Painting FAQ's
Answered by CertaPro Painters of Metrowest
General Questions
How much will it cost to paint my house?
Great question. Factors that determine the cost: the amount of prep, color change or same color, the size of the house, carpentry or repair necessary, how much detail work is involved in painting. I would say a house that’s 2000 sq ft – 4000 sq ft would range from $4500-$8500 to paint the exterior. For interior projects painting walls, window frames, doors, and trim normally ranges from $500-$700 and that’s a 12 by 12 foot room. If you want a more specific answer, our estimates are free and can be scheduled online.
Do you have a project minimum?
We actually do have a minimum so the painters get can paid for full day of work. That minimum is roughly $450. If you have multiple small projects and save them all for one visit, that is a big help.
Is there anything that can change the cost of a project after a customer receives a quote?
Different colors for trim, windows, doors, siding means the paint crew has to go around the house multiple times to both paint and cove/mask areas that aren’t getting that color. Quote won’t change if we know the colors beforehand. If a project is deemed a “lead” job, costs increase for materials and prep time. If unnoticed carpentry or repairs are discovered, and that happens quite often on second/third floors that we cannot see from the ground. If a customer chooses a higher quality, more expensive paint.
How much paint do you need to paint a home?
Need more for multiple coats. I would say 10-20 gallons is normal if it’s the entire home.
When is the best time to paint?
Best time to paint in New England is May through September for exteriors. You can paint interiors year round but I would paint December – March because paint companies will give you better deals. If you specifically want your deck stained, you can read more details in our blog here.
How often should people paint their homes?
On average 5-7 years is best for painting. If you’re staining a deck it should be done every 2-3 years because they take more abuse from foot traffic and harsh winters. Homes in the Boston area usually have similar exterior needs due to the harsh weather. You can read more here.
How long does it take to paint a home?
Painting a home takes about 5-6 days and the prep takes up a good chunk of that time.
Are you insured?
We carry general liability and worker’s compensation insurance meeting the guidelines set by CertaPro corporate.
What licenses do you have?
I have Home Improvement Contractors License and a Lead-Safe Renovation Contractors License
How many people do you send out for each job?
Our crew sizes average 2-3 people.
Is your team employees or subcontractors?
My painters are all independent contractors and I have one employee right now that works in the office.
How will my project be managed?
Once we have received a signed proposal, the life of the job begins. We call/send an email out asking you to confirm the scope of the work and have colors picked out 5 days before the job starts. We will email a soft start date that can change depending on the weather. When we get within a week of the soft date, we will confirm a hard date or let you know we need to push the date back. We assign a crew to the job. We will give you the crews name and contact info and coordinate the starting time for the first day. The JSS (head of the paint crew) will show up that morning and do the first ten minutes, which is a walk through confirming all the details of the job. From that point on, the JSS will be the primary point of contact. We want to empower them as supervisors since they are handling any issues for the project. They will give you daily updates with progress and things to be done the next day. When the job is complete, they will do a Pride Walk to make sure the customer is satisfied. Once the customer is happy, they sign a completed proposal and pay us for our services.
Is there a warranty?
We have a 2-year limited warranty for all vertical surfaces (so decks are not included). A copy of that warranty is attached to the proposal.
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business since August of 2019.
Can the painters work alone in my house?
Painters can definitely work alone in your house
How many paint colors are included in your typical proposal?
2-3
Painting and Color Questions
What type of paint do you use?
Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. All quality paints but we try to match the budget of the customer. We wrote up a guide on Box Store Paint vs. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.
Do you have eco-friendly paint options?
We do carry low and no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints. The paint industry standards have been trending towards lower VOC products.
Do you use any materials aside from paint?
We use a fair amount of solid stains on exteriors
What colors do you suggest for the exterior?
We suggest whatever color brings the customer the most joy. The color choices are almost infinite. If unsure, we offer color consultations!
Do you have color consultations?
We offer free 30-minute color consultations for customers that choose us to paint their home.
Are there certain color palettes you suggest for interior?
