Frequently Asked Questions
CertaPro Painters® of Chula Vista
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Estimate
How do I get an estimate for painting my home?
Most professional painting companies will offer you a free in-home estimate. You can sign up for a free in-home estimate online or call us at 619-966-4252.
Reputation
How do I find a good house painter?
Here are some tips to consider when hiring a professional house painter:
Call at least three different contractors for a bid: Be home for the initial meeting with them. A house painter should take the time to assess the job properly. Even the most experienced painter will need more than just a quick walk around your home. Be sure to ask each painting contractor about the size of their crew and the members’ experience levels.
State your expectations: The number of coats a painter applies isn’t the only factor in determining the quality and price of the project. Preparation is also key. If you want a surface that’s free of unevenness from past paint jobs, tell the contractors and be prepared to pay extra. If you can live with some imperfections, agree on what level of prep is acceptable.
Get estimates: Seek a written estimate from each contractor. It should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of materials, along with a detailed description of the prep work that will be done.
Check online reviews and references: Get a list of references from each contractor and call them to find out about their experience. A history of positive references is a good sign. Be sure to look at their online reputation as well. Look at current and older reviews. Online reviews can also reveal how the business handles customer complaints. You may see some less-than-favorable reviews; what’s important is how the pro handles any issues. Look for review responses, as they can tell you a lot about how a business values its customers.
Consider credentials: Verify whether the pro has the appropriate license(s). You’ll find the licensing information for your state on the Contractor’s License Reference website. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau or the attorney general’s office in your state to learn whether the contractor has a history of unresolved complaints. Be sure to get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. If they don’t have coverage, as the homeowner, you could be liable for any accidents, such as if the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member falls off a ladder and is injured.
Look for a guarantee/warranty: The painter should promise to correct any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, or excessive fading or chalking that occurs within two years after the job is done at no or little cost. If you are told the paint itself has a warranty, remember that doesn’t include labor.
Hold out: Don’t pay the whole bill upfront and withhold a portion of the payment until you have checked that the job has been completed to your satisfaction. Typically, you can expect to pay 25 to 50 percent of the total job cost upfront.
Should house painters have insurance?
YES! Reputable and professional house painting companies should carry insurance to protect themselves, their workers, and you. Be sure to get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates, usually attached to the estimate. If the company doesn’t have coverage, as the homeowner, you could be liable for any accidents, such as if the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member falls off a ladder and is injured.
Paint Colors
How do I choose paint colors for my house painting project?
There are numerous ways to select the right paint colors for your project. You can DIY it and get ideas online by visiting websites like Houzz or your favorite designer’s blog on sites like HGTV or the DIY Network. Another way is to look at homes in your neighborhood and see if there are any color combinations you like. Consider asking those homeowners what color they have painted their house. If you prefer professional advice, many painting companies offer a color consultation with a professional designer, often at no cost if you sign a contract with them to do the painting. This is a great way to get professional advice and ensure you are choosing the right color combination for one of your most valuable assets.
Which painters offer color consultations?
Choosing paint colors for your home can be a daunting task. Fortunately, many professional painters offer a free color consultation if you have a signed contract with them. At CertaPro Painters® of Chula Vista, we offer color consultation services.
What are the current popular colors for home exterior painting?
Some of the most popular colors currently are blues and grays with white shades as the accent for trim. Other popular colors include cream, beige, and green. Brown is also popular if you are looking for a darker color. It is important to keep a few things in mind when choosing a paint color for the exterior of your home. While it’s good to be creative and have a unique look, you don’t want to clash with the surrounding homes. This can hurt not only the value of your home but also the value of properties in your neighborhood, potentially upsetting neighbors. Light trim is good for reflecting the sun’s heat and lighting effects. Also, if you have a large home on a small lot, light-colored homes can make this size difference even more dramatic. Darker tones can help balance the home and land.
Painting Costs
How much will it cost to paint my home?
Costs vary greatly depending on several factors including your city and state, square footage, number of stories, grade of paint and number of coats, same color or color change, type of siding for exterior painting, trim, and number of windows and doors.
Warranty/Durability
How long will your paint job last?
On average, a paint job lasts 5-10 years. However, several factors influence the durability of an exterior paint job. The prep work done prior to painting will dictate how long the paint will hold up. Climate and surface also play significant roles. For example, large swings in seasonal temperatures and a lot of direct sunlight can cause paint to deteriorate much faster. Since your home is one of your biggest investments, it’s important to hire a professional painting company that uses quality products.
