Frequently Asked Questions

The follow questions and answers may help you with a do-it-yourself project or decide if and when you need to consider hiring a reputable painting contractor.

What should I know about my home's exterior?
When is the best time to paint my home's exterior?
What do I need to look for in my home's interior?
When should I consider painting the interior?
What is the best brand of paint to use?
Why should I consider hiring a contractor versus doing it myself?
How can I know if a painting contractor is reputable?

What should I know about my home's exterior?

Even under the best conditions using the best quality materials available today, the average life expectancy of any good paint job is between six to eight years. However, depending on severe weather and environmental conditions the clean and uncompromised protective coatings could begin to show their wear sooner. Despite the claims of a paint can label "Twenty-five year warranty" there are just too many relentless elements, such as ice, snow, acid rain, and extreme heat, working day and night to breakdown your home's protective coatings. In addition, our area has seen an unprecedented amount of mildew resulting from the past years hurricanes and tropical storms in our state. Not only is mildew unsightly it is also an enemy to your home's exterior. Mildew is living bacteria that, like any living thing, requires food and water to survive (Click on the "Mold and Mildew" link for more information). True, it is a slow and more gradual process than other problems but the end result can be just the same--ROTTEN WOOD!

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When is the best time to paint my home's exterior?

Generally, by the end of December through about February or March the weather can be unstable for exterior painting. Even then it's not out of the question. Today's new low-temp exterior finishes makes it possible to work even when temperatures are in the mid 30 degree Fahrenheit range. Still, common sense dictates that we be more selective as to the hours we work during these colder times of the year. On the other hand, temps in the 90's are not the best either, at least not in direct sunlight. Moving around to stay in the shade is not just good for the painters it's also best for the paint. Drying too fast can cause the paint to form tiny cracks much like a dry mud puddle. Those cracks retain moisture that in the summertime encourages mildew growth. Ideal temperatures range from mid 50's to mid 80's and with humidity at 50% or less.

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What do I need to look for in my home's interior?

While your home's interior isn't exposed to the outside elements, life inside can be equally abusive to wall and trim finishes. The hustle and bustle of children playing, indoor pets, cooking and tobacco smoke, social gatherings-- in other words, everyday living can eventually wear on the beautiful interior finishes that make your home a refuge. In addition, as the family needs change, rooms can be remodeled to suite current demands. Repainting is one of the most effective ways to express a room's new direction.

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When should I consider painting the interior?

For interior painting there really are no restrictions other than personal preference. If there are holidays or special occasions coming up, do you want to wait until after those events or freshen up the place before them? If you're a big spring cleaning fan perhaps this is the time for you. In most cases all the furniture has to be moved to paint anyway so why not make it a thorough cleaning time as well?

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What is the best brand of paint to use?

As long as it's the top of the line for either interior or exterior most name brand manufacturers such as Glidden, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams and Duron among others are comparable and therefore are subject to preference (See also Products Links). While there can be a substantial price difference in the low end to high end products, the major portion of painting costs are due to labor. Lower end products don't cover as well thus resulting in more labor and overall costs. As the saying goes "time is money!"

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Why should I consider hiring a contractor versus doing it myself?

Probably in most cases it simply boils down to two factors; time and money. If you've got plenty of time, energy, and desire to tackle a big interior or exterior painting job then there is no question you'll save money. All it will cost you is the materials (including many trips to the store for things you'll need) and several long weekends. On the other hand, if you value your personal time more than spending it to work evenings and weekends hanging from a 40 foot ladder, perhaps hiring a contractor makes better sense. Your personal circumstances and priorities will help you decide what's best for you, but if given the opportunity, our experience will determine what's best for your investment.

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How can I know if a painting contractor is reputable?

Simple really. Ask if he has workman's comp and general liability insurance (be sure to request a copy before any money is paid or work is done). Is the company listed in the phone book? Ask for recent references for similar work that you want done. Is the proposal closed ended, not allowing for hidden charges unless the final price can only be determined as work progresses? Does the company have employees or is all work done by subcontractors? And of course, do not underestimate your own first impression.

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