Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions and Our Answers

Costs/looking for a quote

How do I get an estimate for painting my home?

Professional painting companies will offer you a free in-home estimate. One large distinction you will see with a professional painting company is the details included in your estimate to not only include the brand of paint, but the specific system chosen, as well as how many coats will be applied. You can sign up for a free in-home estimate here or call us at: 610-222-4161.

How much does it cost to paint a house?

To paint the exterior of a 2,500-square-foot, two-story home, professional painters charge anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 for labor and materials. We see it fluctuate anywhere from roughly $4,500 to $12,000. There are over 25 different factors that can drive the price up or down and we can walk you through these so you get the proposal that is right for you.

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?

The quoted price will vary from state-to-state. Initial estimates from painting contractors are sometimes based on the square footage of your home. We see some contractors use your floor square footage and use a range of $3-$7 a sqft as a general cost. At CertaPro Painters® King of Prussia we count and measure every surface to give a very accurate proposal. Additional factors contributing to price variations are the cost of materials and labor in your area, along with the number of stories and ease of access to the home. We have seen many cases where the same model home on the same street had two very different prices. Things like fading, additional prep, and paint color can contribute to the price differences. We’ve compared our prices to our top competitors, and we’re confident our accurate estimating process puts us on the mid to lower end of pricing models. We will gladly walk you through all of the factors that impact a paint proposal.

Reputation

How do I find a good house painter?

Here is a list of things to consider when hiring a professional house painter:
1. 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.
2. Get an estimate. Seek a written estimate from the contractor. It should be detailed to include the brand and model of paint systems and materials along with a detailed description of the prep work that will be done. You want to be sure all of your needs and concerns are addressed in your written proposal.
3. Check online reviews and references. Get a list of references or look at their online reputation. Look at current and older reviews. Online reviews are also a good place to find how the business handles customer complaints! You will likely see a small number of less than favorable reviews. You can’t please all the people all the time so it is all about how the pro handles any issues. Look for review responses that can tell you a lot about how a business values their customers!
4. 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, for example, the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member falls off a ladder and is injured.
5. 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.

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, copies are attached to the estimate. If the company doesn’t have coverage, as the homeowner, you would be liable for any accidents, for example, the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member falls off a ladder and is injured.

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 and get ideas online by visiting websites like Houzz or visiting your favorite designer’s blog on sites like HGTV or the DIY network. Another way is to look at homes in your neighborhood. Are there any color combinations that you like? Consider knocking on that door and asking them what color they have painted their house. If you would rather seek a professional opinion, many professional painting companies will offer a color consultation with a professional designer, often for no cost if you sign a contract with them to do the painting. This is a great way to get professional advice and be sure you are choosing the right color combination for one of your most valuable assets.

What are the current popular colors for home exterior painting?

While it’s good to be creative and have a look of your own, you don’t want to clash with the surrounding homes. This will hurt not only the value of your home but also the value of properties in your neighborhood, and that could result in upset 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 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.
Are there any special offers for house painting? You can check our exclusive, seasonal offers here!

Warranty / Durability

1. How long will your paint job last?
On average 5-10 years; however, keep in mind there are a number of factors that go into the durability of an exterior paint job on a home. The prep work done prior to painting will dictate how long the paint will hold up. Climate and surface also play a significant role in how long the paint can last. For example, large swings in seasonal temperatures, a lot of direct sunlight, paint can deteriorate much faster. Your home is one of your biggest investments so when you’re ready to paint the exterior of your home, you should hire a professional painting company that uses quality products.
2. 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 pretty big job, so it’s always a good idea to hire professional painters if you can.
3. How often do I need to paint my house?
Every home is different so there is not a simple answer to this question. Most paint manufacturers say that a good rule is to paint every seven to ten years. However, this depends on factors such as the climate where you live and the quality of the previous paint job. Another factor is the type of surface being painted or stained.

For example:
Wood siding – every 3-7 years painted and every 4 years for stain
Aluminum siding – about 5 years
Stucco – typically lasts 6-8 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.

4. Is there a warranty for painting on the interior/exterior of a house?
A limited warranty covering workmanship is 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, between 15-25 years and some even offer a lifetime warranty. If you are told the paint itself has a warranty, always remember that workmanship warranties are separate. Be sure to ask for it in writing and always read the limitations.

I have three estimates from three different painters. The prices are so different I have no idea what to think of them. How do I determine the difference?

