A lot of people never do anything with the house because it is time consuming. I learned that I could hire three people and get something done quick. Here in Seattle I use Casa Latina, which is a day labor organization. They take information about the workers, can get you day labor, which is where the taxes are paid, or you can have casual labor where you pay cash.
I usually pay cash because, like I said, I only have labor for the day, maybe two. Here’s what is the most cost effective: be prepared.
By far I do the yard the most. This year I’ll paint the house. I do my own pressure washing. Never give any one a machine unless you know, they know how to use it. For the preparation of the house I’ll get three sets of scrappers, and let them at the house. I’ll get some 36 grit sand paper, and let them sand. I’ll rent two ladders rather than one.
I’ll have them dust the house before we oil base prime. I have to use oil base primer because of some of the finish on the house, but they make some great latex primers now.
At this point I can take paint bids. The painter won’t like it. OK maybe I won’t prime the house, just get it scraped, really well. What’s the painter going to say? You tell him you started, but can’t finish the job.
Maybe you could get the whole place masked, and ready for paint. Then what? What’s the cost to spray a couple of coats of paint?
Contracting the labor may save you a few bucks. I’ll talk about this more when we demo a kitchen or bath before taking bids.
