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Look, I’ve been around the block enough times to know that most people see painting as just… painting. Slap some color on the walls, call it a day, right? Wrong. Dead wrong actually.
I was talking to the team at JC Paint Solutions last week, and they shared something that blew my mind. Professional painting jobs can add between 2-5% to your property value. On a million dollar property in Sydney’s Northern Beaches? That’s a $20,000 to $50,000 bump. From paint.
But here’s what really gets me – it’s not just about the money.
The Psychology of First Impressions
You know that feeling when you walk into a space and something just feels… off? Nine times out of ten, it’s the paint job. Maybe the colors clash. Maybe there’s visible brush strokes. Or worse – patches where someone tried to touch up with slightly the wrong shade.
Professional painters understand something DIYers don’t. Paint isn’t just color on walls. It’s the foundation of how a space feels. Get it wrong and everything else – your expensive furniture, your carefully chosen artwork – it all falls flat.
I learned this the hard way when I tried to paint my first office space myself. Saved a few thousand dollars, sure. But I lost three potential clients who walked in and immediately looked uncomfortable. One actually said the space felt “unfinished.” Ouch.
The Technical Stuff Nobody Talks About
Here’s where it gets interesting. Professional painters do about 20 things before they even open a paint can. Surface preparation, priming, checking for moisture issues, coordinating with other trades…
Most people think painting is the easy part of renovation. It’s not. It’s the part that shows every other mistake.
Got slightly uneven walls? Amateur paint job will highlight every bump. Moisture problems? DIY paint will bubble within months. Previous color bleeding through? Good luck covering that without proper primer.
Timing Is Everything
This is the part that kills me. People renovate their kitchens, update their bathrooms, install new flooring… then try to save money on the paint job. It’s like buying a Ferrari and putting discount tires on it.
Professional painters know when to paint in the renovation sequence. Too early and other trades damage the walls. Too late and you’re painting around fixtures instead of behind them. There’s a sweet spot, and missing it costs money and looks terrible.
The Business Case
Let me break this down for property investors and business owners. A professional paint job:
- Lasts 5-10 years vs 2-3 for DIY
- Reduces tenant complaints and maintenance calls
- Photographs better for listings
- Actually saves money long-term
I’ve seen commercial properties sit empty for months because the paint job screamed “cheap landlord.” Meanwhile, professionally painted spaces lease faster and command higher rents.
What Actually Matters
If you’re thinking about painting – residential, commercial, whatever – here’s my advice. Get quotes from actual professionals. Not your mate who “paints on weekends.” Not the cheapest guy on Gumtree. Real painters with insurance, guarantees, and a portfolio.
Ask about their prep process. If they’re not spending at least 40% of the job on preparation, run. Ask about their paint quality. If they’re pushing the cheapest option without explaining why you might want better, run.
Most importantly, ask about their experience with properties like yours. Strata painting has different requirements than residential. Commercial jobs need different scheduling than home renos. Remedial painting is its own beast entirely.
The Bottom Line
Your property is probably your biggest investment. Or your business premises represents your brand. Either way, the paint job is literally the backdrop to everything else.
I’m not saying you need to spend a fortune. I’m saying you need to spend smart. Get multiple quotes. Check references. Look at recent work. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t try to save a few hundred dollars on something that affects thousands in property value or business impression.
The difference between amateur and professional painting isn’t just quality. It’s understanding that paint is never just about paint. It’s about creating spaces that work, that last, and that actually add value instead of just adding color.
Trust me on this one. I learned the expensive way so you don’t have to.