Questions About the Process and Our People

Frequently Asked Questions > The Process and Our People

Questions About the Process and Our People

I’ve met with the estimator, reviewed the proposal, and would like to proceed. What do I do next?

The best thing to do is to call or email your estimator to let him/her know you would like to proceed with the project. Once your estimator receives your confirmation to proceed, our operations team will be notified. You will then be contacted by our operations team to schedule your project and will receive a Next Step Letter with information and instructions to help prepare for the start of your project.

What experience and background do the foremen and painters have?

It is important to know that our painters are career painters. We take great pride in attracting, training, rewarding, and retaining experienced professional painters. Most have been with us for many seasons. This culture of development and growth has allowed us to have very low turnover in a trade that is notorious for transient labor.

How do I address any concerns I may have throughout the project?

It is important to discuss with your estimator any specific concerns you have before your project starts.

If you have a question during your project, each crew has a dedicated Job Site Supervisor to help guide you through the process. Additionally, each project has an assigned project manager to ensure your project goes according to plan.

How long will my project take?

When we start a project, we stay until it is finished – meaning that our goal is to minimize the disruption painting causes to your normal routine. However, weather may play a role on when your project is able to start and, if it’s an exterior project, how long it takes to be completed. Your estimator will be able to give you a pretty good idea of how long your specific project will take.

I plan on being out of town during part or all the project. Is this okay?

We will work around your schedule as best as possible. Some customers allow us to work on the project while they are away. Others do not. We will make any necessary accommodations but request that you notify us as early as possible if you plan to be absent once the work begins.

If we are requested to pull out of the project entirely (i.e., remove all equipment, paint, materials, tools, drop cloths, masking, etc.) and are required to return at a later date to finish, we charge a small fee to cover the cost of this additional tear-down and setup.

What about inclement weather?

On exterior projects, there are several tasks that can be performed in light rain or fog, such as power washing and scraping. However, we cannot apply sealants, primer or paint in wet weather. In these instances, we must wait for the home to dry out.

Rest assured that we will wait the proper amount of time to ensure the coatings we apply leave you with a quality, dependable finish.

How is payment handled?

We do not require any payment until the project is completed on most residential projects. Once completed, the balance is due in full.

We prefer payment by cash or check. However, we accept major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover) with a 3% service fee.

Does the crew expect a tip at the end of the job?

Our crews are professional painters and are compensated accordingly. They do not expect a tip and will not solicit one. Occasionally clients want to thank the Job Site Supervisor or the entire crew for going ‘above and beyond.’ Feel free to tip if you are delighted with the quality of the work and the customer service you received. However, do not feel obligated or that it is expected.

Will my windows be clean when the house is pressure washed?

No, we do not pressure wash window and door areas, those painted surfaces will be hand cleaned to avoid water damage. We suggest having your windows cleaned after your home is painted. Pressure washing of your home can cause water spots on your windows.

Why did my gutters not come clean?
Depending on age of gutters dirt and mildew can stain the finish of your guttering system. Well aged gutters can be mildew treated and painted.

Why do I still see cob webs if my house has been pressure washed?
Webs are not normally removed with water pressure, but we will remove them with a dusting brush before painting.

Should I choose to have 2 coats of paint?
A 2nd coat is necessary when you are changing colors, changing sheen, have new or raw wood, or if you have badly worn paint.

Is it too cold to paint?
All of the paint that we use is low temperature paint and can be applied at temperatures as low as 38 degrees.

What is sheen?
The level of “shine” that the paint will have when dried. The more sheen you have the more washable the paint is. Eggshell and Satin are our most used sheens.

What is the difference between white caulk and silicone?
White caulk is for previously caulked areas that are painted. Silicone is to be used when caulking un-paintable surfaces.

How and when do I pay for the project?
We accept Master Card, Visa and Discover, and checks. We ask for payment in full when the job is complete.