When hiring a painter for your home project, you’ll usually have two payment options, by the hour or per project. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your needs and budget.
That said, most painters have a preferred way of charging, so you might not always get to choose. If you have a payment method you’re more comfortable with, it’s worth finding a painter who works that way.
1. By the Hour Pros and Cons
By the hour painters are actually more common in some areas. Often this can be for fairly quick projects, like touchups. Think of if you hired a handyman to patch and paint a wall, for example. Paying a painter hourly does have its advantages if the job is not that big. Such as:
Pros
- Great for small jobs
- May end up costing less
- Most common way for project-based painters to charge
Cons
- You may need to do most of the prep work to save money
- You have no control over the cost and this can increase if the project timeline is longer than expected.
- The painter might not be responsible for touch-ups
2. By the Project Pros and Cons
Hourly may be the most common way that painters charge but by the project is the way that leaves room for fewer surprises. This option gives you the most flexibility because your contractor will think through not just time. Additional work such as repairs and touchups, that you might not have thought about are included.
Pros
- Fewer surprises for the homeowner, price-wise
- Everything is itemized which means you know exactly what you will pay for each part of the service.
- Greater transparency in pricing without having to worry about how long is taking to complete the job.
- Negotiable if the homeowner wants to do some of the prep work themselves or add in additional services.
- Less worry, as the contractor is responsible for the entire project.
Cons
- Any items not included in the original price that pops up during the job will be an additional cost.
- Might not be worth it for smaller projects.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to update your home with a paint job is a big decision. Once you decide on your first painting project, you will need to find a professional to help you with that. As one of Toronto’s best painting companies, send us an email if you have any questions.
The next big decision in your painting project is how you want to pay: by the hour or by the project. This choice can impact both your budget and the overall experience. While some painters have a set pricing method, many are open to discussing options, so it never hurts to ask!
If you prefer a straightforward cost without surprises, paying per project might be the best route. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending upfront, which can make budgeting easier. However, if the job is smaller or you’re unsure of how long it will take, an hourly rate might be more practical. It allows flexibility in case the work requires additional time, but it can also mean costs may fluctuate based on how long the job takes.
Choosing between these two options can also help guide your search. If you have a preference, it’s worth looking for a painter who aligns with your preferred payment structure. Some professionals exclusively charge one way, while others are flexible depending on the project scope.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what makes you feel most comfortable and what works best for your budget. Whether you go with hourly or project-based pricing, clear communication with your painter is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.