Painter or Handyman?

April
by April

We are wanting to have the exterior of our house (windows, doors, any little cracks and crevices) caulked.

As a side note, we are not planning to paint the house right now.


My questions about this are:


  • Would a painter or handyman fit the job better?
  • What do you think the price range would be?


Thanks!

  20 answers
  • Tom Stuart Tom Stuart on Sep 26, 2021

    A painter will have the specific expertise to prep and correct any problems. There are good handymen but you might get one who doesn’t know what to look for. The job will look great after either one finishes but after a year you will begin to see any problems in a poor job.

    • April April on Sep 26, 2021

      Thanks Tom, for the helpful insight! We were leaning towards the painter way, but wanted to make sure. Do you think a painter would do the job even though we are not planning to paint the house right now?

  • Tom Stuart Tom Stuart on Sep 26, 2021

    I would call 2 painters and have them give you an estimate so you can discuss any concerns you have. Be sure it is a reputable company. Preparation is the key.

    • April April on Sep 27, 2021

      Sounds like really sound advice. Thanks for your input! Really appreciate it. :-)

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Sep 27, 2021

    we have no idea what the price range would be that depends on your area and also exactly what you want done- just remember that filling in holes, gaps, seams etc will stand out more if you don't intend to paint it - a handyman can do this kind of job, painters, etc.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 27, 2021

    Pricing would be dependent on size, complexity of job (whether you need cleaning, repairs, scraping), and your location.

    As for handyman or painter, you can probably find either that is good at the job. Of course, painters will be more familiar with issues but I've gotten bad advice from painters and better from handymen in the past. The biggest thing is to get recommendations, talk to customers, and see their work.

    • April April on Sep 28, 2021

      Thanks, Kathy, for sharing about your experience and your advice! Will keep this in mind. icon

  • Annie Annie on Sep 27, 2021

    If you can get a recommendation for good handymen in your area, especially ones that know how to seal up a house properly, that would be great. Just be sure they use clear caulking! It goes on white, but dries to clear.

    • April April on Sep 28, 2021

      Thank you, Annie! I’ve never heard of clear caulking before. I will definitely need to remember this. icon

  • Em Em on Sep 27, 2021

    So easy to do yourself. So much cheaper. Tons of videos to show you how online. The only reason why I can imagine you not doing it yourself is if you can't do ladder work.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Sep 27, 2021

    you can get free estimates from a painter and they know what to look for

  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 27, 2021

    Okay I am the paranoid one here. I try to go with someone who is licensed and bonded. I have learned the hard way to do this. Had a "friend" who told me he was an interior decorator paint the inside of a garage. The over spray ruined a gun safe as well as the new sheets of peg board used to hold tools.

    • April April on Sep 28, 2021

      Yikes! So sorry to hear about your experience, Mogie! I can understand exactly what you mean. Always good to make sure they’re certified. Thanks for your input! icon

  • William William on Sep 27, 2021

    I agree with Em. You can do it yourself unless your afraid of ladders. I'm 70 and still do all my maintance short of the roof. Right now I'm in the process of resurfacing some concrete stairs and entrance landing. I updated a 1/2 bath a month ago. If you do want someone else to do it hire a handyman. Get at least three quotes and referrals. You can go to Homeadvisor or Angi and find someone.

  • Seth Seth on Sep 27, 2021

    Your issues may extend beyond just needing a little caulking. A good painter or handyman can tell you if any rot, water damage, insect damage , etc. is present and what your options are for repairs. A good carpenter can do the same. As others have said, it's all about recommendations. Are you part of your neighborhood Nextdoor group. If you are not familiar with Nextdoor, check it out. It can be a good source of recommendations for people your neighbors have used. Painters and carpenters are very busy now and you may need to wait for someone in the trades. You might have better luck with a handyman who has a more flexible schedule.

    https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-join-Nextdoor?language=en_US



    • April April on Sep 28, 2021

      Thanks for your input, Seth! Good to know! NextDoor sounds interesting. icon

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Sep 27, 2021

    I would call a few painters and see their thoughts and then compare on pricing!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 28, 2021

    If you feel the diy route may take up too much time, and stretch out the project too long, then hire out. Choosing this route would get the job finished in the fastest time.


    If you decide to have a go at it, begin at locations that are inconspicuous and not at eye level. Give yourself a chance to get the knack of and gain confidence with controlling the gun and applying at different angles first, before you caulk the most prominent spots, or areas that you always see.

  • Jkl53224404 Jkl53224404 on Sep 29, 2021

    nice!

    • April April on Oct 20, 2021

      If that comment was towards anything I’ve said then thanks! 🙂

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Sep 30, 2021

    Handy man he would now more about leaks and repairs to fix more than a painter

  • A handyman would likely be your best fit. Prices vary by area so call a few to get an idea.

  • Dee Dee on Oct 01, 2021

    Call several and check to see if they caulk before painting or not. Some do not. I had my house done about 4 years ago. It is 2000 square feet with a detached garage and it cost me $2000 but that was with caulking.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 02, 2021

    Hello, Call in various people to give you a price to do the work before choosing the one you want.

  • I suggest handy man, he would be more knowledgeable with the repairs and leaks.

  • Melba_cunningham Melba_cunningham on Jun 05, 2022

    In this situation, I would invite two handypersons home and consult with them. I think that's the best way to find out who's best for you. Each handyperson uses different ways of doing repairs. The price range depends on the scope and complexity of the job. Patching holes, cracks, and seams is not a difficult job. Remember, the price also depends on the company that will repair it. I can recommend https://goodmanhandyman.com/, which has excellent value for money. I am satisfied with the quality of the work done in the nursery.


    • April April on Jun 30, 2022

      Good idea, thank you! I’m glad you’ve found pros you can trust. 😀 Sounds like a handyman might be the cost effective way.