Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by CertaPro Painters® of Sonoma County, CA
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here you will find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about –
Cost/Looking for a Quote
Reputation/Finding A Great Painter
Warranty/Durability
Choosing Paint
Choosing Color
Cost/Looking for a quote
How much will it cost to paint my house? There are many variables that can influence the cost to paint a house. That is why you should have an onsite estimate done by a licensed painting contractor, but generally speaking, to paint the exterior of a 2,000-square-foot, single-story home in Sonoma County, professional painters charge anywhere from $5,500 to $9,500 for labor and materials, or $7,000 – $12,000 for a 2,000 square-foot two-story home. The cost to paint the interior of a 2,000-square-foot, two-story home can range greatly depending on many factors. We see it fluctuate anywhere from roughly $7,000 to $14,000. There are over 25 different factors that can drive the price up or down and we can walk you through these so you get the proposal that is right for you and fits within your budget.
How do I get an estimate for painting my home? Professional painting companies will offer you a free in-home estimate. One large distinction you will see with a professional painting company is the details included in your estimate not only include the brand of paint but the specifically chosen system, as well as how many coats will be applied. You can sign up for a free in-home estimate HERE or call us at 707-596-5064.
Are you insured? CertaPro Painters® of Sonoma County is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. You will receive a copy of our insurance certificates when the estimate is performed.
How many people do you send out for each job? The size of the crew depends on the scope of the project. Typically, we would have a crew of 2-4 experienced painters to complete a project in a timely fashion.
How will my project be managed? Each crew has a Job Site Supervisor that will be your primary point of contact throughout the project. This will ensure there is no confusion and will provide you with peace of mind.
Reputation
How do I find a good house painter? Here is a list of things to consider when hiring a licensed painting contractor:
Call at least three different licensed contractors for a bid – and be home for the initial meeting with them. A house painter should take the time to assess the job. Beware of the 10-minute estimate. Even the most experienced painter will need more than just a quick walk around your home. A good contractor should ask you plenty of questions to make sure they are meeting your needs and budget. Be sure to ask each painting contractor if they are licensed and about the process they will use to paint your home, and the brand and specific paint system they plan to use. There are dramatic differences in the quality of paint within each brand. We want you to know the differences in the quality of paint so you can make a good decision based on your needs and wants. This will also help you in comparing estimates from one professional company to another so that you are confident you are comparing apples to apples.
State your expectations. The number of coats a painter applies isn’t the only factor in determining the quality and price of the project. Preparation is also key. If you want a surface that’s free of unevenness from past paint jobs, tell the contractors and be prepared to pay extra. If you can live with some imperfections, agree on what level of prep is acceptable.
Get estimates. Seek a written estimate from each contractor. It should include the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of paint systems and materials along with a detailed description of the prep work that will be done. You want to be sure all of your needs and concerns are addressed in your written proposal.
Check references and online reviews. Online reviews are a good place to find out how the business has performed on previous painting projects, but just as importantly, how it has handled customer complaints! For instance, if you see a small number of less than favorable reviews, look at how the pro handled the issue. Look for review responses that can tell you a lot about how a business values its customers!
Consider credentials. Verify whether the pro has the appropriate license(s). You’ll find the licensing information for painting contractors on California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. You can check the attorney general’s office in California to learn whether the contractor has a history of unresolved complaints. Be sure to get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. If they don’t have coverage, as the homeowner, you could be liable for any accidents such as the crew dropping a ladder on your neighbor’s car or a crew member falling off a ladder and being injured.
Look for a guarantee/warranty. The painter should promise to correct any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, or excessive fading or chalking that occurs within two years after the job is done at no or little cost. If you are told the paint itself has a warranty, remember that doesn’t include labor. Insist on a written warranty.
Should house painters have insurance? YES! Reputable and professional house painting companies should carry insurance to protect themselves, their workers, and you! Be sure to get a copy of the painter’s liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates, usually, copies are attached to the estimate. If the company doesn’t have coverage, as the homeowner, you would be liable for any accidents, for example, the crew drops a ladder on your neighbor’s car, or a crew member falls off a ladder and is injured.
