A painting contractor will consider multiple factors to come up with a price, including the size of the project, the amount of prep and repairs needed, the colors to be used, the type of paint to be used, and the number of coats needed, among others.

Below you will find five ways to save money with exterior painting:

- #1: Ask the contractor about the "contractor's paint discount". Most paint suppliers will provide a discounted price to established painting contractors. Some paint suppliers that offer a discount are Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Glidden Paint.

- #2: Paint with the same color. Selecting a new color can indeed be exciting, but when it comes to reducing labor costs, painting with the same color can decrease the total price. Painting with the same color will reduce the number of coats needed, which will require less labor, so a reasonable paint estimator should consider that and indeed provide you with a lower labor cost.

- #3: Choose medium-grade paint. The most expensive paint is usually the best, but that doesn't mean that the lower-priced one is of bad quality.

- #4: Don't be in a rush. While some painting companies will be available to take care of your interior painting needs right away, requesting the service to be done fast may increase the labor cost. So be flexible with the timeframe if possible.

- #5: Hire a professional. The cheapest price is usually not the best option. Hiring the wrong painting company can be costly, stressful and painful. Do some research, and look out for the business website, reviews and before and after photos. A professional painting contractor should guide you through an efficient painting process and must provide a pleasant experience, while at the same time should ensure a long-lasting quality finish.

- #6: Routine maintenance. This is a task most home and business owners usually forget to perform, but it is a very important one. Here are some of the things we recommend to do a few years after the property was painted:

* Power wash. Power washing the property will prevent dust and other natural components from accumulating, which will ensure a clean surface.

* Look out for peeling paint. Peeling paint could allow water to penetrate under the paint, which will cause other areas to also peel. The more peeling paint is present the highest the cost will be at the time to paint again, so taking care of it soon enough will save you money in the long run.

* Look out for any open gaps where silicone/caulk may be necessary. Even if the preparation was done properly, it is a smart move to look out for open gaps between the window and door trims. Open gaps could allow water to penetrate and cause damage to wood, drywall and other parts of the property, so taking care of any present open gaps could save you lots of money.