How do you know when it’s time to paint the outside of your home?
There are a few obvious signs to watch out for, like cracking and chipping paint, but there are also some less obvious things that can cause problems too. Exterior painting is a significant job, so it’s always a good idea to hire professional painters if you can.
How often do I need to paint my house?
Every home is different, so there is no simple answer to this question. Most paint manufacturers recommend painting every five to ten years. However, this depends on factors such as the climate where you live and the quality of the previous paint job. The type of surface being painted or stained also matters.
- Wood siding: Every 3-7 years for paint and every 4 years for stain
- Aluminum siding: About 5 years
- Stucco: Typically lasts 5-6 years
- Painted brick: Can last 15-20 years
- New types of materials: Need to be touched up less often; for example, cement fiberboard siding can go 10-15 years before repainting.
Is there a warranty for painting the interior/exterior of a house?
A limited warranty covering workmanship is typically for 2 years from the completion date of the job for both interior and exterior painting. A professional painter should be willing to repair peeling, blistering, or chipping paint resulting from defective workmanship at little or no cost to the homeowner. The paint itself falls under the manufacturer’s warranty, which can range from 15-25 years, with some offering a lifetime warranty. If you are told the paint itself has a warranty, remember that workmanship warranties are separate. Be sure to get it in writing and always read the limitations.
Timing
How long does it take to paint a room?
This depends on several factors: the square footage/size of the room, the height of the walls, the amount of prep work involved, whether you are painting the same color(s) or changing the color(s), and whether you are painting the ceiling and trim or just the walls. Adding in the movement of furniture and it usually takes a few hours for a crew of two painters. The paint then needs time to dry as well.
How long does it take to paint a house?
Painting the exterior of your home can take as little as a 3-5 days of most houses to several weeks for a complete rehab of a large older home depending on many factors: the size of the home, the number of stories, the type of material being painted, whether you are using the same color or changing the color, the amount of prep work needed before painting, whether you use a large professional painting crew or DIY, and even weather conditions. A crew of three professional painters could paint an average-sized home in about a week. To find out exactly how long it will take to paint the exterior of your home sign up for a free in-home estimate online or call us at 619-966-4252 today!
Other Services
Can CertaPro Painters® help with home repairs or prep work before painting?
Yes, CertaPro Painters® of Chula Vista offers a range of prep and repair services to support your painting project. We handle drywall repair, stucco patching, and other light surface restoration to ensure that your walls and exteriors are in top shape before any painting begins. Proper preparation helps ensure a long-lasting finish and better results overall.
Do you offer services like cabinet refinishing or wallpaper removal?
We do. Our team offers cabinet refinishing and repainting, giving kitchens and bathrooms a clean, updated look without a full renovation. We also provide wallpaper removal services, making it easy to refresh your interior walls. These services are designed to simplify your project and deliver a high-quality finish from start to end.
What other services do you offer beyond painting?
CertaPro Painters® of Chula Vista provides a complete lineup of services to help you take on a full home improvement project. Beyond interior and exterior painting, we offer stucco repair and painting, concrete staining, and epoxy floor finishes. Our team can assist with molding and trim painting to add detailed accents around mantels, baseboards, and door casings. We also provide color consultation to help you choose the right look and power washing to clean and prep exterior surfaces. Whether you’re working on a small update or a major transformation, we offer the services to get it done right.
If you’re looking for more than just a fresh coat of paint, call CertaPro Painters® of Chula Vista today to schedule your free estimate.
The Process and Our People
I have just met with the estimator – now what?
The estimator will discuss how the proposal will be delivered to you. If you did not receive copies at the appointment, we can email the proposal as an Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) attachment, mail two copies, fax it, or schedule a meeting to go over it in person.
I have reviewed the proposal and would like to proceed – what do I do next?
Call or email your estimator to discuss the next steps. This usually involves signing the proposal, discussing your color selection, and fitting your project into the production schedule.
What experience and background do the foremen and painters have?
Our foremen have at least 7 years of painting experience. Our painters have between 2 and 10 years of experience, and we also have apprentices learning the trade under the direction of our foremen. Our workers are career painters; we do not use casual labor. We take great care to attract, train, reward, and retain experienced, professional painters, resulting in low turnover.
How do I address any concerns I may have throughout the project?
Most concerns can be addressed by the foreman, who is trained to handle your questions and provide updates on the progress. If needed, the estimator is also available to help with any issues.
How long will the project take?
We stay on your project until it is finished, minimizing disruption to your routine. Weather may affect exterior projects, but your estimator will give you a good idea of the timeline.
