Frequently Asked Questions

How long has CertaPro been in the painting business?
CertaPro, as a company, has been in business for over 25 years. There are over 400 franchises nationwide. CertaPro Painters of Plymouth has been servicing Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Livonia, and the surrounding area for 7 years. Jim and Matt Zandee live in Canton and Plymouth and own and operate the local franchise.

Are you licensed and Insured?
Yes! This is important for any professional working on your property. We carry full general inability and workers’ compensation insurance. Our painters are also fully covered.

Do you offer a warranty?
We offer a two-year warranty on new work. However, this does not include decks as the exposed, horizontal surface is susceptible to standing moisture, snow, and sun that requires more maintenance. We also can not warranty pre-existing damage that we are seeking to remedy.

How come the estimates I received varied so much from one another?
Many customers choose to get several quotes to compare costs for their project. It is important to compare the details of the quotes: what exactly does the quote include, how many coats applied, which products used, reputation and quality of the company, the liability insurance offered, the repairs and preparation included, etc. All these factors are important to evaluate before choosing your painter.

Will I save money if I purchase the paint?
Usually not. We work closely with companies like Sherwin Williams to use high grade paints and stains. Being a preferred contractor, we do get access to high-end materials for discounted rates and these savings get passed on to our customers. Most of our quotes include labor and all paint and materials. Be sure to ask the estimator about this if you would prefer to provide the paint for the project.

Is there a difference between spraying, and brush and rolling?
The two different application types each serve a particular purpose and our crews employ both techniques. We often spray large areas of siding and mask off other areas appropriately to avoid over-spray. Brushing and rolling is an efficient and controlled way to cut around tricky areas, like windows. A spray-finish can be desirable for things like cabinets or brand new doors. There are often cost-differences associated for each technique. Both methods result in proper application and coverage.

**Myth: Spraying is a quick-and-dirty way to paint. This is actually not the case. Spraying requires detailed prep and results in a fine finish when used properly.

How many coats do you apply?
Each project and contract has different needs. For example, many customers want the same color they already have as they look to freshen things up and protect the substrate. In this case, one coat of a quality paint in the same color and sheen is often sufficient. In other cases, 2, 3 or even 4 coats have been necessary to cover tricky colors or for dramatic color changes. Each quotation will specify the number of coatings required. We often charge hourly for labor and cost of materials if any coating beyond what was included are requested.

Do you repair drywall before painting?
Yes, this is a crucial aspect of professional painting. This includes techniques like taping, mudding (or skim coating), sanding, caulking, and sometimes plastering before painting. An owner of a new construction home may have different expectations than someone in a 1920’s bungalow when it comes to the repairs necessary before painting. Some damage requires wet plaster repairs that you may need to seek out with a specialist. Discuss with the estimator the level of finish you are looking for in your painting project.