subject: Professional Painter Or Diy? [print this page] Decorating - do you pick up a brush yourself or lurk in the background making tea, while a professional does it? It can be cheaper to do it yourself, or you could choose to get the really high-quality work that a professional company offers, but there are other reasons why people all over are choosing one way over another.
Getting someone else to fiddle about hanging wallpaper has one big advantage over DIY - you can sit back and relax, leaving someone else to do the work! This is especially handy for busy workaholics with no time to decorate, or people with kids at home, and a large part of why so many people choose professional decorators. But it's not just this that means people are calling in the professionals; for example, it might seem a bit pricey to get a decorator in but doing it yourself can end up being just as expensive. The main things you need, such as paint and wallpaper, don't cost too much if you shop around, but bits and bobs - that you might not already have - like brushes or roller trays can be expensive and still mean you've got to put the work in yourself. As well as is, the reassurance of knowing a professional will do a good job and has a lot more experience than you means that a lot of people would pick a decorator to give their house, or even just a room, a new look.
But don't worry; this doesn't mean decorating yourself is a bad idea. You'll feel proud of what you've achieved when it's done, and adding your own personal stamp on a room makes it feel really special. If you buy brushes or other useful bits, keep hold of them for the future and it'll save you money in the long run. It's also reassuring to know that everything will be exactly how you want it and done your way - and no men in overalls hanging around your kitchen when you come home from work, because you can do it when you want!
There are, of course, different circumstances. A room that needs a lick of paint to tidy it up could be done in an afternoon; redecorating a whole house is an entirely different matter. Choosing between DIY and hiring a professional is a choice that, like the choice of wallpaper or paint, is personal and depends on the circumstances.
If you do fancy having a go at doing it yourself, you can always ask for advice at big DIY stores or surf the internet for some advice before you start, so you can still end up with your perfect result without spending the money on a professional. If not, however, word of mouth is a great way to find a good painter and decorator; try asking trusted friends and family if they know of anyone they could recommend.
