How do I evaluate and compare painting estimates?
It is fairly easy to evaluate prices for household appliances, computers or even clothing. It isn’t uncommon to have 3 different painting estimates with 3 vastly different prices. When evaluating a painting estimate, it is important to understand that not all painting companies approach a project the same way. You may have submitted estimates that do not reflect the same scope of work making it impossible to evaluate or compare prices accurately.
For instance, you may have one proposal that includes necessary surface preparation and another company, trying to be more competitive, may completely omit it. Project specifications are a key component to evaluating a painting quote. Flawless Painting™ estimators are professionally trained to inspect several factors including: the condition of your home’s painted surfaces, site and surface preparation, required repairs if any, required color changes, the type of paint currently on your surfaces, just to name a few considerations.
Once we have done a thorough inspection of your home’s project, we provide a detailed proposal including a comprehensive Scope of Work Report; so you understand exactly what you are paying for and why it is required. So ask for the details, understand what you are paying for and you should be able to identify the differences to make an informed decision.
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How do I evaluate a Painting Contractor?
The truth is not all painting companies are alike. Finding the right painting contractor is very important and often the most difficult part of your remodeling project. After you meet the estimator or contractor, it is difficult to know if they possess the attributes that are important to you.
It is important that the company is licensed and insured, has training programs for their employees, is associated with professional affiliations, and most importantly, guarantees quality customer care.
- Are they licensed and insured? (Ask them to provide copies of their business documents)
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they provide training programs for their employees?
- What are their professional affiliations?
- Track their record with the Better Business Bureau.
- Check on their references.
- Do they provide a warranty and if yes, what does it include?
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What kind of paint should I use?
Today there are literally thousands of different paints and coatings available for interior and exterior residential surfaces. The primary objective of paint is to maintain its adhesion to the surface applied for as long as possible. Selecting the right paint coating for different surfaces is critical to achieve this objective.
All paints are composed of additives, binders, liquids and pigments. By altering the amounts and types of these ingredients the paint manufacturers can create a large variety of paint coatings that vary widely in quality and price.
While lower quality paints cost less, they have a shorter service-life and require more paint than a higher grade paint. Lower quality paint may seem a better value at first, but when you consider it requires more paint and it has a shorter life than a higher grade product, it is clearly not an economical choice. This is one of many reasons, why Flawless Painting™ recommends Sherwin Williams® high quality paints and coatings. If you prefer to use another quality brand, we will be glad to discuss it with you.
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How do I select my paint colors?
“What color should I choose?” is probably the most common question we hear from our clients.
The Color Wheel is a great tool to help you understand color and it is one of the most important tools for home decorating. Learning how to combine colors will allow you to create harmonious color schemes.
We recommend selecting a soft, neutral color for your foyers or hallways. Then you can select complimentary colors based on your existing furnishings in the adjoining rooms.
View Our Color Exploration for Additional Color Ideas and Suggestions
Many of our clients do not have the time or interest in learning how to select their paint colors. We understand the value of a beautiful color scheme and how it can transform a home’s architectural features. Flawless Painting™ partners with recognized interior decorators in your area to help you create your perfect color palette at discounted rates.
When do I need to repaint the exterior of my home?
Depending on what part of the country you live in, every area experiences unique weather that can cause damage to the exterior of your home. Extreme fluctuations in temperature and air pollution combined with moisture and heavy rains are prime causes of wood rot, mildew and algae. Use our checklist, below to spot early warning signs of potential problems that can lead to costly repairs for your home’s exterior surfaces:
1. Chalking - Chalking on painted surfaces (Stucco, Wood etc) is a fine powder that easily rubs off on your hand. Over time chalking causes colors to fade-failing to protect the exterior surfaces properly.
2. Cracking - The painted surface has started to split resulting in unsightly cracking. If the cracking paint isn't repaired, in time the paint will start to flake and peel off. Another serious cracked pattern in the paint, called alligatoring, results in deep fissures resembling alligator skin.
3. Mildew & Algae - Usually appearing as tiny black or gray spots over exterior surfaces. This is a direct result of excessive moisture and poor air circulation. Mildew unchecked can lead to paint cracking or flaking and can shorten the life span of the paint.
4. Blistering - All or some layers of the paint start to peel off and bubble. Moisture is seeping into the wood at unpainted joints or even coming through from the interior leading to disrepair.
5. Loose Caulking - Loose Caulking around door frames, window panes/frames and lanai ceilings can lead to destructive wood rot and further repairs.
