Frequently Asked Questions

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 will give progress invoices periodically on big jobs and on smaller jobs we will ask for payment upon completion.  Our invoices are due upon receipt and the we ask that you have the total estimated amount available before we begin the job.

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 the 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 on 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.

How do I submit payment?

We take zero money up front. There is no down payment/deposit on our projects. The crew will complete a final walk through with you once the project is complete and at that time you can either write a check (preferable form of payment) or pay with a credit card.