I plan on being out of town during part or all of the project – is this okay?
We can work around your schedule. If you plan to be absent, please notify us early. If we need to remove equipment and return later, a small fee will apply for the additional setup.
What about inclement weather?
In light rain or fog, we can perform tasks like power washing and scraping, but we cannot apply sealants, primer, or paint. We wait for the house to dry properly to ensure a quality finish.
How is payment handled?
For most residential projects, no payment is required until completion. The balance is due in full once the project is finished. We prefer cash or check but accept credit cards (MasterCard and VISA) with a 3% service fee.
Does the crew expect a tip at the end of the job?
Our crews are compensated fairly and do not expect tips. However, if you are delighted with their work, you may tip them, but it is not required.
I’m concerned about water leaks into the house. Will painting solve these issues?
Water intrusion can be due to various reasons, such as poor gutter drainage, damaged flashing, or rotted siding. Caulking and sealing during painting often solve leaks, but if the issue is structural (e.g., roof damage), painting alone may not resolve it.
What if dry rot or other carpentry issues are discovered during the painting process?
We perform basic carpentry repairs, such as replacing rotten trim or siding. More complex repairs requiring advanced skills, like those involving roofing or plumbing, are not included. Carpentry repairs are typically not in the initial proposal as their extent is often unclear until prep work begins. We will provide a fixed price and description for any necessary repairs, which must be approved by the client before work is done.
Insurance and Liability
A contractor comes to paint my house and his employee falls off a ladder and gets hurt. Who pays for his injuries?
Contractors such as builders, painters, or other tradespeople are required by law to provide worker’s compensation insurance. Any injury would be covered under that policy. If the contractor does not have coverage or has discontinued their policy to save on premiums, you would be liable for the worker’s injuries or disabilities that occur on your property. Therefore, it is crucial to only hire contractors with active worker’s compensation policies.
I was told by a contractor that he would have to charge a lot more if he purchased worker’s compensation. He assured me that my homeowner’s insurance policy would cover me in the event of an accident. Is this true?
Absolutely not! Your homeowner’s insurance is unlikely to offer any coverage in this event and may specifically exclude it. Contact your insurance agent for more information.
I was told by a contractor that he is not required to carry worker’s compensation insurance because he only has one employee. Is this true?
This may be true in some cases. However, even if not required, you should not allow him to work on your property without it. You could be liable for injuries that happen on your property unless you protect yourself by hiring adequately insured contractors.
How do I know for sure if a contractor carries worker’s compensation insurance?
Ask for a certificate of insurance and check with the carrier before work begins to ensure the policy is still in force.
Does CertaPro Painters carry worker’s compensation and general liability insurance policies?
Yes, and at your request, we can provide insurance certificates that name you as the certificate holder.
Access, Color Selection, and Lead
How is the crew going to reach the difficult areas of my project?
All of our workers are trained in the safe and proper use of extension ladders. If necessary, we also use scaffolding, lifts, and booms.
How is interior access to my home handled?
This depends on your comfort level. Some customers provide a garage door opener or front door key, allowing us to come and go as needed. Others prefer to be present during the work. Let us know your preferences, and we will accommodate them.
Is there lead paint on my house, and if so, how is it handled?
Lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978. If your home was built before then, it might contain lead paint. We assume pre-1978 homes contain lead paint and take necessary precautions, or we can test for lead and proceed accordingly. Testing can be expensive and confirming the presence of lead requires disclosure upon sale of the property, potentially affecting its value. Thus, we typically assume lead is present and follow safety protocols.
I’m not sure what colors I want to use. What help can CertaPro Painters give me?
We offer several options to help with color selection. We provide many three- and four-color palettes designed by paint vendors, offer color matching from another home in your neighborhood, and can recommend a color consultant.
What if I am already working with a color consultant?
CertaPro Painters often works with color consultants and designers hired by our customers. Simply provide us with the color palette and placement information, and we will follow it. If we have questions, we will consult with you first, and then the consultant if necessary.
What if I am not happy with the colors once they are applied to the building?
You must confirm your color selection before we order paint. If you wish to change colors after confirmation, additional charges for paint and labor may apply.
Are there extra charges if I have more colors on my house?
Pricing is based on the amount of detail desired, not necessarily the number of colors. Your estimator will discuss the detail level you want, include it in the proposal, and price the work accordingly.
Will CertaPro Painters leave me with touchup paint?
We will happily leave you with clearly labeled paint for future touchups.
