Frequently Asked Questions

CertaPro Painters® of North San Diego

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FAQ

Residential Painting Services Questions & Answers


At CertaPro Painters® of North San Diego, we receive many questions from people who are looking to hire professional painters. We wanted to put those questions and their answers here to help you.

If you have questions not addressed below, we invite you to please contact us by calling 210-490-0460 or click here to email us.

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How much will it cost to paint my house?

Contact us today for a free estimate.  We do not give square foot prices or “guestimations.”  We will evaluate each job and determine what the labor and material costs will be to estimate the price.

 

Can you get ANY paint color I want or do I have to choose what you have available?

While we prefer Sherwin & Williams paints, we can get any paint color you would like for your home. It’s about making you happy with the results, and we know that it means getting the color you truly want.

 

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 will be used? Does the painter carry worker’s compensation and general liability insurance? Does the painter provide references?  What about a written warranty?  What constitutes a change order or an additional charge? 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.

 

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

We take a 10% deposit (maximum of $1000) to schedule the project. Balance is due in full upon completion. On large jobs, progress payments may be required.

 

Which paint is better – 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.

 

Is there a difference between hand-brushed and sprayed paint?

Basically, both spraying and brushing are fine, as long as the paint is put on at the proper spread rate (sq. ft./gallon). In general, spraying will provide a smoother appearance.  As long as the surface has been properly prepared, sprayed paint will adhere as well as if brushed.

 

Is it true that I won’t be able to buy oil-based paints in the future?

A lot depends on the VOC limits the federal government sets when it implements a national VOC regulation. Based on the latest information you should be able to use oil-based paints for some time. The oil-based products you’ll use in years to come will be different than the ones you use now. They’ll contain more solids and less solvent, and may apply and dry differently than current products.  You might be surprised just how different oil-based product are from the ones being sold 10 years ago.  Waterborne products that are being developed dry to a hard film like an alkyd; but they’re non-yellowing, clean up with soap and water, and cause less odor.

 

What does VOC mean?

VOC refers to “volatile organic compound”; some examples are paint thinner, mineral spirits, alcohol, gasoline, ethylene glycol, acetone, and xylol. VOCs are harmful to both people and the environment.  Most architectural paints contain some VOCs.  The EPA is limiting the level of VOCs in paints because when they evaporate into the air when the paint dries, they can contribute to low-level smog generation.

 

Are more expensive paints better?

Yes. More expensive paints 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 quality. Better pigments mean less coats of paint. If you really want to save money, spend a little more on quality materials.

 

How many coats of paint is your proposal for?

All of our projects are set to Guaranteed Coverage. Our team will apply the paint in sufficient amounts to meet the correct thickness recommended by the paint manufacturer and ensure there is zero bleed-through of the previous color.

 

How many people are on your crew and how long will it take?

It all depends on the specific project, but most of our crews range from 2-4 people. Once your proposal is created, we can give you a very good idea of how many days your project will take.

 

What if I don’t like the color selected, can I change it? Would there be an additional cost?

Yes, it is ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility for any color choices, and there is an additional cost for a color change. The additional cost is determined by how much of the job is completed, along with the cost of the additional paint.

 

I have a few rotten boards, can you replace them or do I need someone else for that?

Great question! We can do minor carpentry work such as replacing a fascia board or trim board (window trim, door trim, vertical accent trim, post bottoms, etc.). However, we do not replace large sections of siding or structural support posts.

 

Do I need to be home during the painting?

We do ask that someone is there for the start of the project to meet the crew and go over the project details, and at the end of the project for the final walk-through and to collect payment. During the project for interior painting, we would just need access to the home to work. This can be done through a spare key, garage door code, leaving a door unlocked, etc. For exterior projects, we would need someone there when we paint doors so they can be slightly cracked to allow the doors to dry.

 

How do I prepare for my interior project?

For an interior project, we ask that you remove all small and fragile items from the room and also any pictures/wall hangings on the walls. If you plan to hang something back up in the same spot, leave the nail or bracket. If you remove it, and we see a hole, we will fill it. Our crews will take care of moving furniture and covering and protecting furniture and floors as needed.

 

How do I prepare for my exterior project?

For an exterior project, we ask that vegetation is trimmed back from the house 12-18 inches to allow the crew access, as well as to allow the paint to dry without anything brushing up against it. Please remove decorative items from any porches. If you have heavy porch furniture, our crews will assist.

Our Residential Painting Services

We offer interior painting and exterior painting, but also many other services that can improve the look of your home. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you make your home look more beautiful and brand new.

Check out our Painting and Staining

Painting and Staining

At CertaPro Painters® 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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Check out our Stucco Repairs and Painting

Stucco Repairs and Painting

As with any other home exterior, it’s important to maintain the stucco or EIFS (also known as synthetic stucco) covering your home. The CertaPro Painters® team is very knowledgeable in both repairs and painting related to these two materials and will work alongside you to determine what services your home needs.

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Check out our Cabinet Painting

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® 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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Check out our Crown Molding Painting

Crown Molding Painting

Crown molding is a great way to add elegance in a home. It is timeless, ornate and exquisite looking. The CertaPro Painters® team can paint the decorative borders around your home including fireplace mantels, baseboards, door casings, and wainscoting.

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Check out our Drywall Repair

Drywall Repair

Whether your home has water damage that requires drywall repair or your walls have small-to-medium holes that need patching, the CertaPro Painters® crew will patch, sand and prime, to create a flawless surface to paint on.

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Check out our Power Washing

Power Washing

Power washing is a vital step in painting the exterior of your home. CertaPro Painters® uses the process to remove mold, oil and old paint so new paint absorbs into your surface better.

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Check out our EPA Lead Certified

EPA Lead Certified

At CertaPro Painters® we are EPA Lead Certified. This means that if we are performing a renovation, repair or painting project that disturbs lead-based paint in your home, we use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.

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Check out our Wallpaper Removal

Wallpaper Removal

Removing wallpaper can be a tricky task. The crew at CertaPro Painters® is skilled in removing wallpaper and will make this time-consuming task, hassle-free for you. We will work to prep the underlying walls so they are ready for priming and finish paint with the color of your choice. All you’ll have to do is enjoy the final look.

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