EXTERIOR FAQ
Q: What are the basic steps that will take place during the painting process?
A: In general, here are the basic phases we’ll go through while painting your home:
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Step 1: Free Painting Consultation. We will assess and communicate what the needs of your home are during your onsite free painting consultation and estimate.
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Step 2: Detailed Quote. We will provide you with a comprehensive quote detailing the job scope, requirements and price.
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Step 3: Color Consultation. Upon request we will assist you during your color selection journey.
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Step 4: Down Payment / Protect Your Home. At this point, we’ll collect a down payment and begin preparing the area for the work by putting down drop cloths and masking of areas that are not getting painted.Step 5: Prepare The Surfaces. We will complete any the outlined surface prep and repairs. This could include the following:
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Filling holles
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Repairing drywall
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Caulking
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Taping and sanding
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Priming bare surfaces
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Step 6: Paint. We will complete the painting outlined on your signed contract.
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Step 7: Clean Up. We will unmask the area, clean up and dispose of any trash.
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Step 8: Final Walkthrough / Final Payment. We will walk the project with you to ensure 100% satisfaction with the work completed and collect final payment.
Q: How do I prepare my home prior to your arrival?
A: In general, we ask that all furniture is brought to the middle of each room allowing for 3’ - 4’ of clearance between walls and furniture. All wall hangings, lamps, plants, knick knacks and so on should be taken to a safe place. Electronic items and cables should be carefully labeled, removed and taken to a safe place. Interned routers may remain plugged in unless they won’t be used while we’re painting. if closets are being painted, they must be completely emptied.
Q: Do we leave nails in walls where artwork will be re hung?
A: Yes. In general, leave all nails or hangers that will be re used. All holes without nails will be filled unless we’re instructed otherwise.
Q: Can we remain in the house while work is taking place?
A: This depends largely on what work is being performed. if painting your whole house, the entire place will need to be masked and protected making access to bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms very difficult. Most clients choose to “move out” for a few days when their whole house is being re painted. In cases where only a few rooms are being painted, we can usually get things done while the house is still occupied.
Q: Will there be a lingering strong smell?
A: Not usually. The stinky part of painting is caused by something called VOC’s or volatile organic compounds. Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. These compounds are are used in the manufacturing of paints and other products. The good news is that many of todays paints are zero VOC products making them extremely pleasant to work with. That being said, there are still many paints that carry higher levels of VOC’s. If a product like this is being used in your home we will be sure to let you know what to expect.
Q: Someone in my household has asthma. Will painting irritate their condition?
A: It could depending on the person. In the cases where extreme sensitivity is an issue, there are paints available that are certified asthma and allergy friendly.
Q: Will there be lingering dust in the air or on my surfaces?
A: If spraying takes place (ceilings, trim, doors, closets) a certain amount of lingering dust should be expected. That said, we go to great lengths to help avoid this. All floors are fully masked. Furniture piles are fully masked and any other potentially affected surfaces will be covered. Upon removal of all masking, a general cleaning takes place and there should be very little residual dust.
Q: What do we do with blinds, curtain rods, outlet cover plates and light fixtures?
A: Leave those things to us. We’ll take down all blinds and curtains, remove outlet and switch cover plates, lower light fixtures and so on.
Q: What other things should be discussed prior to painting?
A: The following are some other things that should be considered prior to work beginning:
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Designate a restroom that the crew can use.
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Arrange for pets to be out of the work area.
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Discuss any specific access areas that will need to be functional upon leaving each day.
Q: How do I choose a color and sheen for my paint?
A: This is a fairly detailed subject that has a lot of variables depending on certain things. Please take advantage of our full color and sheen consultation service offered to all of our clients and no additional charge. We’ll guide you through the most proven methods while considering:
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Color of existing surfaces that will not change such as carpet, wood floors, fireplace brick or stone, cabinets and so on.
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Room sizes.
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Room use.
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Lighting (natural vs. artificial).
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Moisture (laundry and bathrooms).
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Overall desired effect.
Q: If I’m getting new floors, should they be installed prior to painting or after?
A: Any floor surface other than carpet should be installed PRIOR to painting. Carpet should be installed AFTER painting. If you’re having wood floors refinished. Refinishing should take place AFTER painting.