Painting your home seems like an easy way to cut down on HDB renovation costs, and many Singaporeans choose DIY instead of hiring professional painters. But is DIY really the budget-friendly hero everyone thinks it is? On the contrary, revamping your walls doesn’t require much skill, but you might be missing some hidden costs. On the flip side, some may find it hard to find affordable painting services. Here’s the nitty-gritty of the DIY vs. professional painting services costs and considerations that should help you keep both your walls and wallet happy.
Upfront Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Painters in Singapore
Home renovation often involves the use of different equipment and skills, which ultimately determine the price of each service. The same applies to painting, and if you decide to hire a professional contractor in Singapore, you’re essentially paying for their expertise and special tools. However, DIY paint coating may also involve some costs. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
DIY Painting: The Budget-Friendly Option?
DIY painting might seem like a wallet-friendly choice at first. And while there are no restrictions from the Housing and Development Board, you may need proper tools and equipment. The basics usually include paint, brushes, and rollers. But don’t forget you’ll need drop cloths, painter’s tape, and maybe even a ladder. Here’s a sample list of the standard equipment and the approximate cost for each item:
| Item | Description | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
| Paint (5L) | For walls and ceilings | 50 – 110 |
| Paint Brushes (Set) | For cutting in edges and details | 10 – 20 |
| Paint Rollers (Set) | For larger surface areas | 15 – 30 |
| Roller Extension Pole | To reach high areas | 10 – 25 |
| Painter’s Tape (Roll) | For masking off areas | 5 – 10 |
| Drop Cloths/Plastic Sheets | To protect floors and furniture | 5 – 15 |
| Paint Tray | For holding paint | 5 – 10 |
| Primer (2L) | Prepares surfaces for painting | 20 – 40 |
| Sandpaper (Pack) | For smoothing surfaces before painting | 2 – 5 |
| Cleaning Rags | For cleaning up spills and tools | 2 – 5 |
| Ladder | For accessing higher areas | 30 – 100 |
| Latex Gloves (Pack) | To protect hands from paint | 5 – 10 |
| Total: | 159 – 380 | |
Note that a 5-litre can of paint can cover 40 to 60 square metres with one coat, which should be enough to paint a standard room. However, you may need more emulsion to refinish an entire HDB flat.
Professional Painting: Worth the Splurge?
Hiring a pro certainly is pricier upfront – a standard HDB room can cost anywhere from SGD$350 to SGD$500. But here’s the kicker: professional painters come with all their own gear. You don’t have to worry about clean-ups or buying extra supplies unless you have a specific agreement with the contractor. Besides, a professional is more likely to get the job done faster and with a better and longer-lasting finish.
The Big Picture: Painting a Typical HDB Flat
Once you have rough cost estimates, it’s much easier to do the math and see the bigger picture. For example, painting a 4-room HDB flat would suffice with 40 litres of paint for one-coat coverage, or roughly SGD$400. Add SGD$250 for additional equipment, tapes and painting cloths, and you’re certainly up for a bargain! However, you shouldn’t forget that you must put some elbow grease to complete the task.
On the other hand, Homees shows that hiring painting services for the same job would cost around SGD$1050-SGD$1300. These figures are obviously a bigger hit to your wallet upfront. Nevertheless, you should consider the time and effort you’ll save – painting contractors in Singapore usually finish the job faster. Besides, you’ll get a warranty that guarantees the quality of their work.
What’s the difference between DIY and professional painting services in Singapore time-wise?
DIY is cool until you actually have to get the job done. The biggest culprit is that spending on equipment and tools is only one of the investments you’ll make. In most cases, time is far more important, especially if you want to move in immediately. This is where you should consider some factors before choosing between rolling up your sleeves and tackling the job yourself or calling a pro:
DIY Painting
While it’s difficult to estimate the time you’ll need to paint your home, you can make a rough estimate based on a few basic factors:
- Clear out and prep your space
- Buy all the necessary supplies
- Learn proper painting techniques
- Painting
- Clean up and put everything back in place
In conclusion, an average-sized room might take an entire weekend or more to complete. Of course, you may need to do additional touch-ups or redo certain areas.
Professional Painting
Arguably, the biggest advantage of hiring pro painting contractors in Singapore is getting an entire team of seasoned painters. Such teams usually excel in prep work and precision, maximising efficiency and minimising time. Typically, professionals can wrap up an entire 4-room HDB flat in 1 to 3 days.
The Bottom Line on Time
DIY painting can save you a lot of time, especially if painting companies in your area have busy schedules. However, it will surely be far more time-consuming than hiring a professional contractor.
On the contrary, professional painters in Singapore have undergone special courses to paint interiors quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality. Best of all, they have the necessary tools to get the job done much faster than the DIY way.
Are Professional Painting Services in Singapore Worth It?
Despite the clear discrepancy between DIY vs. professional painting costs and time needs, you may still be tempted to grab a brush. Still, licensed painting services in Singapore offer some serious perks compared to coating your home or office yourself.
Superior Materials for Long-Lasting Results
Perhaps you’ve seen some paint jobs that look fresh for years. Meanwhile, you’ve probably wondered why others start peeling faster than you can say “humidity”. That’s where professional painters shine. They usually use premium-quality paints that can withstand Singapore’s humid climate. The results are fresh-looking walls that do not deteriorate from moisture and last for years.
Industrial-Grade Toughness
Whether you’re a business owner or looking for industrial-grade toughness, you can’t go wrong with licensed painting services. Painters use special paints and coatings that can handle chemicals, abrasion, and even extreme temperatures. Such products guarantee factory floors and commercial kitchens look as good as new long after the DIY job has thrown in the towel.
Expertise That Pays Off
Apart from the higher-quality materials, all licensed painters have at least above-average expertise. They know all the do’s and don’ts and will ensure each coating has a proper and even application. Ultimately, you’ll get a long-lasting paint job with a warranty on the workmanship.
Additional Benefits of Hiring Painting Contractors in Singapore
Time is Money
Undoubtedly, time is the most precious resource nowadays and the same applies to painting. Typically, you could spend a few weekends on a ladder, but many would rather enjoy themselves or catch up with friends outside. Besides, why would you waste so much time when you hire professional painters who can finish everything in days, handling everything from prep work to cleanup?
Quality That’ll Make Your Neighbors Jealous
YouTube tutorials and blog articles about DIY painting surely make it look easy. However, the reality is much different, and that’s where professional painting contractors with years of experience come in. They have all the necessary skills and equipment to ensure a flawless finish that will make your neighbours green with envy.
Long-lasting Results = More Bang for Your Buck
Everyone knows professional paint jobs tend to last longer. Since licensed contractors use higher-quality paints, they will last longer in Singapore’s humid climate. As a result, you won’t have to revamp your HDB interior so frequently and save up money in the long run. Of course, you may pay more upfront, but you’ll get more value over time.
Peace of Mind (and Less Mess!)
Painting can be stressful, especially if you’re a first-timer learning the ropes. From making a mistake to spilling paint over your new flooring, there’s a lot at stake if you’re just moving in. When you hire professionals, you eliminate these risks and repurpose your schedule for other things. If the painters ever make a mistake, they will cover it with the warranty of their work.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to save money on your home renovation, DIY painting is way cheaper than hiring a professional. Indeed, you may spend extensive time, but you may find the task enjoyable, especially if you have the skills. If you don’t have painting experience and want to finish the job quickly, you might consider professional painting services. On the lowdown, you’ll get high-quality workmanship with a warranty regardless of the colour scheme and rooms. But whichever route you choose, a fresh coat of paint is always a smart decision. Buckle up and plan your budget and timeline for the big home repainting!