Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions and Our Answers

What types of preparation need to be done to my house?

It depends on whether we are painting the interior or exterior of your home.  The key is all in the prep, so we will ensure that the right preparation is completed ahead of getting the work done. We typically ask for basic decluttering and to keep your belongings in a safe place, as the project will still be a ‘construction zone’.

What is a ‘paint system’ and which is appropriate for my project?

Southwest Florida has some truly strong sun rays.  We typically recommend a higher quality paint, such as Duration from Sherwin Williams for exteriors.  However, we will find the right product to fit your budget.

What is the purpose of primer and when it is needed?

Primer is key for making sure the main coating does what it should do.  It helps with adhesion and ensuring the vibrance of the color is exactly what you hoped for.

How many coats of paint are appropriate for my project?

This really depends on a slew of factors.  How long ago was it panted last?  Are you painting to sell your home or are you looking to dress it up to your own liking?  All of these factors will help decide the right paint and number of coats for your project.

How long does it take the new paint to dry?

You can typically be safe waiting for 3 hours.  However, the type of paint, number of coats and environmental factors (humidity, wind- etc.) all contribute to drying times.

How long should the new paint job last?

While it varies depending on the class of paint you use, you really to make sure you paint (especially exteriors) before you see and wear.  Once you see wear and tear, it becomes more of a restoration job than a paint job.  In SWFL, we often see rot in the soffits and fascia of exterior homes because the sun rays are strong and the homeowner did not paint when he or she should have.  We understand everything is at a cost, but sometimes delaying too long inflates those costs. So, we urge you to keep an eye on things and to get the work done earlier rather than later in the paint lifecycle.

Is there anything I can do to increase the longevity of my new paint job?

Focus on the number of coats and quality of the paint system.  Those are your best bets with increasing longevity.

Will I save money if I buy the materials?

It’s pretty unlikely that you can buy the materials for what we buy them for.  We also need to make sure that the exact right paint is ordered, which is often an issue when a homeowner orders.  In those cases, the homeowner often cannot return the paint and is stuck with repurchasing something that could have been ordered correctly the first time.

Are more expensive paints better?

In most cases, the answer is yes.  Better additives and bases make for a longer-lasting, better colored paint.  With that said, there’s a cost with those premier products.

Access, Colors Selection, and Lead

How is the crew going to reach the difficult areas of my project?

This is why you hire a painter.  We have the right equipment or access to the right equipment to do the work safely.

Which is better – oil paint or latex paint?

Both have their advantages.  Most customers prefer latex due to oil paint having an odor for some time after the application.  Oil paint looks amazing, but most people cannot tell the difference once the paint dries with the level of quality in latex paint today.

How is interior access to my home handled?

This is a curated experience with each customer.  Some customers are home while we paint, while others are up north at their other home, or at work.  We work with you to do whatever makes you comfortable with accessing your home.

Is there lead paint on my house, and if so, how is it handled?

One thing we are fortunate with in SWFL is that lead paint is extremely rare.  Lead paint was banned in 1978, and this area had very few residences at that time.  As a result, this is something most homeowners in SWFL do not have to contend with.

I’m not sure what colors I want to use. What help can CertaPro Painters give me?

Absolutely.  We are happy to walk you through trends and some colors that might compliment the rest of you home.

What if I am already working with a color consultant?

We are happy to follow your or their lead.

What if I am not happy with the colors once they are applied to the building?

The good thing is….it’s paint.  It can always be redone.

Will CertaPro Painters leave me with touchup paint?

Absolutely, it always makes sense to have some touchup paint and we leave that with you.

Insurance and LiabilityAccess, Colors Selection, and Lead

A contractor comes to paint my house and his employee falls off a ladder and gets hurt. Who pays for his injuries?

We are fully licensed and insured.

I was told by a contractor that he would have to charge a lot more if he purchased worker’s compensation. He has assured me that my homeowner’s insurance policy would cover me in the event of an accident. Is this true?

We cannot speak to the legal context of specific situations, but we highly recommend that you work with licensed contractors with both liability and worker’s compensation insurance.  Of course the price is typically lower for the ‘fly by night’ contractors who are a risk to you and your home.

I was told by a contractor that he is not required to carry worker’s compensation insurance because he only has one employee. Is this true?

There are exemptions for those painters who work for themselves.  However, we are believers that insurance is there for reason.

How do I know for sure if a contractor carries worker’s compensation insurance?

You can ask the contractor for proof of insurance.  We are happy to provide ours.

Do CertaPro Painters carry worker’s compensation and general liability insurance policies?

We sure do.

The Process and Our People

I have just met with the estimator – now what?

You should have a proposal to reference.  When you’re ready, we can simply get your colors selected and schedule the work to be done.

I have reviewed the proposal and would like to proceed – what do I do next?

YPlease give us a call at 239.390.4100 and we will get you scheduled.

What experience and background do the foremen and painters have?

They are all professions who are experts in the painting project they are working.  We use different painters for different applications and jobs because we marry them to what they’re good at and what they know best.

How do I address any concerns I may have throughout the project?

Please be in touch with the Job Site Supervisor for anything that needs immediate attention.  Beyond that, the Production Associate, Salesperson or office staff are always happy to work through whatever you need.

How long will the project take?

It depends on the project.

I plan on being out of town during the part or all of the project – is this okay?

Of course.  We are happy to check in daily to keep you updated on our progress.

What about inclement weather?

We cannot fight Mother Nature.  We take all precautions to make sure that we have the work done and one of those precautions is assessing the weather.

How is payment handled?

We typically receive a check once the work is complete and perform the Pride Walk with you.

Does the crew expect a tip at the end of the job?

Nope, but you’re welcome to tip them if you think they did a great job.

I’m concerned about water leaks into the house. Will painting solve these issues?

No.  Painting typically does not solve any structural issues.