Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for Residential Painting Projects

We DO painting every day, but for our customers, we understand it may be something you only do every few years.  Our goal is to make the entire process as smooth and convenient as possible. We are happy to help answer any questions you have.  Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we carry General Liability, Commercial Auto and Workers Compensation Insurance. Copies of our insurance are available upon request.

Are certain colors more expensive?

Depending on the new colors and what will go on top of old color may increase the costs if primer is needed. If a client prefers to use a designer edition color, the specialty paint for that does cost more than other products.

Can you help me choose colors?

We are happy to assist with color consultation with a variety of tools. Our favorite resource is booking a free 30-minute color consultation with Sherwin Williams

Will I receive a written quote?

The majority of our appointments receive a printed proposal on the spot that details the scope of work and the various paint colors that were discussed.

I’m ready to hire CertaPro Painters, now what?

We are excited to begin working with your project. To get on our upcoming production schedule we collect a signed proposal along with a small deposit to get on our radar.

How long will my painting project take?

At the time of our consultation and after putting together the proposal, we will have a very accurate duration for your project. Often, smaller projects are 2-3 days and larger projects are 5-7 days.

What hours do your painters work?

We can customize our hours to fit your preference. Usually, a paint crew’s schedule is 8:30-5:30p but can vary depending on weather, season or customer request.

Do I need to do any landscaping before the painters arrive?

Majority of the time clients do not need to do very much to get landscaping cleared. Our crews have the ability to tie back large shrubs/branches. If there are vines attached to trellises or other unique situations, we will notify you in advance of our project start date.

Do I need to be home when painters are working?

It is not necessary that you be present the entire duration of the project. We do suggest however that you are available by phone if we have questions during the project. And we suggest that each evening you look over the work that was completed that day and let us know first thing the next morning if there are any touch-ups necessary.

How will my project be managed?

You will be assigned a Job Site Supervisor and this individual will be your point person with any questions related to the painting project or timeline. Your supervisor will inform you daily of their schedule and when they anticipate finalizing the project and showing you their finished job.

Do you sub-contract out the work?

We have subcontractors working with us that have been painting hundreds of homes for CertaPro over several years. We work very closely with our subcontracted painting crews and have a very strong working relationship. Our Google reviews are indicative of that relationship and quality work.

Do you do Carpentry or Wood Repair?

We do have the ability to do minor carpentry repairs such as siding fixes, drywall repair, framing. Our carpentry repairs are billed as time & materials.

What if I wish to add on additional work that was not originally included?

We are happy to include additional work while we are present. Many proposals have optional work items that customers decided to include later on and that is fine.

How are my pets cared for?

We love pets and want to make sure they are safe. During a painting project we recommend that your pet stay away from the surfaces and paint buckets so that they are safe and your paint isn’t ruined.

Do I need to move my furniture?

Our painting crews fully expect to move 2-4 pieces of larger furniture in each room and protect it. For smaller items we do not move and request that the owner have these moved and stored prior to our arrival.

Are my floors protected?

Absolutely, we always cover the floors with drop cloths or cardboard floor protector.

Can I pay by credit card?

We do accept credit cards, please note that a 2.9% convenience fee does get added to the costs.

How long will my paint job last? How soon should I paint again?

Your proposal will outline the products that will be used for your painting project. We believe in quality and prefer to stick with Sherwin Williams products. We most often use the Duration product for exterior surfaces in Southwest Montana which holds up great to our UV and weather extremes. This should give you a solid 10+ years of curb appeal. Interiors are either SuperPaint Air Purifying or Duration depending on the clients preference. The interior paint should allow 10+ years of beauty.

Does putting more coats of paint affect the longevity of my paint project?

Preparing the surface properly is more impactful for longevity. Since we use Duration paint, it is a quality paint that can often be used as a single coat application for same color refresh.

How long does the new paint take to dry?

Typically you can expect the paint to be dry 2-4 hours after application but chemically it is continuing to cure for 24-72 hours.

Do need approval from my Homeowners Association before I can paint?

If you live in a neighborhood with covenance guidelines, we recommend reviewing those and get the proper approval necessary before starting your painting project. If your HOA requires samples, we are happy to get sample chips mailed out or provide a SherSpec document.

Will I save money if I buy the materials?

Our relationship with our paint suppliers allows us to provide the paint for your project at a costs below retail. If you still prefer to provide the paint, please note that your painter will request materials at any point during their project and you will be expected to have those available immediately to prevent project delays.

Are more expensive paints better?

In short: Yes. Better quality paint may be a tad more on the upfront but it will certainly save you money in the long run with less fading, longevity, surface protection, less materials needed to complete the job than lower priced products.

Which brands of paint are better?

There are many paint brands available and many are good. Locally, we prefer to stick with Sherwin Williams products primarily because they are local and they manufacture their own materials. If we have any concerns during a project, one of their representatives is quick to show up on-site and assist with paint troubles. Sherwin Williams also provides strong warranties that match our values.

Will CertaPro Painters leave me with Touchup Paint?

Yes, we leave behind leftover paint that is yours to keep

How can you help us?

We strive to provide a professional paint job at an affordable price. We take pride in our customer service before, during, and after your project. We would ask that you refer us to any family, friends, or neighbors who may be in need for our services. A review on any of the popular review sites (Yelp, Google, Home Advisor/Angi Leads) goes a long way in growing our business!

What time will your painters arrive?

Normal arrival time is typically 8:30AM but can be customized to your needs.

What is the process for painting the house? What do you do first?

Our exterior painting projects always begin a day or so before with a power wash cleaning that we use a biodegradeable detergent to help remove dirt and grime. When we arrive to begin painting, we start by repairing any dings, holes, failing caulk, sanding, priming, etc. Then we mask all surfaces that will not be getting painted prior to spraying the surface. Upon completion of the house, we will arrange a time with the owner to do a Pride Walk and show you our team’s work.