in residential and commercial painting across NH. From Manchester to Portsmouth, we’ve helped homeowners bring their spaces to life — with zero mess, no stress, and perfect results.
✅ Fully insured
✅ Premium paints
✅ Interior & exterior services
✅ Cabinets, trim, ceilings, siding, and more
✅ Local crew. No outsourcing.
📞 Call today: (603) 820-5943
🌐 Visit: www.reispainters.net
📩 Request your free quote and let us show you what a professional finish really means.
