Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What residential services do you offer?
We offer many services besides standard painting, including but not limited to cabinet painting and refinishing, color consultation, concrete staining, light carpentry services, drywall repair, power washing (as prep for painting), painting and staining, garage door refinishing, and crown molding and shadow box installation.

Do you have a project minimum?
Our project minimum for residential projects is $1,000 for first-time customers. There is no minimum for previous customers.

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house in Southern Maryland?
The cost of an exterior paint job varies with the size of your home, the number of colors, the condition of the surfaces being painted, the prep work required, and the quality of paint you choose.

For homeowners in our Southern Maryland service area, whole-home exterior projects typically range from $4,000 to $9,000, with the average job coming in around $6,300. We use only premium primers and paints from Sherwin-Williams so your finish looks great and lasts.

We provide free, no-obligation estimates and would be glad to visit your home to talk through a project you’re planning now or down the road.

How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house in Southern Maryland?
Much like exterior painting, interior pricing depends on several factors, including room size, the colors you choose, and the current condition of your walls. For our Southern Maryland customers, the average interior painting project costs around $4,300. We provide free, no-obligation estimates and would be glad to visit your home to talk through a project you have now or a future project.

Can the cost of my project change after the initial estimate?
In rare cases, yes. If anything changes, we’ll talk it through with you and get your approval before moving forward.

Here are a few things that could result in a price change:

• Final color selection. Some colors need more than two coats to cover your current surface, and others require a primer coat to achieve the right final color.
• Wallpaper removal, if it isn’t included in your proposal.
• Additional drywall repairs or water damage that weren’t visible at the time of the initial estimate.
• Accent walls or multiple colors that weren’t discussed at the estimate.
• Carpentry services. Some exterior carpentry repairs can’t be identified until work begins and may require additional cost.
• Popcorn ceiling removal.

Your project specialist will walk you through all of this at the time of your estimate.

Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
Yes, we offer multiple options; please ask us to learn more about financing options.

What paint brands do you use?
We proudly use premium products from Sherwin-Williams, a trusted name known for its wide range of colors, lasting durability, and long-term protection for your home.

Do you offer eco-friendly paint options?
Yes, we offer low-VOC and zero-VOC paints to help create a healthier indoor environment. We’d be happy to talk through which options best fit your needs when we meet for your estimate!

Can you help me choose colors?
Absolutely! Our professional color consultants can help you find the right colors for your home, inside and out. We can also:

• Visit your home with a full paint deck so you can see all of your options, and leave you with 4×4 sample cards of your top choices to consider.
• Can create color mock-ups and job renderings to help you visualize your color selection! Just ask your project consultant at the time of your estimate for more details!
• Offer tips on color flow, trim, and room mood so your colors work together from room to room.

How should I prepare my home for interior painting?
Before we arrive, please clear small breakables, wall hangings, and small pieces of furniture out of the rooms being painted. If we’ll be painting inside any cabinets, bookshelves that need to be moved, closets, or pantries, please empty those as well.

How should I prepare my home for exterior painting?

• Cut back any bushes, trees, or other landscaping that touch the areas we’ll be painting.
• Take down any décor from the surfaces being painted.
• Make sure all windows and doors are closed and secured while power washing is taking place, if it’s part of your project.

What kind of standard prep work do you do?
Preparation is the most important part of any paint job. The methods we use depend on the area of your home we’re working in, but our standard prep includes cleaning the surfaces being painted, scraping away any peeling paint, and lightly sanding where needed. We also caulk and prime as needed so the new paint goes on smoothly and lasts.

How long does a typical paint project take?
The timeline depends on the size and scope of the project. Your project consultant can give you a more accurate estimate at the time of your estimate. Smaller projects can sometimes be finished in as little as one day, and most standard residential projects take about 3 to 6 working days.

What is your cleanup process?
We cover and protect every area that won’t be painted. Some projects create dust and need extra cleanup afterward. We tidy up at the end of each day and finish with a full cleanup once your project is complete, so your home is clean and ready to enjoy.

How many painters will be on my project?
Crew size depends on the scope of your project. We adjust our team size to fit your timeline without compromising quality.

Who manages my project?
You’ll start by meeting with our Residential Sales Associate. While the work is underway, a dedicated, trained Job Site Supervisor oversees each stage of the project and keeps you updated daily. When we finish, your Job Site Supervisor will walk through the completed project with you to make sure you’re completely satisfied.

Can painters work while I am not home?
Yes. All of our painters are fully trained, insured professionals, and many homeowners are comfortable letting us work on our own so they don’t have to miss work. We treat your home with respect and care at all times.

Are you insured?
Yes.

Do you have a warranty?
Yes, all projects include a 2-year written warranty that is included at the bottom of every one of our proposals.

How often should I paint my home?
Many factors go into this, such as weather and sun exposure for exteriors. We suggest establishing an exterior maintenance cycle for your home of painting every 5-7 years for your exterior siding and trim of your home.

For interiors, high-traffic areas may need to be painted more often. We suggest painting every 3-5 years for walls, trim, and doors. Ceilings are generally not as often due to not getting contacted much.

What are the signs that it’s time to repaint?

• Paint that looks faded or leaves a chalky residue when touched.
• Paint that is peeling, cracking, or bubbling.
• Bare wood showing through in spots.
• Discoloration or water stains on interior walls and ceilings.

Why should I choose CertaPro Painters® of Southern Maryland?

We proudly serve in and around Waldorf and Upper Marlboro