Art Installer, Handyman or DIY: How to Choose in Austin
By Pedro Rivera, founder, Austin Art Installation. Updated October 2026. Not every picture needs a specialist. This guide is meant to help you choose the right option for your project — including when you do not need us at all.
When DIY or a handyman is fine
Light frames on standard drywall are a reasonable DIY project if you have a level and the right hooks. A general handyman can also handle simple hanging alongside other small jobs around the house.
When a specialist is worth it
Consider a dedicated art installer when the project involves:
Heavy pieces or large mirrors.
Valuable or irreplaceable art.
Stone, brick, marble or tile walls.
High walls, stairwells or placements above 10 ft.
Gallery walls where spacing and alignment matter.
Commercial spaces with schedules, insurance requirements or public areas.
Questions to ask anyone you hire
Whoever you choose, ask:
Are you insured, and can you provide a certificate of insurance?
What hardware will you use for this weight and wall type, and is it billed separately?
How do you level the pieces?
Who pays if the wall is damaged?
What is your cancellation or rescheduling notice?
How we answer those questions
We are fully insured. We use a walkthrough first, laser leveling on everything and two points of contact per piece. Residential jobs include a $25 anchor hardware kit as a separate line; French cleats are $20 each; commercial heavy-duty anchors are $5 each. We ask for 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Our full rates are published on our pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring a professional for one picture? For a light frame on drywall, often not. For a heavy, valuable or high piece, or a hard wall surface, a specialist is usually worth it.
What should I check before hiring? Insurance, the hardware they plan to use, how they level, who pays for wall damage, and their cancellation notice.
What does Austin Art Installation charge? Residential work is $300 for the first 2 hours, then $150 per additional hour plus a $25 anchor hardware kit. Commercial work is $300 for the first 2 hours and $200 each additional hour.