6. Discoloration - Fading paint color can be a symptom of Chalking or excessive weathering.
If you see any of the above warning signs or simply want to update your home's curb appeal, simply contact Flawless Painting™ to schedule a free estimate.
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How often should I stain my wood Deck & Patio?
The winter months can take a toll on your wood decks and patios. Damaged boards, loose screws, and popped nails can also contribute to deck related injuries.
Wood Deck & Patio Maintenance Checklist
1. Check for Damaged Boards - First carefully examine the surface boards on your deck and steps. These boards can wear out or rot due to excessive moisture and extreme temperature changes. Check for signs of stress like excessive cracking, rotting, curling or severed boards. These boards will need to be replaced, stained/painted and resealed.
2. Check for Loose Screws/Bolts & Popped Nails - Next inspect your deck surfaces for any loose screws, bolts and nails. Popped nails are a common problem on deck surfaces; simply use a hammer to put them back in place. For loose screws use a screwdriver or drill to retighten them. To tighten bolts, use one or two wrenches to properly tighten them.
3. Check for Insect or Animal Damage on Structural Supports - Left unchecked they can ultimately destroy a deck! With a high beam flashlight, carefully inspect the structural supports and beams underneath your deck. Look for any signs of chewed or brittle wood, cobwebs etc. Simply call your pest control service to correct the problem. If unwanted critters are residing under your deck; consider adding a barrier around the exposed areas of your deck to keep them out permanently.
4. Clean Your Deck - Moisture will destroy a wood deck in a very short time. The best defense to protect your investment is to simply re-seal or re-stain it each year. We recommend pressure washing your deck every year to remove built-up dirt, grime, mildew, or mold. (Even if you can't see it, it is there!) Not only will it restore the beauty of your deck but pressure washing will eliminate slippery surface hazards. Over time, built-up mold and mildew can actually damage your deck!
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Are there any Green, Environmentally Friendly Paints?
We recommend Sherwin Williams® new environmentally friendly paints to protect your family and your home's interior and exterior surfaces. These new “Green Paints” are focused on reducing their impact on the environment and delivering maximum performance.
They use sustainable raw materials, like soy and sunflower oil in their paints. They've reduced the amount of solvent in their formulations, so the vapors being emitted into the atmosphere are more environmentally friendly. They've formulated many of their formulas to clean easily and to resist mildew and harmful bacteria improving the indoor and outdoor environments.
Duration Home® Interior Latex - This environmentally preferred product is specially formulated to be low in odor, resist mildew and has lower levels of smog-producing pollutants (volatile organic compounds or VOC's). Most stains wipe clean with mild soap and water so no harsh chemicals are needed for clean-up. This durable formula reduces frequent repaints - providing the ultimate in beauty and washability!
Harmony® Interior Latex - Harmony® is a natural choice for environmentally preferred interior paint. It is low-odor allowing you to immediately move into your newly painted spaces. It contains less solvents and zero-VOC's (volatile organic compounds) so what is emitted into the air is more environmentally friendly.
Formulated without silica and with anti-microbial properties to inhibit the growth of mod or mildew on the paint film. Available in eggshell, flat and semi-gloss finishes. Harmony® is an ideal choice for facility managers, designers, architects and discriminating home owners who want an environmentally preferred coatings option with maximum performance for use in commercial and residential settings.
We recommend Sherwin Williams® new environmentally friendly paints to protect your family and your home's interior!
Duration Home® & Harmony® carry the GreenSure logo designation and both earned the Good Housekeeping® Seal of Approval - proof you can enjoy a beautiful room while still respecting nature's beauty.
How do I prepare my home for the first day of painting?
Exterior Painting Project - Remove any items that are close to or near your house. This includes lawn furniture, potted plants, outdoor pottery, tools, wood, etc. If you plan on being away during the painting, please make prior arrangements to have any pets looked after.
We will cover all trees, plants and flowers to protect them from any paint. We may be need to trim bushes or tree branches to provide access to the siding of your house. We will discuss this with you prior to starting and recommend that you have all trimming done before our arrival.
Interior Painting Project - Remove all pictures and wall hangings. Remove unwanted nails so the holes can be filled. Remove all small and fragile accessories from table, shelves and floors. Depending on your project, we may require all window treatments or some area rugs to be removed as well. All electronic equipment (including TVs, audio, computers, etc.) must be disconnected from all electrical outlets. We will discuss additional details as required.
All of your furniture and belongings will be carefully covered for maximum protection and moved as required. All floors are equally protected and covered with drop cloths. Upon completion, all furniture and belongings will be returned to its original location.
