Paint Job Walk Through Tips

You’ve been waiting for this moment, your painting project is complete. But before you swiftly usher the painters out and put your house back together, make sure you do a final walk through of the project with the lead painter. You’ll want to make sure you’re satisfied with the job before you call a wrap. Our pros have given us a list of items to look at before you send the painters packing. Here’s the final paint job walk through tips to follow.

Inspect

The last step of any project at your house should be a final inspection. Do not wait until the crew is gone to look at the work they have done. There might be small repairs or missed tasks you want corrected before they move to the next customer. If they are already gone, some companies hesitate to make a new appointment for small corrections.

All sides

A quick glance around the room in dim lighting is not a good way to gauge your work. Walk around and view the project from up close and far away. Look from different angles to make sure you don’t see any holidays that need repaired.

Foundations

When dealing with an exterior painting, foundations are key to a good project. A messy foundation causes the whole to look rushed and haphazard. Pay attention to the ground line and make sure the paint goes below it. Reputable companies take extra time to shovel dirt away before they start painting, and they replace them when they are done. This creates a seamless look from home to ground. Check your plants and grass for over spray while also making sure there are no missing patches of foundation showing through that should be painted.

Peeling

At your estimate appointment, the representative should have discussed any areas of peeling or other imperfections that needed repaired before the painting started. Use your estimate, if it itemizes these areas, or remember the spots you talked about. Once the painting is done, these areas should be seamless with the rest of the project. Less scrupulous companies may just paint over the repair, hoping you’ve missed it. This is shoddy craftsmanship and the issue will crop up again in no time.

Stucco Cracks

Stucco cracks. It’s bound to happen. Make note in your estimate if there are cracks to be repaired, and check for them when the work is complete. Larger cracks should be repaired with a full masonry patch. If the crack is just painted over, it will return once the paint dries, no matter how much is pushed into it.

Trim

Wood trim is especially finicky when it’s painted. Crews will take the time to seal cracks and address other wood issues before the paint is applied. Sometime pros will even cut and place a new piece of wood if the old one is just too far gone to look nice when the job is complete.

Baseboards

Baseboards mean painting very sharp lines between the trim and the wall. Check for straight lines without jagged edges. If the painters taped off the area, make sure the tape didn’t pick up any paint when they pulled it off.

Window Sills

Coverage and coatings are often forgotten when dealing in window sills. Make sure you give it a good look and are happy with the color and coats before the crew leaves. Check to make sure the edges are sharp and the color vibrant.

Gates and Fences

Gates and fences take a beating and cause specialized repairs to be necessary when painting. Whether you are working with metal or wood, you will need repairs. Caulking or replacing wood, removing rust, and many other tasks have to happen to make sure the paint adheres well to the fence. When the work is done, check hinges, handles and grass lines to make sure you are happy with the coverage.

Clean up

Messes from the paint job should leave with the crew. There shouldn’t be random tools, splatters or any sign that the crew was there when they leave. All garbage and supplies should be removed to leave the area in the same condition they started working in.

Ready to paint? Call us! Schedule a free in-home estimate today.