We’re happy to let our customers know what colors are most popular right now. Again, I’d suggest picking a color that brings the most joy since the customer will be looking at it on a daily basis.
Our Company, Services, and Community
Are you a local company?
We are proud to say we are a locally owned and operated company working here in Stow. Check out our Team Page to see the friendly faces behind our operations.
Is there anything the homeowner should do to prep for your crew to arrive?
If it’s an interior project, remove anything from the walls including electronics. Try and move as much as possible to the center of the room or out of the way. For exteriors, make sure landscaping is trimmed back so the painters have easy access to the siding, windows, ect. Be sure to tell us anything that should not happen so we can make the experience go as smoothly as possible.
What is your clean up process?
We lay down drop cloths for both interiors and exteriors. We will cover shrubs and landscaping. Scraping, sanding, and prep is a messy job so it helps if customers know things will get a bit dirty but we will clean it up. Crews have portable vacuums to clean up paint chips that do not land on the drop cloths.
Do you work on commercial properties?
Yes! We can do work on commercial properties ranging from doctors offices, schools, and multi-family properties, to warehouses, and retail locations. Call us to see how we can help with your property.
Is weather a factor in the Boston area when it comes to wear and tear on exterior painting or the painting process in general?
Weather is a huge factor. Plenty of snow and rain. We see a lot of rotten wood. We recommend replacing fascia, window frames, door frames, eaves with Azek or composite material. Read more details here.
Do you offer any specials or discounts?
We offer discounts of all varieties. We offer discounts to people in the military and seniors. Check out our promotions page to find out our current running discounts.
Do you sponsor any local businesses/teams/events in the area?
If you’re a local team or business, please call us for sponsorship opportunities. We’d love to support the community!
Have you won any local awards?
My two daughters voted me “Dad of the Year”
Our Services
Have questions about our specific services? Explore below and see how we can help you with your home projects:
Brick Painting Services
Bricks are commonly used in our area as a reliable and strong housing substrate. Over time, the bricks can loose their color and vibrance, especially under the summer sun. UV rays and heat leace the color from the stone if you don't step in to help. This is where our painters come in with brick painting services.
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Cabinet Painting
Your cabinets are perhaps one of the most touched surfaces in your home, so it’s no surprise that they wind up with a little wear and tear. At CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MA we’ll work with you to find a finish or paint that meets the needs of your home and daily routine.
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Color Consultation
Not sure which shade to choose? Struggling to differentiate matte, satin and gloss? We’ll help you navigate the sea of options to find a color that matches your home’s interior aesthetic and stands up to your family’s daily routine.
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Drywall Repair
Whether your home has water damage that requires drywall repair or your walls have medium-to-large holes that need patching, the CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MA crew will patch, sand and prime, to create a flawless surface to paint on.
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Hardie Siding Painting
Hardie siding can begin to fade and that can make your house look less than attractive. Our professional painters at CertaPro Painters of MetroWest know how to paint Hardie Siding the right way.
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Painting and Staining
At CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MA we offer a variety of interior and exterior home painting and staining services, including your home’s deck and fencing. Regardless of the room inside your home that needs an update or the area of your home’s exterior that needs protection from Mother Nature, our team works with you to determine the best plan of action for your home.
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Power Washing
Power washing is a vital step in painting the exterior of your home. CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MA uses the process to remove mold, oil and old paint so new paint absorbs into your surface better.
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Textured Ceiling Removal
While popcorn ceilings had their time on top trends lists, they are rarely seen in modern homes. Removing a textured ceiling yourself can be extremely difficult. The crew at CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MAis trained to remove these ceilings in an effective way that will leave them feeling fresh.
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Vinyl and Aluminum Siding Painting
Whether you have high-tech vinyl siding or a more traditional siding, CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MA knows how to restore them. Our team has the right approach to add new life to your exteriors.
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Wallpaper Removal
Removing wallpaper can be a tricky task. The crew at CertaPro Painters® of MetroWest, MA is skilled in removing wallpaper and will make this time-consuming task, hassle-free for you. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the final look.
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