Is summer a good season for hiring painting and decorating contractors?

In the summer months, many industries enter the silly season. The painting and decorating industry, on the other hand, is struggling to cope with the volume of orders. Is summer a good time to launch an overhaul, and how to prepare for it?

The painting and decorating industry is always on the go. The demand for skilled professionals is always high, even though the number of companies on the market is constantly rising. The devil is in the details - the customers are conscious of it, and thus, they are looking for painters and decorators with a ton of experience and references. Considering the market shortage, it is worth planning things in advance. Which season to pick, and should it be summer?

Which season is the best for painting and decorating works?

There is no perfect moment for the restoration of the house or apartment. Each season has its ups and downs. However, in logistical terms, the best option is to launch the works when the temperatures and weather conditions are moderate. That means either spring or early fall.

Of course - a lot depends on where you live. In this text, we are referring to the northern hemisphere and the moderate climate. We recommend these seasons because they make painting and decorating works much smoother, whether the project is interior or exterior. Of course, facade works will be more impacted by the weather conditions than the exterior ones. But still, even if you are working inside, you (or the painters and decorators you hire) will feel their impact.

Both temperature and humidity impact the quality and the pace of the painting and decorating works. In summer and winter, they tend to reach extreme values. High temperatures make the paint dry very fast - sometimes too fast to distribute the layer evenly. On the other hand, in winter, because of the low temperatures, the paint dries slowly. Because of that, the painters have to wait much longer to apply another layer. That extends the time of work. And since the painters and decorators charge you per hour in most cases, you may end up with a much higher bill than expected. It is also worth keeping in mind that the humidity enhances the impact of temperature.

When it comes to painting facades, winter and fall are obviously the worst due to the unpredictability of the weather conditions. If it rains a lot in your region, it is better to move the project in time.

Is it worth launching painting and decorating works in summer?

We know that most people have a little more time in summer, and thus, they plan restoration for that period. If on vacation, you are also able to supervise the work of the hired contractors. Even if you hire recommended and experienced painters and contractors, being there may provide you with a sense of comfort. Some people, on the other hand, pick the moment when they actually go on holiday somewhere else. That is a clever move since living in the middle of the restoration chaos is not the most pleasurable. 

Is it easy to find painters and decorators in summer?

In the summer, the availability of painting and decorating contractors may definitely be lower. Usually, they are booked in advance for the summer months. Thus, it is worth considering doing your booking at least 3-4 months before the planned launch of the project.

Are the prices for the painting and decorating works higher in summer? That depends. In general, contractors tend to raise their prices when the demand is higher, just like in any other industry. That means you could expect them higher in July and August. However, if you book a few months in advance, you will likely avoid the pricing fluctuations. The most expensive projects are always the last-minute ones.

The truth is, however, that the season is only one of the numerous factors that impact the final price of the service. The state of the walls and the choice of materials matter much more. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, always ask for a quote before launching the cooperation. Any reliable company will have nothing against it!