How do you know if your project is something you can do yourself, even if you’re a relative beginner, or if you really need to call in the professionals?

For most projects, aside from complete rebuilds, the answer isn’t black and white. There will likely be some jobs that need an expert hand, but others you can try yourself to both save money and gain satisfaction and there’s a lot of free advice out there to help you along the way.

We talked to some Resene experts on where to draw the line in getting professional help for your project.

Rebecca Long

Resene Senior Architectural Representative

“It’s always important to seek professional help before you start a home renovation or maintenance project.

“The renovation industry is full of incredibly knowledgeable people who not only have a wealth of experience but are also up to date with the latest products and technology. Once you have spoken to an industry professional I would then evaluate the advice against your time, availability and skills and decide whether to hire help or tackle it on your own.

“If you do want to try your hand, start small and give yourself time to build your confidence. If you’re looking to repaint your whole home, start with a feature wall or small project before tackling a whole room.

“Resene have launched a digital platform called Resene MasterStroke by Resene which you can find at www.masterstrokebyresene.com. It is there to help you master your paint and decorating DIY projects by providing videos full of advice, tips and ideas from trusted experts.

“The other thing to remember is that if you’re finding a project stressful, take a break for a day or two and re-evaluate where you’re at. You can always contact a professional for advice and generally a free quote regarding the rest of your project. From there decide whether you’re keen to tackle it on your own or accept help.”

Meryl Southey

Resene Colour Expert

“When you are renovating or building, no matter the size of the project, there are so many decisions to be made constantly. Enlisting the help of a professional designer or architect early ensures that every decision made is an informed one and adds value to the project so a successful design aesthetic is the outcome.

“Designers and architects have training, knowledge, and skills. As well as knowing the current trends and products – what will date, they have contacts in the industry who they know how to negotiate with and brief.

“Using a professional can save you money, time and undue stress by reducing the number of choices you have to make whether you are building a new home or renovating a bedroom.

“That said, if you are wanting to DIY there is a lot of advice and information available online at places like the Resene website and www.habitatbyresene.com, as well as by talking to Resene colour consultants and product experts in Resene ColorShops.

Megan Harrison-Turner

Interior designer

“I often get called in to help after people have been playing around with Resene testpots and realise they’re not sure what colours or paints to use and where to use them.

“There’s no shame in asking for help. You don’t want to get to the end of a big project and realise you've chosen colours that don’t work or you don’t like.

“Often there’ll be things you have to work in with, that you might not have considered, like a powder coated roof colour or changes in light.

“Colour can be tricky, as Claude Monet said; ‘Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment. One of the most common mistakes people make when painting exteriors is choosing a colour that’s too light that just gets blasted by the glaring sunlight and ends up looking white.

“Managing the change in scale using colour in a bigger project can be hard to manage as a beginner.

“I’m obviously biased about the benefits of using a designer, but the other thing to remember is if you think you need help from an interior designer it can be just to help you choose colours. You don’t then need to hire them for a full makeover, you can just get them in to see your home and advise on choosing the right shades.

“If you are choosing your own colours, make good use of Resene testpots and try the biggest sample you can.”

Top tip:  Consider hiring a paint professional if your project has a high level of hazards such as a steep-pitched roof, an uneven or steep section, or a risk of poisonous lead-based paints on old surfaces. Professionals know how to deal with these obstacles in a safe way.

Hiring a professional

• Be clear about what you want in a final result so everybody is working toward the same thing

• Put one person in charge on your household’s behalf, so the professional has one person to contact and get consistent messages

• Meet the painter at your home in daylight so they can accurately assess the condition of your surfaces, particularly for exteriors

• Be clear about who is responsible for clean-up and rubbish disposal

• Ask at least three painters for quotes to compare the costs, and the timings

• Quotes should be signed and dated by both parties and include:

  • The painter’s contact details.
  • Your contact details.
  • A clear description of all the areas to be painted, including all surfaces and any surface preparation to be undertaken.
  • The products and colours that will be used, including the brand name of the paint.
  • An estimation of how long the job will take to complete.
  • The cost and whether it includes or excludes GST.

• Agree on payment terms; never pay for the whole project in advance

• If you are planning to have paint effects or textured coatings applied, ask your painter to prepare a sample panel so you know you’re getting the finish you want.

• Resene can help you find a painter or decorator through its Find-A-Painter service. You can also source painters committed to working in an environmentally friendly way through the Resene Eco.Decorator programme.

DIY your paint project

• Always test your colours using Resene testpots. Paint A2 card leaving a 2cm unpainted border around the edge. Hold these up to the surfaces you are planning to paint and try them at different times of the day and in different lights.

• Allow yourself plenty of time. Surface preparation will almost always take longer than expected. Don’t be tempted to skip the preparation as you risk an imperfect finish that may not last as long as you want.

• Talk to your Resene ColorShop experts about the surfaces you’re painting to make sure you get the right preparation products to ensure the best finish.

March 28, 2023

For help choosing products and colours to suit your projects, visit your local Resene ColorShop, or ask a Resene Colour Expert free online or ask a Resene Paint Expert free online.

Book a colour consult | Ask a Colour Expert | Ask a Paint Expert

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