Warranty/Durability
How long will your paint job last? On average, paint jobs will last 5-10 years; however, keep in mind there are a number of factors that go into the durability of an exterior job on a home. The prep work done prior to painting will dictate how long the paint will hold up. Climate and surface also play a significant role in how long the paint can last. For example, large swings in seasonal temperature or a lot of direct sunlight can deteriorate paint much faster. Your home is one of your biggest investments so when you’re ready to paint the exterior of your home, you should put your trust in a professional painting company that uses quality products.
How do you know when it’s time to paint the outside of your home? There are a few obvious signs like cracking and chipping paint or dry rotted wood, but the trick to lowering your cost is to paint before it gets to this stage where scraping or sanding might be needed (see next question). Exterior painting is a complex job meant to not only beautify your home, but to protect one of your most valuable assets, so it’s always recommended that you hire professional painters.
How often do I need to paint my house? Every home is different so there is no simple answer to this question. Most paint manufacturers say that a good rule is to paint every seven to ten years. However, this depends on factors such as the climate where you live and the quality of the previous paint job. Another factor is the type of surface being painted or stained.
Generally:
Wood siding – every 5-7 years painted and every 4 years for stain
Aluminum siding – about 6 years
Stucco – typically lasts 6-8 years
Painted Brick – can last 15-20 years
Cement Fiber Board – 10-15 years before repainting without negative effects.
Is there a warranty for painting on the interior/exterior of a house? A written warranty covering workmanship for 2 years from the completion date of the job for both interior and exterior painting should be expected. A professional painter should be willing to repair peeling, blistering or chipping paint resulting from defective workmanship at little or no cost to the homeowner. The paint itself falls under the manufacturer’s warranty, between 15-25 years or some offer a lifetime warranty. If you are told the paint itself has a warranty, always remember that workmanship warranties are separate. Be sure to ask for it in writing and always read the limitations.
Paint
What type of paint do you use? – At CertaPro Painters® of Sonoma County we only use paints that are recognized for their quality and durability. We have a great relationship with Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin-Moore, Dunn-Edwards and Kelly-Moore. These relationships allow us to receive competitive bulk pricing, which we can pass on to you, our customer.
Do you use any materials aside from paint? – When needed we use many different types of materials, including lumber to replace dry rot, stucco patch to repair stucco damage, drywall to repair/replace damaged interiors, and texture materials if re-texturing an interior is needed. These are just a few of the materials commonly used to ensure your home looks great when the project is completed.
Color
How do I choose paint colors for my house painting project? – There are numerous ways to select the right paint colors for your project. You can DIY it and get ideas online by visiting websites like Houzz or visiting your favorite designer’s blog on sites like HGTV or the DIY network, but keep in mind, digital images on a computer screen rarely match the actual physical color of a paint chip. Another great way is to look at homes in your neighborhood. Are there any color combinations that you like? Consider knocking on a door or two and ask what color they painted their house. Going into a Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin-Moore or Kelly-Moore paint store to look at their color samples and brochures can be very helpful, or if you would rather seek a professional opinion, many professional painting companies will offer a color consultation, often for no cost if you sign a contract with them to do the painting.
Do you have color consultations? – Choosing paint colors for your home can be a daunting task. Fortunately, many professional painters offer a free color consultation if you have a signed contract with them. Here at CertaPro Painters® of Sonoma County, we offer FREE color consultation services.
What are the current popular colors for home exterior painting? – Some of the most popular exterior colors currently are warm whites like Sherwin-Williams’s “Alabaster” White, or colors with a gray base. Creams, beiges, muted gray-greens, and charcoals, such as Benjamin-Moore’s “Kendall Charcoal” are popular. It is important to keep a few things in mind when choosing a paint color for the exterior of your home. While it’s good to be creative and have a look of your own, you might not want to clash with the surrounding homes. This can hurt not only the value of your home but also the value of properties in your neighborhood, which could result in upset neighbors! Rather, pick colors that compliment surrounding facades.
