The holidays have a way of bringing attention (and a sense of urgency) to those painting projects you’ve wanted to get done. Maybe you’re hosting your family and want to update the living room before guests arrive. Or maybe you’ve been meaning to repaint the kitchen or update your cabinets. Perhaps you’d simply like to get a project checked off your list before the end of the year.
If you want the work completed before the holidays, now is the time to start the conversation and get on the schedule (before it’s too late). If you’re flexible and willing to have the work done during the holiday season, you may be able to take advantage of reduced labor rates.
Here’s what to consider when deciding which option makes the most sense for you.
Should I Schedule Painting Before the Holidays?
Fall is usually one of the busiest times of the year for home painters. Homeowners are spending more time indoors, preparing their homes for holiday hosting, and tackling projects they’d put off during the summer.
Starting the conversation with your painter in advance gives you time to choose colors, finalize what you want done, and reserve your project start date before the painting schedule fills up.
Is It Cheaper to Paint Your Home During the Holidays?
It can be.
While the weeks leading up to the holidays can be busy, the holiday season itself is often slower for painters. Many homeowners prefer not to have painters in their home during the holidays, and wait until after the new year to start their project.
But if you’re flexible and don’t mind having painters in your home during the holidays, that slower period can work to your advantage.
After nearly 48 years in the painting business, we’ve seen firsthand how seasonal demand changes throughout the year. Keeping employees working through the holiday season is important for business owners. When painters have openings in their holiday schedule, they may offer reduced labor rates to help keep their schedule full and their crews busy. The lower cost isn’t coming from cheaper paint or a lower level of service. The project is completed by the same painting crew, with the same attention to prep and quality.
It’s a win for both sides – painters stay busy during a traditionally slower time, and homeowners with flexible schedules may be able to get their project done at a lower cost.
What Painting Projects Make Sense During the Holidays?
Interior projects are a great fit for this time of year, including:
- Cabinet painting
- Interior walls and ceilings
- Living rooms and family rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens and dining rooms
- Hallways and entryways
- Home offices
Cabinet painting is especially popular this time of year because it can transform a kitchen in days (not weeks), before family and guests arrive. If you have a few rooms you’ve been meaning to update, this can be a good time to finally get them done.
Depending on the project and weather conditions, some exterior work may also be possible.
Will Painting During the Holidays Be Disruptive?
This really depends on your plans.
If you’re hosting a house full of people, having the main living areas painted at the same time probably doesn’t make much sense. But if you’re traveling, keeping things low-key, or have a project in an area that won’t interfere with your plans, there may be no reason to wait until January.
Your painting company can also work with you to determine which dates and projects make the most sense around your holiday schedule.
Should I Get an Estimate Now Even If I Want to Paint Later?
Yes. Planning ahead gives you more options.
If you want your project completed before the holidays, getting an estimate now gives you a better chance of reserving the timeframe you want.
If your schedule is flexible, ask about having your project completed during the holiday season and whether reduced labor rates are available.
Either way, you don’t need to wait until you’re ready for the painters to arrive to start planning.
Do you have a painting project you’d like to complete before the end of the year? Give us a call and we’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense for your home and your holiday plans.
