Your home is a big investment and taking care of it is the key to protecting that investment. When rain, wind, sun and time have worn down the exterior of your home, it’s time to think about putting a fresh coat of paint on your fascia, trim, eaves and exposed wood.

A new paint job not only protects your home, it’s like putting a fresh set of clothes on it and performing a house makeover. New paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of a home.

While it may be tempting to do it yourself, hiring a professional painter lets you step back and let the experts do the work for you. The Painting and Decorating Contractors of America gives four compelling reasons to hire a professional.

1. A professional painting contractor saves time.

Any business or homeowner who has ever started a simple do-it-yourself painting project understands the challenges of getting the job done on time. There are always extra trips to the paint store for supplies. It’s difficult to accurately estimate the time required to properly prepare the project area. And, there’s always the unanticipated time required for touch-ups and repair. Hire a professional painting contractor, then schedule more important – and more fun – things to do with your valuable time.

2. A professional painting contractor saves money.

Every do-it-yourself project ends up costing more than the original budget. Whether it’s underestimating total paint needs, adding in the cost of clean-up, or all the other unanticipated expenses, don’t put the additional strain on your wallet. Hire a professional painting contractor that knows the right product and has the right tools to complete the job on time.

3. A professional painting contractor knows safety.

Every painting project requires attention to safety. There are common hazards on every paint project site that could cause injury and job-time losses, and may even affect your income. Most insurance requires a deductible, so any accident will increase the cost of the project. Hire a professional painting contractor who is trained on the most up-to-date safety rules to limit the possibility of accidents and reduce your exposure. Why put your personal safety at risk?

4. A professional painting contractor delivers quality.

The choices today are more complicated than just oil or latex. Most do-it-yourselfers don’t have the industry knowledge to know what works, how to use it, or have the right tools for the job. Details such as surface prep, paint application and a material’s long-term durability often get overlooked. The use of high-quality products is as important as excellence in paint application. Hire a professional painting contractor who is educated on all of the different aspects of any painting project. It helps eliminate surprises and ensures you have a finished product you can be proud of.