It was a great decision to get more than one bid, but now you need to ask the right questions. Does the estimate include materials? What kind of paint/stain will be used? Does the painter carry worker’s compensation and general liability insurance? Does the painter provide references? Does the painter provide examples of prior jobs? What about a written warranty? What constitutes a change order or an additional charge? How long have then been in this local area? What is their reputation? All of these factors can add considerably to the cost of the job. Make sure you are getting what you pay for.

Will I save money if I buy the materials?

Not likely. In fact, we get better discounts than the employees of most of the major paint manufacturers. If you want the best materials for the lowest price, then let us get them for you. If you have a specific budget in mind, we are happy to discuss what your options are in terms of paint/stain options to best fit your specific scenario. We don’t try to push every customer into using the same paint because each project is unique and may require different products.

How much money do we need to put down for a paint job?

For residential projects, we don’t collect a deposit or down payment for projects under $4,000. There is a 25% deposit for projects greater than $4,000. For commercial projects, it will depend on the contract stipulations from all parties involved.

Oil or Latex?

Every job, no matter the age or condition deserves special consideration when choosing which products to use and how to apply them. We are very knowledgeable and experienced and understand each step of the painting process. We will choose the products and the application methods that give the best results. Additionally, in Spring 2020 new VOC regulations were implemented that eliminated certain products and enforced VOC-compliant versions. We will help navigate the waters!

Are more expensive paints better?

In general, yes. It is important to evaluate the condition, needs, and budget for each project though. More expensive paints typically contain more durable pigments and resins. The resins along with the binders give you the quality of finish. The way the product is produced can also impact the quality. Better pigments mean less coats of paint.
Sometimes more expensive paint isn’t necessarily recommended. Working with CertaPro means you will get the right paint specified and expertly applied by our experienced crews.
If you really want to save money, spend a little more on the right quality materials after getting the expert opinion of a qualified, experienced professional. Pricing across paint brands varies, so the “most expensive” at one brand does not necessarily equate to the “most expensive” at another brand.

A contractor comes to paint my house and his employee falls off a ladder and gets hurt. Who pays for his injuries?

Contractors who work on, or around your home are required by law to provide worker’s compensation insurance. Any injury would be covered under their policy. If the contractor does not have coverage or has discontinued his policy to save on premiums, you would be next in line to pay for a worker’s injuries and/or disabilities that occurred on your property.

 I was told by a contractor that he would have to charge a lot more if he purchased worker’s compensation. He has assured me that my homeowner’s insurance policy would cover me in the event of an accident. It this true?

Absolutely not! Your homeowner’s insurance is not likely to offer ANY coverage in this event. It is more likely that your policy specifically excludes it. Alternatively, if your homeowner’s policy does cover it, your premiums are likely to be impacted by the claim. Contact your insurance agent for more information.

How do I know for sure if a contractor carries worker’s compensation insurance?

Ask for a certificate of insurance and check the date issued as well as the policy expiration dates. You can also check with the carrier before work begins to ensure that 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.

Does all of the existing old paint on my house need to be removed before it can be repainted?

No, not all of the old paint needs to be removed. It is important to have any loose, peeling, or flaking paint removed prior to painting. Areas that are bare after this preparation process will be primed before being repainted.

Does my whole house need to be primed before being painted?

It is very rare. After power washing and hand scraping, any bare areas do need to be primed. Sometimes this can amount to a large portion of a home needing primer if the existing paint was in poor condition. Most often, spot priming is needed only in those specific areas where the existing paint warrants.

What is elastomeric paint?

Elastomeric paint is a special coating designed for stucco and masonry surfaces experiencing certain issues. The primary issues where an elastomeric coating should be a consideration are where water intrusion has been an ongoing problem and when there are multiple hairline cracks. Depending on the specific elastomeric coating, it can require a special primer and two complete finish coats to create a very thick film between the structure and the environment. As the name implies, this coating has a very elastic nature which helps it bridge underlying hairline cracks in stucco and masonry surfaces. The costs for a repaint with an elastomeric coating are higher than with latex paint due to a much lower spread rate and the difficulty of working with this product.

How long does it take the new paint to dry?

Most latex paints set up in 60-240 minutes, but can take as long as 30 days to fully cure. For this reason, we recommend opening and closing newly painted windows and doors regularly during this period so that they do not stick. CertaPro also recommends not hanging items on walls for 72 hours.